Conchas Chinas

Fourteen floors above the ocean in Puerto Vallarta, Conchas Chinas Residence was designed as a retreat for two men seeking an escape from their lives in the US. The views were the starting point, and Richard Joseph Romano’s vision was to carry that same expansive feeling throughout the home. Within the open living and dining area, rounded seating softened the room’s corners, creating an island-like gathering space overlooking the water. Artwork echoed the colors of the view, visually reflecting the ocean without using mirrors. High-quality outdoor fabrics were used throughout to withstand the strong sunlight, while commercial-grade vinyl grasscloth added texture suited to the coastal setting. Visible from the kitchen, living room, and terrace, the dining table needed a bold, sculptural base, balanced by low-profile chairs in deep wood and tan leather. The bedroom took on a richer, more enveloping mood, with oversized wall panels upholstered in outdoor chenille. Their subtle ribbing draws the eye horizontally up close, while their scale emphasizes the room’s height from a distance. An American cowboy artwork, reverse-printed on acrylic and mounted away from the wall, appears suspended above the room. Outside, the terrace was planned for morning, noon, and night, with lounge seating, sun loungers, and dining. An all-white version of the interior dining table, paired with modern white chairs, carried the sculptural design outdoors. The white outdoor dining setting lets the main dining table remain the showpiece. This was a fun project, bringing together everything I love: flowing spaces, seamless design, and the comfort of a home where you can truly be yourself.