Julia Morgan was prolific architect, averaging 15 buildings a year, which resulted in more than 700 buildings ranging from private homes to women’s clubs, and William Randolph Hearst’s “castle” in San Simeon. Hearst Castle was the 503rd project of Julia Morgan, and it is unique in all its way. Before she died, she destroyed her blueprints. But the buildings would speak for themselves about her skills.
Hearst Castle’s history began in 1865 when George Hearst purchased 40,000 acres of ranchland. After his mother died in 1919, William Randolph Hearst inherited thousands of acres around San Simeon, and over time, he bought more. With architect Julia Morgan, Hearst conceived a retreat he called La Cuesta Encantada—Spanish for “Enchanted Hill.”
Hearst castle is like a world museum with a feel of magic. It holds artifacts from across the world. The courtyards are adorned with sculptures from Egypt, Roman columns surround the pool, and the bedrooms have one-of-a-kind Art Deco ceilings from Spain.
I have drawn inspiration from the details Julia brought into the castle and creating a print collection for interior application in this studio. I have selected my color palette inspired by WGSN A/W 23/24 global color palette.
