The Cottage, Meads Bay Beach, Anguilla BWI - Pool Reveal
We have a pool at The Cottage!
To see the earlier post regarding the construction and design of this beach house, click HERE. We also installed a retaining wall (not visible) which is very important for a beach house in a hurricane zone.
We’re so excited about this addition and so are our guests. We decided to use the same natural coral stone as the veranda. It’s an infinity pool and we kept the design simple. No need for something over the top when you have these views.
Keeping with the interior design, I picked blue and white striped umbrellas and yellow side tables to go with the chaise lounges. We moved the round indoor dining table to the deck and changed the living room sofa. The new one is larger and it’s great to have to have two chaises instead of one.
Here’s a BEFORE without the pool.
AFTER
A few updated photos of the living room, dining area, and kitchen.
We re-shot the primary bedroom in order to include the furniture at the base of the bed. The pieces were delayed and arrived after the initial shoot.
Photos by KSHARP Media
Staging by Aline Geyer at Properties in Paradise
To see more photos on our updated portfolio page click HERE.
My Ciao Bella interview with JJ Martin, founder of La Double J
Buongiorno a tutti!
Erica Firpo's Ciao Bella has published my interview with JJ Martin. Yes, it's true I rave about her and her brand often but I know first hand how difficult it is to be an entrepreneur in Italy. What JJ has created is incredible.
It was truly a pleasure to sit down with this very talented and dynamic woman to discuss interior design, creativity, and living in Italy.
To The Max: Designing Milan’s La Double J Store
Brick and mortar maximalism
When I read LaDoubleJ (those fabulous maximalist dresses from JJ Martin, Patron Saint of Patterns) was going to open its first retail shop, I couldn’t wait to see its interiors, not just because I’m a decorator but also as a fan of JJ Martin’s colorful brand. As luck and business would have it, I had to travel to Milan to meet with a new client. And Erica, knowing that visiting the new La Double J store was a “must” on my list, asked me if I could write about the store. JJ was gracious to carve out some time in her busy schedule to sit down with Ciao Bella to discuss the design of her new store and her brand.
Arlene Gibbs: First question. What inspired you to open an actual store, brick and mortar, at this moment when all we hear is that retail is dead. It’s all about e-commerce. No one goes to stores anymore.
JJ Martin: Well, we started as a direct to consumer business and an online business so I totally agree with that. I don’t think it makes sense at all, these brands that were built on brick and mortar with three hundred shops around the world. It doesn’t feel relevant anymore, especially these cookie cutter shops that all look the same. When you scan these streets, you can’t even tell the difference. They all have white walls, really bright light, chrome or gold finishes.
AG: You could be on Rodeo Drive.
JJ: You could be anywhere. So, a huge network of stores was never my vision nor will it be. However, we stared in this little showroom in Milan that was our showroom, our atelier, our office, our workroom, everything, and we were also selling clothes at the very beginning from there. It literally did like five things. What we kept hearing from people all the time was, “don’t you have a place we could try on more clothes?”
To read the rest of the interview, click HERE.
Photos courtesy of La Double J.
Villa Necchi, A Must See/Do in Milan
Ciao from a rainy morning in Rome.
I know I said I was going to write on this here blog more often but work this year has been very hectic. Perhaps things will slow down during Spring '22! I'm not complaining as these are good problems to have, especially during these strange pandemic times.
I went to Milan last week, just overnight, for the Salone. The energy in Milan was incredible. I felt safe going to showrooms and events as there were Covid protocols in place. Milan and the surrounding area were hit hard last year and no one wants to return to a lockdown.
I'm writing this while still on a Design Week high. I went to Milan in July for work and I was finally able to visit this palazzo. It has been on my list for ages and seeing the movie IO SONO AMORE/I AM LOVE only added fuel to my desire. The full name is Villa Necchi Campiglio but most know it as Villa Necchi.
Villa Necchi was designed and built by architect Piero Portaluppi from 1932 -1935 for the owner of the Necchi company, Angelo Campiglio, his wife Gigina and his sister-in-law, Nedda. There were some modifications and additions added by Architect Tomaso Buzzi after WWII. His style was a bit more traditional and you can see the difference as you walk through the villa. The villa was occupied by the fascists during the war and the family called Architect Buzzi once they were able to finally return to their home.
It took my breath away and pictures do not do it justice. It's amazing to see how modern these rooms from the early 20th century look and feel! It takes serious talent to design spaces that are classic yet contemporary. Portaluppi and his clients were truly ahead of their time. The Necchis entertained often and the house's public areas layout reflect this. This house was THE place to be back in the day.
The family had no children and instead donated their home to the non-profit FAI, the Italian National Trust.
The home has a large private garden with a swimming pool and tennis courts. Remember this is in the center of a large city! The villa is also filled with art, mostly 18th century, including artists Canaletto, Marieschi, and Tiepolo.
Look at the ceiling in the library! That design is a Portaluppi signature and you see it employed discreetly through out the villa.
I won't say anything to spoil the film for those who haven't seen it yet but one of the most important scenes in the movie takes place in this location.
The bathrooms were to die for. Again, I couldn't believe there were built in the 1930s. The veranda was another favorite room. The furniture was original and I could see those pieces being sold today. Even the utility rooms were design heaven. The Necchi family had custom Richard Ginori dinner service. I love the design of the "C" logo.
