Life in Rome - Day Trip to Spoleto

Ciao Bloggisti,Friends of mine recently bought a weekend place in Spoleto and invited me up for a day.  It's about forty miles south east of Perugia.It was my first trip to Spoleto and I highly recommend a visit.  The Historic Center is very charming with incredible views.  I took a lot of photos.  Below are a few.Ponte delle Torri  - a 13th century aqueduct.One of the highlights for me.  Next time I will bring a pair of sneakers or hiking shoes so I could walk further up the trail.The Duomo - Santa Maria AssuntaMore pictures of the Historic Center.Basilica di Santa Gregorio Maggiore - consecrated in 1146.Note:  This is not a politics blog but the US election last week was not normal.The President Elect would like to commute to the White House, staying mostly in Trump Tower.  I was not aware that being President of the most powerful country on the planet was a part-time gig.  This would create a major logistical nightmare for the Secret Service and the NYPD.  It would also be a headache for residents of the building and the surrounding area as blocks of a major street (5th Avenue) would have to be shut down.There's a silver lining.  Trump may not have time or the desire to redecorate the White House.  I was thinking of writing a separate post about this space:SpoletoPhotos: Me and my iPhone Trump Living Room: iDesignArch Save

The Design Files - Yes, You Can Mix Stripes and Prints.

Ciao Bloggisti,I know matching curtains, wallpaper, and even bed covers are having a moment.  I think this style can look lovely in a Manhattan Classic Six bedroom or a home in the English countryside.  In general though, I'm not a fan of what interior designers/decorators refer to, in very technical terms, as matchy-matchy.So far we've used a lot of neutrals and solid colors in our projects. I'm trying to experiment more when it comes to patterns, especially mixing them.  It's tricky as there's a fine line between Granny Chic and a room that looks dated.One of my clients has a beautiful striped sofa.  The current decorative pillows are a solid blue that she would like to change.  Surprising myself, I started to pull prints.  Her home has classic lines and a few antiques mixed with modern art.  The solid pillows on the couch completely disappeared.Something like this from Designer's Guild would make the pillows stand out more without overwhelming the sofas:I LOVE stripes.  They're a great pattern to mix with as they are simple and graphic.  It may seem odd to place a stripe in a room that has floral prints, but try it.  The graphic lines of the stripes will help ground the space.How to make sure the room doesn't look like a jumbled mess?  Color, color, color.   This bedroom by Mark D. Sikes is a perfect example.The stripes on the chairs go beautifully with the floral print on the duvet.  Imagine a floral pattern on the chairs.  I believe it would be way too much.There's a lot going on in this space but the color palette (and the scale of the furniture) makes it relaxing.Below, a bold approach from Steven Gambrel.  Gorgeous.  Chocolate brown and blue from Sheila Bridges.  Notice how the print in the curtains is the same color as the stripe.  Beautiful.  Solid curtains  with this type of sofa would've made the space too formal for a young single woman.Clearly, I have the color blue on my mind.  

Art and Architecture with Ariella - Amsterdam

Ciao Bloggisti,Here is the latest post from our intern, Ariella:Last week my classmates and I went to Amsterdam. My impression of the city upon arriving was very different to my expectations. The architecture reflects its history and age, serving as a unique backdrop for modern, urban life. I had preconceived notions of what the relatively “young” culture/community of Amsterdam was like. While Amsterdam really is a young and vibrant city, we soon found out how the existing architectural exteriors are not allowed to change. There’s a strict limit on the height of buildings in order to preserve the density and aesthetic “look” of Amsterdam. This also gives the city the character of feeling small, manageable, and almost village like, easy to get around. We saw many bikers traveling through its beautiful streets, even during peak rush hour time. Amsterdam is very livable and feels “alive” with its diverse multicultural population whose art and ideas you see splashed all about town; on the walls, in the alleyways, in fairs and in performances. Amsterdam has become a city where all the people and their original works have connected the old character of the city to the new young ideas.

