I've been in search of inspiration for an interior design project I've just begun. These clients have requested European-style interiors with classical decorative touches. So, I was very happy to come across a recent Quintessence blog review of the volume Inside Venice: A Private View of the City's Most Beautiful Interiors, written by Toto Bergamo Rossi. James Ivory sets us in time and place with an evocative introduction of his Venice, while Diane Von Furstenberg and Peter Marino contribute the foreword. The exquisite photography is by Jean-François Jaussaud.
Inside Venice shows us the timeless beauty of Venetian decorative arts as seen in 72 private residences and public spaces selected by the author. We're given a rare insider's view of Venice's most beautifully decorated apartments and palazzos, some of which have all their splendid classical decorative elements intact, while others have incorporated a contemporary point of view.
Each chapter take us through Venice's 7 neighborhoods, with homes chosen for their hidden treasures and distinctive interpretations of the decorative arts.
From browsing through Inside Venice I've come away with several key classic interior design elements that will help with my Euro-style project. These include plaster wall finishes, terrazzo floors, murano chandeliers, Fortuny fabrics, Belgian linen covered sofas, a piece or two of well-placed antiques and perhaps a handpainted mural. Well it's a start...
Palazzetto Alvisi Gaggia, San Marco; the Basilica della Salute sits just beyond the terrace
Ca'Corner on the Rio Di San Polo, home of music maestro Pier Luigi Pizzi; a tabletop setting of Italian glassware in various shades of red artfully arranged add a pop to a room rich with dramatic touches
Same room different view of the vast living/foyer/reception area; white plastered walls and ceiling give this space an airy contemporary vibe, nicely offsetting the precious antiques
A Nineteenth-century Russian residence at the Zattere, Dorsoduro: a masterful mix of textures, fabrics and passemeterie...love the lacquered white double doors
Ca' Giustinian Brandolini, Dorsoduro; informal linen sectional, stripped oak floor and contemporary tripod floor lamps coordinate well with the amazing piece of art
Ca' Pisani in Santo Stefano - Benedetto Marcello Conservatory of Music, St Marco
Palazzo Grassi And Teatrino, François Pinault Foundation - Installation by artist Rudolf Stingel for the Venice Biennale 2015