Style/fashion lovers will get a kick out of the sisters' built-in closets. The custom pieces from Gucci, Ferragamo, and Hermès are gorgeous. Quality and design like that never goes out of style.
The guides were very helpful, bilingual and there were two or three on each floor. I cannot recommend visiting this gem enough. My pictures and videos from this fantastic tour are in my Instagram highlights.
Buon weekend!
All villa photos: Giorgio Majno, © FAI — Fondo Ambiente Italiano
Dream of Italy: Travel, Transform, and Thrive
Buongiorno from Rome!
Things have been quite hectic here even though we're in the middle of summer. I'm staying put this year. I might go away for a long weekend in late August but it depends on what's going on with this Delta variant.
The tourists are back. Not pre-pandemic number of course but what a change from a few months ago. People are so excited to be here. For those who love Italy and/or would like to do some armchair traveling, there's a special Dream of Italy episode currently airing on PBS stations nationwide (USA). It's part of their pledge season, with a notable appearance by actor Joe Mantegna, with host Kathy McCabe.
Kathy and I looking at the gorgeous architecture on Via Monserrato. One of the prettiest streets in Rome.
In this special Kathy interviewed expats/immigrants who have moved to Italy part-time or full-time. She focuses on eleven essential elements of the Italian lifestyle – the land, food, family, art & culture, beauty, pace of life, passion, movement, community, celebrations and sense of home– through our stories. Kathy discusses how one can incorporate the values, inspiration, and beauty of Italy into their lives. There are also practical tips for people who are interested in moving to Italy for a sabbatical or permanently.
Interview with Kathy at Cantiere Galla Design showroom. I spend a lot of time here for clients.
Some of the people who were interviewed (Sting, Trudie Styler, Francis Mayes, Francis Ford Coppola) are very famous. Some, ahem me, are not. We all have unique stories and experiences of how and why we came to Italy. For more information and to find the airdates for your area click HERE. At the moment it's only airing in the USA and some areas in Canada that receive PBS stations. It should be on available for international viewers in 2022.
Some BTS with friends on the rooftop terrace of Hotel de la Ville.
This special was filmed before the pandemic. I'm thrilled to be a part of this program that speaks to the wonderful things about living in Italy.
The Cottage, Meads Bay Beach, Anguilla BWI - Reveal
Building and designing a new beach house on a tiny island is not the easiest of jobs.
This was a personal project and I was working with several people who all have different tastes. I wanted to incorporate everyone's ideas yet make sure the space was cohesive.
This is a cottage so nothing too fancy or formal. A cottage is more traditional. That's why we have spindles and rails on the veranda and not glass. I wanted it to be comfortable. It's Relaxed Chic. It's the vacation home of your favorite aunt and uncle who like to have a cocktail, or two, as they watch the sun set from their veranda.
The logistics! The one two punch of the strongest hurricane to ever hit the Atlantic and then two years later the first global pandemic in one hundred years didn't help. However, thanks to a very dedicated and hard working team, we did it! The Cottage is finished.
Here are two before photos:
Standing in front of what was going to be the kitchen island looking out at the sea view.
After: The sea view from behind said island. The house was designed to take advantage of the spectacular views. There was a big debate about the ceilings. Yes they are very high (over 19 ft) and the wood was beautiful but I thought staining them a dark color would be a mistake. The only natural light is coming from the bi-fold veranda doors and way on the other end, the windows in the kitchen.
We painted the walls and ceiling a softer white than the external color The color running through the house is blue with touches of yellow, and a coral red.
The countertops are poured concrete. The counter stools are from Serena and Lily. The handmade made bowl is Schoolhouse and the pomegranates came from our contractor's mom's backyard.
Almost everything has to be imported due to the island's size. I had a local carpenter make quite a few pieces. I was asked why not buy the bedside tables, in the Main Bedroom, in the States as it would be easier and probably cheaper. I did it because we already had a full container coming from America and it's important no matter where you build/renovate to support local businesses and artisans when possible.
I cannot stand it when you're unable to get a sense of place in a house. I'm a huge fan of the big American stores I sourced from but it's a good thing, especially for a new build, to mix it up. I don't like spaces that feel like a showroom. I also sourced from smaller vendors and to the trade.
The Caribbean is mix of cultures and that's reflexed in The Cottage. I side-eye the fact that one culture is usually missing despite the majority of the people who live in the Caribbean being from that culture.
The dining table was sourced at the French store La Maison in St Martin. The chairs, Amazon USA. A local upholster made the seat cushions. The fabric is from Ghana and was bought at the African Market store in St. Maarten (Dutch side). The vase is Crate & Barrel.
The view looking in from the veranda. Ceiling fans are Minka Aire. Sofa is from La Péninusle in St. Martin. Coffee table is Serena and Lily. Arm chairs IKEA. Custom seat cushions outdoor/indoor fabric Sunbrella from Showroom Tapissier in St. Martin. Side table from Home Kara in St. Martin.
I designed the custom bookcase/desk with our carpenter.
This is the view looking out from the veranda.
