It would seem designer Frank de Biasi was always destined for a home in Tangier. With a college degree in international relations, studies at the Sorbonne, followed by six years at Christies and then twelve as Director of Interiors at Peter Marino, Frank expanded on his love of travel, art and history with blue chip design experience. While expertly accessing design sources and creating interiors around the world, it’s somehow not surprising (after having homes in New York, Miami and Paris) that Frank and partner, fabric and textile designer Gene Meyer, would land in this magical melting pot of cultures and creative ex pats from around the globe. Please join Susanna and me for a visit with Frank at his and Gene’s enchanting home in this fascinating North African port city.
In Tangier, in the heart of the Casbah, Frank and Gene found a wreck of a place they knew they could transform into a full time home that spanned the seasons,
from the cozy first floor above, to the airy living/dining area on the top floor, below.
Collections from previous homes (you may recognize the tiger below from Frank & Gene’s NYC apartment – watch video visit here) are melded effortlessly into a cohesive whole, referencing their globe trotting lives together. And yet new architecture and motifs offer an exotic sense of place.
Building from scratch, they were able to work with local craftsmen to incorporate many elements that make for comfortable and stylish living including the clever and practical three story central atrium, bringing in light to all floors. It is embellished with a custom moucharabie, a traditional wooden screen, that connects all the rooms with an exotic chic. Bespoke kitchen and pantry storage help to contain collections and make their frequent entertaining a breeze.
Throughout, brilliant color combinations (Gene’s area of expertise) express the couple’s love of bespoke paint finishes and details, a signature in all their past homes.
But above all, Frank and Gene wanted a home that not only expressed their distinct design dialect, but was comfortable and encompassed their possessions with appropriateness and style – the trifecta epitomized by their bedroom seating area below.
all photos by Stacey Bewkes for Quintessence
So thank you Frank and Gene, we were delighted and enchanted by your talent and hospitality. We can’t wait for a return visit to experience more of the magic of Tangier!
