After a short summer break, the MattoBoard Challenges returned in August with one of our boldest briefs yet.
The task? To design a luxury poolside lounge inspired by the seductive glamour of Versace after dark. From golden-hour opulence to moonlit marble, participants were challenged to blend fashion, confidence, and sensuality into a showstopping digital mood board.
Our tutors were blown away by the standard of entries. Here are this month’s winning designs with each one capturing Versace’s essence in a unique and unforgettable way.
🥇1st Place: Samantha Fabian
Samantha’s design concept is set on the edge of Lake Como’s coastline, chosen for its elegance and reputation as a destination of luxury villas and exclusivity. The lounge is imagined as a tucked-away, hidden retreat for members only, with panoramic lake views that give it a unique, VIP feel. The paving is visualised in Ca’ Pietra Matroverse Sandstone, Sawn Range.
Its neutral tone creates balance and harmony against the bold black and gold palette while staying practical – sandstone remains cool underfoot, unlike darker stone which would absorb the heat. The walls and showers feature Varenna marble, a local Lake Como stone threaded with black and gold veins. This is paired with gold metallic tiles, creating an elegant contrast that truly comes alive under the moonlight. The central pool is finished in mosaics, shimmering in ocean blues and teals with a metallic undertone.
At its centre lies a Medusa mosaic, bordered by a Grecian pattern in black and gold tesserae, celebrating Versace’s iconic identity and anchoring the design in myth and stone. Around the pool sits a dark wood fluted pergola, softened with climbing foliage to create a jungle-inspired calm. Framed archways edged in gold act as special lookout points over the lake.
The seating blends solid teak and rattan chairs with neutral-toned sun loungers, accented by deep red cushions and umbrellas to tie in Versace’s bold colour story. To complete the setting, coffee tables in mocha marble with white and red veining are placed around the lounge, echoing both the red accents and the Medusa’s symbolism of stone turned into beauty.
This poolside lounge balances natural serenity with powerful Versace opulence, creating the concept of a hidden jewel of Lake Como designed for the elite.
Tutor’s Take:
Elevated finishes and materials that are representative of the Versace brand. The brand logo is located well and anchors the poolside experience as exclusive and sophisticated. A well balanced scheme.
About Samantha
I am in the final weeks of completing my National Diploma in Professional Interior Design with the National Design Academy. As I approach completion, I am keen to connect with fellow designers, suppliers, and industry professionals to expand my network and continue learning from others in the field.
Connect with Samantha:
- Instagram: @fabian_interiors
- Facebook: @Samantha Lou
- Website: https://www.fabianinteriors.co.uk/
🥈 2nd Place: Jamie Ackrill-Rush
Jamie’s moodboard evokes the luxurious ambiance of a “Versace After Dark” poolside lounge, where opulence meets modern sophistication.
Dominated by a rich palette of black, gold, and deep charcoal with touches of warm beige, the scene is infused with iconic Versace elements such as the Medusa motif, Greek key patterns, and ornate baroque detailing. Plush velvet furnishings, gilded accents, and sculptural decor create an atmosphere of indulgence, while ambient lighting and sleek architecture heighten the drama of the night.
With nods to mythology through serpent imagery and lavish textures like gold-trimmed robes and marble, the overall aesthetic is seductive, bold, and unapologetically glamorous; perfectly capturing the essence of Versace’s after-hours allure.
Tutor’s Take
A moody yet luxurious take on the Versace brand creating an enclosed and ‘after dark’ experience creating a unique take on how the brand is implemented within this space.
About Jamie
After working in hospitality most of my life I took the plunge and completed the professional interior design diploma to enhance my knowledge and learn to design spaces that I have spent most of my working time in. I intend to move onto the degree in retail design and look for opportunities in retail and hospitality design, I particularly enjoying using natural elements to bring the outdoors in.
Connect with Jamie:
Instagram: @jsrstudios01
Jamie is no stranger to the podium. Over the past few months, he has consistently impressed our tutors taking 3rd place in April’s Dolce & Gabbana Rooftop Lounge Challenge, 2nd place in May’s Chanel-inspired Speakeasy Bar, 2nd place again in June’s Pucci Beachside Cabanas, and now claiming another 2nd place finish in August. His ability to adapt his style to different briefs while still delivering a signature sense of drama makes him one of our most consistent challengers.
🥉 3rd Place: Sana Saleh Abood
Sana’s moodboard is inspired by the bold elegance of Versace. She combined luxurious black and gold elements with modern outdoor living to create a glamorous and powerful style.
The central focus is the swimming pool with the Medusa motif, symbolizing strength and sophistication. She used a rich color palette of black, gold, and touches of white to highlight luxury and timelessness. The furniture, table settings, and accessories carry the signature Greek key pattern and Medusa emblem, giving a strong identity to the space. This design reflects a lifestyle of confidence, beauty, and celebration. It blends fashion with interior design, transforming everyday living into a statement of luxury.
Tutor’s Take
Instantly recognisable as the Versace brand with familiar motif’s and signature patterns to connect the different elements.
About Sana
I recently completed my one year Interior Design degree in India and also earned a diploma from the National Design Academy in Dubai. I never gave up on my dream, and I’m so proud to be a graduate. Interior design is my true passion. I’ve completed many projects and love working with colours, materials, and shopping for décor and furniture. I’ve learned so much about creating portfolios, technical drawings, selecting paints and materials, and more.
Now I’m excited and ready for training and job opportunities. I believe in hard work and never giving up and one day, I can’t wait to design and decorate my own home!
Connect with Sana:
Instagram: @_theartofsana_
Facebook: Sana Saleh
LinkedIn: Sana Saleh Abood
Sana is quickly establishing herself as a regular podium finisher in the MattoBoard Challenge series. She secured 1st place in April’s Dolce & Gabbana Rooftop Lounge challenge, followed that with a 3rd place finish in May’s Chanel Speakeasy Bar, and now returns to the winners’ circle with another 3rd place in August’s Versace After Dark lounge. Her work is consistently recognised for its bold palette, polished detailing, and strong brand identity.
Don’t Miss Out on the Next Challenge! 🚀
A heartfelt congratulations to all our winners and participants! Each submission showcased remarkable creativity, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the brief.
Stay tuned for September’s Mattoboard Challenge, where we’ll explore new themes and design inspirations.
Which design resonates with you the most? Let us know in the comments or tag us on our socials with your thoughts! Follow us on social media to be the first to hear about upcoming challenges, and who knows? You could be our next winner!🤩