The kitchen. The cabinet doors were custom made by our carpenter. The pendants lights had to be a special order from Schoolhouse because of the height. Sconces and hardware are Schoolhouse as well. I decided not to do upper cabinets. This may not be practical for a primary residence but for a vacation house it makes sense. It's easier to find everything. I feel upper cabinets would look odd with these type of ceilings. They would cut the space in half.
Glassware, tableware, and small appliances are from Crate & Barrel. The larger appliances including the wine refrigerator (it's in the island), integrated dishwasher, and mircowave are GE and were bought through Sheila Haskins who is the authorised GE vendor on island.
When it came to the countertops, I knew from the very beginning they would be concrete. I like that they were made by hand and the material is perfect for this beach house style. The floors are coral stone tile from the Dominican Republic. Backsplash is Granada Tile also handcrafted.
I wanted this to be a comfortable house where people could relax and enjoy themselves. The tray is from Serena and Lily. The art work was commissioned from a young Anguillian artist, Carmel Gumbs. It's a black and white oil of Shoal Bay. B&W was a risk but with the incredible views why compete? It's different. The clients love it. Vase is Crate & Barrel. The morning of the shoot I cut some branches from our sea grape tree.
The main bedroom as the sun starts to set. The bed is Crate and Barrel. The basket is Vendredi in St. Martin. The lamps are from One Kings Lane, and the bed side tables are custom. The sheets in all the bedrooms are Boll & Branch.
Another angle of the bedroom. That view! So glad we went with these type of doors. Great for indoor/outdoor living.
The en-suite bathroom. Sconces are from Shades of Light.
I designed the custom vanities with our carpenter and contractor. We stained the wood instead of painted it. I like having some wood in the bathrooms. Warms things up a bit.
In the original plans there was another closet where the tub currently is. Where the shower is now was supposed to be the tub AND the shower. I did a walk through once the internal walls were up. I suggested we get rid of the closet and place the tub there. It's a vacation house. It's not necessary to have two large closets. I think most people would rather have a roomy shower.
Sigh. That shower.
This bedroom also has a sea views and a king size bed. Bed is from Serena and Lily. Lamps One Kings Lane. Bedside tables from La Péninsule in St. Martin. Dresser is from Crate & Barrel.
That sea grape tree has been there for ages. I would like to relax on this veranda. Chaise lounges from One Kings Lane.
The en-suite bathroom. The next bedroom (yellow room) has the same bathroom.
The yellow room. Garden View. Twin beds and dresser are Crate & Barrel. Bedside tables from La Péninsule, St. Martin.
This color was quite controversial. This room gets a LOT of sun and the color changes during the day with the light. It's called Bermuda Sun. Appropriate.
I've just read an article in Architectural Digest regarding how yellow is one of the toughest colors to work with but it's making a comeback. I stand by my choice! Plus, it's very pretty at night.
The closets were built by our carpenter.
In the hallway looking into the half-bedroom and the powder room.
The day bed is from Crate & Barrel. Floor lamp Serena and Lily.
The customs/installation drama with this wallpaper was worth every grey hair.
This is a small room. Powder rooms are the perfect space to go all out. Wallpaper is Thibault (to the trade). Sconce is Circa Lighting.
This is technically the front of the house. You walk in and your eye goes immediately to the view.
The cabinets are custom. Bench is Serena and Lily. Black sconces, hooks, and door knobs from Schoolhouse. Chrome sconce is Circa Lighting and these are in all the bedrooms as well. Art work is a print from St. Martin based artist Antoine Chapon.
Bag is from Ghana sourced at the African Market store, St. Maarten.
The very large Dutch Door. I changed it from a regular door so it's possible to keep the top open for a breeze without worrying about young children, out of eyesight, going outside .
Custom shade is from The Shade Store.
Meads Bay Beach is also famous for its sunsets. Not a bad place to enjoy them. Table, love seat, coffee table, from Le Péninsule and the yellow chairs are from La Maison, both in St. Martin. Tableware and teak candle holders (on the floor) from Crate & Barrel. Table top candle holders from Paloma & Co.
I would love to walk out of the bedroom and sit here with some rosé or rum punch.
No words regarding this view.
Sconces on the veranda are Circa Lighting. Sconces outside the veranda are Shades of Light.
Meads Bay.
Buona notte/Good night!
The logistics of this project were on the Italian bureaucracy level. One thing I would highly recommend is hiring a local project manager from the very beginning, even if you're on island. We started working with Gifford Connor mid-way through this project. Once the pandemic hit, and the borders were closed, I wasn't able to visit the job site even when I was in St. Martin just a 20 minute ferry ride away. It was great to have someone on the ground to keep everything moving forward.
Anguilla is truly a special place. She has managed to retain her soul (so far) despite the increase in tourism. The government looked at what St. Maarten did and decided not to go that route. There are no casinos and no big cruise ships. I didn't appreciate this island when I was a teenager. I thought it was too small and so boring. All my relatives were super strict and nosy. I wished I were back in Jersey at the Willowbrook or Short Hill Malls with my friends. Ha. That all changed once my parents moved back to St. Martin after retiring. I started to spend more time in the Caribbean and realized that all the things that I resented when I was younger, I needed/wanted in my life.
This property belonged to my great-grandmother Priscilla Connor. I don't know much about her and next time I'm in Anguilla I will try to look up when she was born. Her daughter Martha was born in 1898 (and lived to be almost 101 years old). The high-end luxury tourism boom took off in the '80s. Now the Four Seasons (formerly the Viceroy) is on one end of the beach and Malliouhana Hotel is on the other end. My grandmother was a widow and yet she refused to sell her land. She turned down every offer. She said it would go to her children. It did and my uncles and aunt agreed with my mom to let "the kids" build The Cottage. Everyone contributed. We're one of only two or three local families to still own property on this beach. I think of Priscilla often. I wonder what her life was like and what she would think of Anguilla today. This is more than just a beach house to us.
Doors, windows, wood, and indoor shutters sourced from Arawak Hardwoods a local company that also has an office in Florida.
All bathroom fixtures and fittings are from Quality Bath.
Builders: Ernest Fleming and Shawn Romney
Architect: Anderson Home Planners
Project Manager: Gifford Connor, APA - Anguilla Property Services
Photography: KSharp Media
Click HERE for more information regarding vacation rentals.
Chatting with Ciao Bella!
I know I'm late to the game but I've just recorded my first podcast interview. I have mentioned my friend Erica Firpo's podcast CIAO BELLA on social media before. It's fantastic and I'm not saying that because she's a close friend.
This description of Ciao Bella sums it up perfectly.
"Italy's 21st-century creators - contemporary artists and artisans, heritage brands and innovative aesthetes, chefs, experts and more who are defining, redefining and evolving Italy.
Fashion. Food. Art. Travel. Design. Innovation. Tradition. And more. Cocktail conversations and behind-the-scenes visits that will make you want to pack your bags and go!"
I'm thrilled to be in the company of other Italy based creatives and to discuss what it is we love (and sometimes don't love so much) about this country.
In this episode we talked about working in Italy, interior design, Reno Italiano, and the beach house project I recently finished in Anguilla, BWI.
Erica and I met at Ciampini Caffe, one of our favourites places in Rome. Of course while we were there, construction started on an apartment above us.
Work in Progress - Anguilla, BWI
We’re almost done!
I'm getting ready to take the ferry back to St. Martin for a few days and then I'm going home. I do miss pain in the butt (sometimes) Rome but thrilled/relieved I was able to finally make it to the job site in Anguilla.
Building a new beach house on a small island when you live thousands of miles of away isn’t easy. Trying to finish said beach house during a global pandemic is:
My sister-in-law and I spent an entire week unpacking boxes from the Miami container. Our fourteen-day quarantine wasn’t too bad thanks to the Bubble System here in Anguilla.
Several potential guests have asked if there’s a pool. Not at the moment but the goal is to build one soon. In the meantime, there’s a fantastic beach for swimming. This isn't photoshopped. The water on Meads Bay is really this color during the midday. The sunsets are gorgeous as well.
Buon weekend a tutti!
Grazie, Thank You, Merci!
Greetings from a construction site.
I'm finally out of my fourteen day quarantine here in Anguilla. The contractor and his crew have returned to the job site. I spent the first week of quarantine at the boutique hotel Frangipani. I was supposed to be there only two nights but there was no way my sister-in-law and I could start our quarantine at The Cottage while the crew was finishing up the bathrooms.
I watched the premiere of RENO ITALIANO in my hotel room. To say it was a surreal experience would be an understatement. The first week after RENO aired was bananas, so many emails and messages. Speaking of bananas, that's the situation here as we finish this house. So this is just a quick note to say thank you to everyone who watched, helped spread the word, left comments, emailed, Tweeted, Instagrammed, etc. etc. I've read every single note and I'm very grateful for the wonderful feedback.
I've received a ton of questions asking me if HGTV will rerun the pilot, will it be On Demand, or on Discovery Plus, and if RENO ITALIANO will become a series. I don't have any information at the moment. If that changes in the future, I will post about it on social media.
Returning to my long punch list.
Buon weekend!
Introducing RENO ITALIANO, our HGTV pilot!
I can finally talk about it and I’m trying to be zen. As if it’s just another day at the office.
However, I have zero chill and I’m completely geeking out. The renovation TV show pilot I’ve been working on will air this Friday on HGTV. Yes, that channel. Seriously, what is my life right now?
Our show is called Reno Italiano and it’s on at 11:30 a.m. EST (USA) between Flip or Flop and Love It or List It. Check local time for listings.
The house is located in Arpino, a small hilltop town between Rome and Naples, and the views are gorgeous. It’s over two hundred years old and had been abandoned for sixty years. This was not an easy renovation and we were doing it in Italy on a very narrow street. However, we had a great team and you’ll get to meet them during the show.
My clients, Tracy and Matt, are American and couldn’t see their house (once the renovation started) until it was finished! Can you imagine? I’m grateful for the trust they placed in us and that we were able to make their Italian dream home a reality. I’m also grateful for our excellent project managers Kylie and Antonio, phenomenal contractor Bruno, and last but not least our on point geometra, Michele.
Regarding the non-renovation part of this process, I learned a lot. It’s one thing to be an assistant or a producer on set. Being in front of the camera? Weird. I was in good hands though with my producers Kip and Rich and our showrunner Katie. This unscripted world is new to me and fascinating.
We can’t share any BEFORE or AFTER pics before the show airs. I can tell you that it’s a stunning transformation so set your DVRs.
Follow along on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtags #renoitaliano and #hgtv.
Arrivederci 2020!
Greetings from the Caribbean! There’s still no liming.
I clearly remember many of my friends saying that they were glad to see 2019 go and 2020 couldn’t be worse. Well, what can I say? 2020 showed up and showed out.
While I’m very fortunate not to have lost any friends or family because of Covid, several people I know have (mostly in Los Angeles).
I’m not going to recap this dumpster fire of a year.
I will say that my worst fears, the things that kept me up at night, happened. All of them. At once. But I’m still here.
It’s freeing in a bizarre way.
Who knows what the heck 2021 will bring? I cannot control what’s happening in the world, only how I react to it.
I’ve neglected this poor blog. I would like to write on here more often in 2021. I know I should have a scheduled time to post and what not. Nope, that’s not going to happen.
I’ve read that blogs are dead. I think it depends on the reason why one blogs or reads them. I’ve missed blogging to be honest. I find that sometimes my Instagram captions are way too long and would probably make more sense as a blog post.
The last few years have been a bit of blur which is one reason I haven’t blogged as much. I might get into why another time, I’m still processing. Everything came to a grinding halt earlier this year. Completely. I spent many days during our severe lockdown sitting on my parents’ veranda freaking out. I’m a woman of a certain age and was wondering “is this it? Is this what I’ve been busting my butt for, for all these years, only to end up here?!” I’m not the only one.
That I’m single and have no children of my own added to this sense of feeling I haven’t hit important benchmarks. Never mind that I didn’t create these benchmarks but I felt the pressure nevertheless.
I have a bad habit of saying/thinking, “okay once A happens, I can then do B or B will happen.” As if I’m constantly on hold. I’m not sure where this comes from. I can be a bit of a perfectionist but that’s not it. I’m not writing New Year’s Resolutions but I do know that one thing I want to work on is being more present. Sorry, I know that’s kind of woo-woo! What’s nuts is that I’ve actually improved since moving to Italy. Clearly, I still need to work on this.
I want to lean hard into my creativity and see what happens. I’ve been so stressed out about what’s going on in the world, my work, and my financial hardships that it’s taken a beating. I have no idea what (or how) my intention will look like moving forward but I’m excited about figuring it out.
There are going to be some big changes in 2021.
Happy New Year!
Lockdown in the Caribbean - No Liming
Greetings from my parents’s veranda.
Liming is Caribbean slang for hanging out. Spending time with family and friends. A party. There’s no liming going on here.
I arrived in St. Martin a day before all Air France flights to and from Italy were canceled. Sheer luck. I had booked my trip after a major project in Italy was postponed due to the CDC raising the travel alert to Italy. My American clients were unable to fly to Italy and I needed to go the Caribbean for our Anguilla beach house project.
When I arrived in St. Martin, in mid-March, I had to self-quarantine for fourteen days. I spent a lot of time in my room and on the veranda, far away from my parents. I was stressed out. I felt fine and we didn’t have a major outbreak in Rome. However, I knew that Covid-19 was highly contagious and it’s possible to be asymptomatic.
During my quarantine period, we (France and French territories) were placed under a strict lockdown. It was supposed to end on April 3rd. It was extended to May 11th.
We’re hoping some restrictions will be lifted in two weeks. It’s been a difficult period. We’ve been very fortunate here on the French side with very few cases of Covid-19. I’m curious to see how the local governments will reopen the borders. I can’t imagine cruise ships with thousands of people docking on the Dutch side any time soon. How will they test for the virus? What about international flights?
Anguilla has no cases at all. They completely shut down their borders. I won’t be able to get to the construction site until sometime (maybe!) late next month.
I’m glad that my parents are not alone during this lockdown. I’m the designated grocery store shopper for them and other elderly relatives. I’ve never been so excited to go to a grocery store or a pharmacy in my life! I put on a nice (but casual, it is the Caribbean) outfit for my once a week trip. I skip lipstick as we must wear a mask. We’re allowed to go outside in/near our neighbourhoods to workout/walk dogs. We have special documents with us whenever we leave the house. The Gendarmes are not messing around.
I did hit a rough patch a few weeks ago but I’m on the other side now. It could be because we’re seeing the positive results of the lockdown and know that better days are coming here and in Italy. I’m worried about the States.
I hope wherever you are, you’re safe and well.
Looking forward to having a rum punch on this beach, Friar’s Bay.
The Most Beautiful Private Terrace in Rome *
Last week my friend Livia invited me to an intimate lunch at the lovely home of Marchesa Violante Guerrieri Gonzaga.
This view.
Livia getting her Prosecco on.
Violante is one of the most down to earth Marchese I’ve ever met. Hello, I’ve met people who are Kings and Queens of nothing and yet, as the kids would say, they had a stank attitude. Violante welcomed us into her family’s home with graciousness and warmth. She’s a very talented chef, artist, painter, and photographer. Violante founded Vio’s Cooking after attending the Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome and culinary school.
The lunch Violante prepared was delicious. The award-winning wine, San Leonardo, came from her family’s vineyard located in Northern Italy near Lake Garda. The floral arrangements by Alessandro Cambi were gorgeous. I enjoyed seeing a few of my friends and meeting people in person that I’ve previously “met” only on Instagram.
Violante did all the decorative painting in this room.
Check out Alessandro’s IG. Love his work.
Violante went to her local market in Campo dei Fiori for the ingredients.
As a decorator I completely lost it (but in a calm and kept it to myself way) over the interior design. So much inspiration. It felt like a real home, collected and personal. The anthesis of the cookie-cutter interiors that are clogging up Pinterest and Instagram.
Bullion fringe is making a big comeback in the States. This view. I cannot.
Violante’s home is located in one of the most historic palaces in Rome, Palazzo Taverna. Built in the 15th century, the palazzo is in the heart of the Centro Storico. I walked by it often when I lived on Via del Pellegrino and was curious about the 17th century fountain in the courtyard, which is visible from the street. This was the second time I’ve been to the palazzo but the first time during the day. Once you’re inside you don’t feel as if you’re in large city. It’s quiet. All you hear is the fountain.
We ate inside as it had been raining all week and that morning. We lucked out with the weather.
We stopped by Violante’s boutique after coffee.
Caffe realness.
It’s located on the ground floor of the palazzo. I have my eye on these blue and green glasses.
The shop is charming. They sell tableware designed by Violante and delicacies from her family’s estate, among other gorgeous items. The holidays are coming up and this boutique has wonderful, unique gifts.
Speaking of gifts, each of us were given a copy of Violante’s cookbook. It was presented in gift bag tied with a pretty green ribbon. The color was similar to the color of the plates that we used during the luncheon. It’s a simple thing but I appreciate that level of attention to detail.
Plate designed by Violante.
Love the mix of glassware and the floral arrangement.
Sitting on the upper terrace overwhelmed by all the beauty. Photo by Cassandra of Travel Italian Style.
BANANAS!
Violante offers small cooking classes in her home and also caters events. For more information about her cooking, or her shop, please visit her website at Vio’s Cooking.
*True, I haven’t been to every single terrace in Rome, but I feel comfortable with this terrace being in the top ten.
Work in Progress - Anguilla, British West Indies
The last few months have been off the charts hectic, in a good way.
One of the projects I’m working on is a new beach house on Meads Bay Beach in Anguilla. I don’t know how or why our job site suffered only a little damage during Hurricane Irma, the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic. Meanwhile, just down the beach, the Four Seasons had twenty million dollars worth of damage. We were very lucky.
Hotels have rebuilt and reopened. Many of the damaged homes have been repaired. There’s still some work left to do but things are moving forward. I’m in awe at how quickly this tiny Caribbean island bounced back.
The construction should be finished in a few months.
Very early stage. The basement and cistern.
View from the veranda by the master bedroom.
View from the kitchen after we cleaned up all the sand blown in from Irma.
The ceiling almost completed.
Painting these high ceilings was a lot of work for our crew.
Master bedroom with accordion doors.
Main veranda.
View from said veranda. We will work on the landscaping once the heavy construction is done.
The other end of Meads Bay. The beach house is smack in the middle.
Marigold - A Delicious Newish Restaurant/Bakery in Rome.
I’ve bought baker Sofie Wochner’s cinnamon rolls during the Latteria Studio‘s holiday pop-ups. Big fan. I’ve also heard about the pop-up dinners she and her husband, chef Domenico Cortese, used to hold in various locations through out Rome.
Sofie and Domenico have dreamed about opening a restaurant and micro bakery in Rome for years and recently they made that dream come true. They’ve opened Marigold in the dynamic and artsy Ostiense neighborhood.
It’s on the other side of town and quite the hike for me. However, after my meal on Saturday, I’m more than happy to walk to the tram, take the tram to the Metro, and then walk from the Metro to the restaruant.
My friend Marta and I met for brunch. Well, more like breakfast as we arrived pretty early, around 10. It’s a good thing we did. The restaurant filled up quickly and I read there’s usually a line out the door after 1:00 p.m. The space is lovely. It’s minimalist/modern yet warm. The music is chill and enhances the vibe. The handmade ceramics are beautiful. The service was great, attentive without being intrusive.
We both had the waffles as we never make them at home. Neither one of us has a waffle pan. They were excellent. I also ordered some carrot cake because it was Saturday. It was delicious. I’m very picky about cakes, especially in Italian where American style ones can be too dry. The carrot cake was perfection. Not too sweet and the icing was great too.
I haven’t had the bread but my friends rave about it. Sofie walked out with a tray of chocolate chip cookies as we were leaving. I had already ate my weight in sugar and bought some cinnamon rolls to go. While I was tempted to buy some cookies, I decided to hold off and return another day. I will probably buy some cinnamon rolls too and the carrot cake again, and maybe a brownie. Perhaps it’s a good thing that Marigold is on the other side of town.
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Closed on Mondays.
Via Giovanni da Empoli, 37
Rome, 00154 +39 06 8772 5679
White Kitchens - Yes or No?
Put me firmly in the YES camp. I'm the middle of sourcing cabinets for our Anguilla Beach House Project. As I read various online design magazines and blogs, it appears that white kitchens are "out". People are sick of them. Apparently, they are boring and show no creativity.
I disagree. I strongly believe that kitchens and bathrooms are not the places to be trendy. They are the most expensive rooms to build or renovate. Twenty-four percent of Americans move to a new house every five years. In other countries people tend not to move as often. If one is worried about the resale value of their home, it would make sense to have a kitchen that is not dated.
A well-designed white kitchen is timeless. This is one reason they're so popular. One cannot tell if the kitchen was renovated five months ago or fifteen years ago. A homeowner can always swap out hardware or light fixtures to freshen things up or we can use accessories that speak to the trends of the moment. Most people cannot afford (nor want to) gut a functional kitchen just for aesthetic reasons.
White kitchens are not a trend given they've been "in" for almost two decades and were very popular in the 1920s. They are classic. Seriously, what are people smoking? I think, with the rise of social media, we're burning through trends faster. There's this need for instant gratification and always looking for something new. The thing is, most of the hot trends of today will not hold up.
To me it's more important that a workhorse room, like a kitchen, functions well. Open shelving may not be practical for some families. Maybe your kitchen isn't big enough for a massive island.
If a client wants to go with dark green cabinets, I'm all for it and we'll look for the shade that works best in the space. However, if a client wants white Shaker cabinets but worries it's too boring, we're going to get the darn Shaker cabinets. We can find other ways to add some color to the kitchen.
Content driven decorators rarely think about the architecture and/or the function of the space. Many have moved away from working with clients and instead continuously buy and flip houses. That's a very different mindset than creating a home for yourself or for a client.
As I work on this beach house kitchen, I'm mindful of the trends but we will have white Shaker cabinets as they fit the space, the location, and the architecture of the home. If the house were inland or a primary residence maybe we would chose a different color.
Here are some kitchens from talented designers and decorators. Notice that they don't look the same. I wish someone would tell them that these kitchens are boring or "so over".
This kitchen is in a 1922 Colonial that was recently renovated by interior designer, David Nastasi.
Photo: New York Magazine
Modern Farmhouse by House of Jade Interiors.
Photo. The Spruce
A villa in Tuscany designed by Ilaria Miani. The estate belonged to her grandparents and is now owned by her brother. I was one of her interns and I remember her custom Whatnot shelving well.
Photo: Elle Decor
Interior designer's Mark D. Sikes's kitchen in the Hollywood Hills.
Photo: Mark D. Sikes
A minimalist NYC kitchen. Love the terrazzo floor. Interior Design by Pierce Allen.
Photo: Elle Decor
Italian Chic - by Daria Reina and Andrea Ferolla
I have written about Franco - Italian Chez Dédé before. I heard about this incredibly talented and creative couple, Daria Reina and Andrea Ferolla, from the late great Wonderfool. My friend Courtney and I met the lovely Daria at the store/spa and wanted to buy all their bags.
Daria and Andrea are quite modest. I didn't learn until this year (!) that they are the ones responsible for the typography of Pasta Garofalo, one of my favorite pasta brands. Okay, now that I think about it, this isn't a topic that would come up in everyday conversation.
There was some skepticism when they first opened their store. Why Rome? Why not Florence or Milan? An atelier/boutique/gallery like Chez Dédé would make more sense in those cities. There has been a great deal of negative press (local and international) about the state of Rome these days. Yes, the situation could be better and it's important not to ignore what is happening but walking into their shop is a much needed reminder of the reasons why we fell in love this city and country in the first place.
Their book ITALIAN CHIC is a must for anyone who loves Italy, photography, illustrations, or/and travel. It's not a guide book per se but more of a coffee table book filled with beautiful imagery. It was just published by Assouline and is available at their shops or online. The Chez Dédé store has a few limited edition copies left with a special cover featuring my beloved Sicily.
Photographed by Daria and illustrated by Andrea, ITALIAN CHIC is an intimate peek at some of their favorite places in Italy, from top to bottom. It's a love letter of sorts to a country that has inspired them. As Daria and Andrea said to Architectural Digest, “If we were not in Italy, then Chez Dédé simply would not exist,” Reina says. “We are both in love with Italy and the Italian lifestyle is certainly an integral part of our entire creative process.” Ferolla adds, “Italy cultivates the excellence of the ‘well done’ and of the simple and sophisticated style. Daria and I are heirs of this culture that reflects in each and every expression of Chez Dédé’s creative thinking.”
Daria and Andrea will be in New York City the week of October 14th for book signings. There will be an installation of Andrea's illustrations in one of Bergdorf Goodman's famous windows. Check their Instagram feed for more information (and because it's fantastic).
Photos (except for the cover): Assouline
September!
I hope everyone had a wonderful summer.Yes, I know technically it's still summer despite the fact that some retailers in the States are already selling Spiced Pumpkin Latte mixes and there are bloggers talking about Halloween.
I don't understand this rush. Let's enjoy this month and getting ready for fall. This is my favorite time of year/season. Not that I dislike the other three (well maybe winter, lack of sun and daylight is not my scene) but there's something about fall that makes me happy. I was one of those geeky kids who couldn't wait to buy back-to-school supplies. In my young mind there weren't many things more exciting that a Mead Trapper Keeper notebook.
Unfortunately, back-to-school shopping for clothes wasn't as fun as my Caribbean mom was not about that life. Every time I asked for something that EVERYONE was wearing, my mom would say that I was going to school to get an education, not for a fashion show. My dad backed her up as he didn't know (or care) about the difference between Girbaud, or Guess, jeans and a random pair from wherever.
I still look at fall as a beginning even though I graduated from college back in the Stone Age. Like spring, it's an opportunity to hit the reset button.
One of the color trends for Fall 2018 is this deep blue called Sargasso Sea.
Photo: Pantone
I’m feeling this cape but I might be too short for this lewk. Love the pop of color from Ms. Palermo’s shoes. Great combo.
Photo: Olivia Palermo, Refinery 29
This classic pattern from Schumacher is an excellent example of Hollywood Regency glamour.
There are so many beautiful colors to choose from but this one is in my top three, okay five.
Photo: Le Creuset
I cannot write about September without listening to this old school favorite. It dropped in 1978 and if you play it at any wedding reception, party, or cookout now people will still dance.
Here's to a great fall!
p.s. Here's a fantastic piece from NPR regarding why this song is so popular years later.
I asked Jeffrey Peretz, a professor of music theory at New York University's Clive Davis Institute, what makes that groove so powerful. He says a lot of it has to do with how the music unfolds. The song's very structure is an endless cycle that keeps us dancing and wanting more."
There's four chords in the chorus that just keep moving forward and never seem to land anywhere — much like the four seasons," he says. "It's the end of summer, it's the beginning of fall, it's that Indian summertime, it's the transition from warm to cool."
The trigger for that yearning feeling, Peretz says, is the opening line. White asks, "Do you remember?" and we supply the memories. It's a song that can bring all of the generations together, which makes it perfect for family gatherings. The true meaning is up to us — including, Allee Willis says, that strangely specific date."
We went through all the dates: 'Do you remember the first, the second, the third, the fourth ... ' and the one that just felt the best was the 21st," Willis explains. "I constantly have people coming up to me and they get so excited to know what the significance was. And there is no significance beyond it just sang better than any of the other dates. So ... sorry!"
The Design Files - Beautiful Plates from Pastificio Gentile
Recently I was in Umbria at my friend’s Elizabeth and Domenico’s house and I posted this photo on Instagram.
This view, tho!
Quite a few people DM’d, or emailed, me to ask where the plates were from.
I remembered Elizabeth’s Instastories from when she visited Pastificio Gentile and seeing the plates. This family owned company has been making pasta since 1876. Elizabeth wrote this post using their pasta to make two zucchini recipes.
Pasitifico Gentile also sells exclusive handcrafted plates painted by artist Rosalinda Acampora. I thought the blue and yellow ones were lemons at first. They’re yellow tomatoes (and on my wish list). Wait, all of these are on my list!
I’ve read that bloggers have ruined Chevron forever but I don’t care. This plate is fantastic.
Click here to see the rest of their selection.
Elizabeth’s new book, THE ITALIAN TABLE, will be released Spring 2019. I cannot wait to read it.
This is her table setting for a simple lunch. It was beautiful and delicious. I love how Elizabeth mixed patterns. The key is the color palette.
Table photos: Me and my iPhone
Plate photos: Pastificio Gentile
The Design Files - A Beautiful Colonial Renovation
I published a post earlier this year regarding how traditional interiors are “in” again. I don’t think they were ever out but I’m thrilled to see color and patterns celebrated again.
I recently read about this gorgeous renovation in New York Magazine. I enjoyed The Cut Wendy Goodman’s interesting and informative interview with Interior Designer David Nastasi and his husband Michael Stone.
The couple bought the 1922 Colonial in 2014 and started the renovations a year later. It was a lot of work as the house hadn’t been touched for decades. It was important to the new owners to keep the elegant architecture of the house while updating it for the way we live today.
It’s a stunner.
Can we talk about this entrance?! I’m not the biggest Fornasetti fan. I like it in small doses BUT their Nuvolette wallpaper from Cole & Son? Cannot get enough of it. Cannot. This is a bold choice for a traditional home. I love it.
More wallpaper to love in the dining room. It’s from the Spanish brand, Gaston y Daniela.
I’m writing a separate post about white kitchens. There is nothing dated about this one. All these windows. The mix of modern and traditional. This is a kitchen I could spend hours in.
To seem more of this wonderful renovation, the article is HERE.
Photographs by Genevieve Garruppo
Palazzo Merulana, Rome
I noticed this large abandoned palazzo when I first moved to Rome. I wondered what the history of the building was and why it was falling apart.I found out that it was a city owned property built in 1929. It used to be the headquarters for the Health Administration. Once those offices moved, the building fell into disrepair with some sections abandoned for over sixty years.Palazzo Merulana reopened last month and it's a beauty. Stunning.The renovations took only three years and was a private-public partnership. The space now holds the important collection of Claudio and Elena Cerasi. The couple focused on works created in the early 20th century, with the majority between WW 1 and WW 2. The Cerasi family owns a prominent construction company that has worked on projects such as the MAXXI Museum and other public and private works.The Cerasi Foundation would like to see the Palazzo become an important space for visual art, cinema, music, and theatre. They're working closely with several local cultural orgnaizaions. This is quite a gift to the city.A ticket to see the exhibit is four euros. There's a small, charming cafe on the ground and outdoor seating on the patio. The terrace is schedule to open in mid-July and the top floor is reserved for cultural events. 
Here is a short clip about the museum.https://youtu.be/SHw3vc-5fq0 The museum's in a very accessible location. It's about a ten minute walk from the Colosseum with easy access to the Metro and the Tram.121 Via Merulana, 00185, Rome