Life in Rome - Villa Farnesina

Ciao Bloggisti,Villa Farnesina has been on my "need to visit" list for quite some time.  One rainy afternoon, I decided to schlep across town.  It was worth the trip.This villa is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture.  In 1509, the wealthy banker Sienese Agostino Chigi commissioned architect Baldassarre Peruzzi (who was known mostly for his paintings) to build a villa for him in the country.  The villa is located just across the river in Trastevere.  Back in the day, Trastevere was considered the country as it was outside the city walls.  Chigi was well connected and ran in some very rarefied circles.  The location was perfect for him.  He was close enough to the city for business and far enough away to build a grand space to entertain his friends, which included the Pope, with lavish banquets.  Chigi, while a great host, was also a huge patron of the arts.Rumor has it that Villa Farnesina was built over the ruins of the villa where Cleopatra met her lover Mark Antony for sexy times.  When construction began, Chigi was in love with the infamous courtesan Imperia (supposedly she was the first woman to be called as such) but his second mistress, and later wife, Andreosia lived in the home.  It's not a surprise that the theme running through the villa is love.Imperia was close to, and perhaps the lover of, the great artist Raphael.  She was the model for several of the frescoes in the villa.  Other painters along with Raphael and Peruzzi were, Sebastiano del Piombo, Giovanni da Udine, Giovanni Bazzi, Giulio Romano, and Giovan Francesco Penni.In 1577 the Farnese family bought Villa Farnesina.  It was given this name to set it apart from the villa they owned across the river in Piazza Farnese.I hope return to Villa Farnesina during a sunny day and soak it all in.  It's beautiful.Photos:  Me and my iPhone. Save

Art and Architecture with Ariella - Torino

Ciao Bloggisti,

This week is the first post from our new intern Ariella, who is studying abroad in Rome for the semester.  She's a student at Cornell University, with a double major in Fine Arts and Human Development.   Every other Wednesday we hope to have a post from Ariella. We're excited to hear her thoughts as she explores Rome and other parts of Italy. 

Take it away Ariella!

A couple weeks ago, I went with my classmates to Torino and had an amazing time! After a long bus ride, our first stop was Torino's National Museum of Cinema. 

The museum was exciting and the architecture was remarkable. It's located inside of Mole Antonelliana which is the monumental symbol of the City of Torino. Not only was it aesthetically pleasing, but it also stimulated many other senses with its acoustics and other interactive displays. The whole museum had weird loops around the building, ultimately confusing us.

Francois Confino was one of the main designers of the displays and the interior of the building. The museum has a very interesting background. Originally it was commissioned as a new synagogue after religious freedom was established. The architecture was started by Alessandro Antonelli and was later completed by his son Costanzo. The museum is set up in an idiosyncratic fashion.  Each floor seemed to have a cut out in the middle, leaving a large section of the building empty. This created an extremely tall ceiling from the bottom floor. Right in the center of the museum there was an elevator made of glass which took us up to the tallest building in Torino, offering an incredible panorama of the city. 

The floor of the elevator was made of glass and had striking views of the entire building. However, the ride up was not the best experience for those of us with a fear of heights.Looking back, I feel I did not spend enough time in the museum as it's something that could possibly take an entire day. The next day we walked around the city admiring the architecture, walking in and out of churches and buildings. At one point we realized there was a kind of 'exhibition' in the city.  Contemporary artists had pieces displayed throughout the city and there was a map of all of the pieces. We grabbed a map and started the trail. This trail took us to some beautiful piazzas and courtyards. One of the pieces was a large cube with a triangular pyramid on top which matched the design of the window almost exactly except it was enlarged. The cafes in Torino were also incredibly beautiful. It was obvious that they were built and designed long ago. The way the aesthetics have been maintained make them unique to Torino, similar to much of the architecture we saw.

Photos by Ariella.SaveSave

A Belated Birthday Trip to Sicily

Ciao Bloggisti,I'm suffering from a bit of Sicily withdrawal.  Please bear with me.Thanks to a birthday present from my parents (thank Mom and Dad!), I returned to Sicily for a long weekend. There was an airline strike and my flight departed over two hours late. The weather was horrible. I rented a car and had an accident.  I got lost constantly.  It didn't matter.The minute I drove up to the reception area and saw the views, smelled the Sicilian jasmine, and had a glass of wine, I forgot all about the hassles to get there. Like my friend Gina, I'm already plotting my next Sicilian trip.One major reason for my withdrawal is Monaci delle Terre Nere.  This was my third trip and hopefully there will be a forth. I think I need to go during the Spring as that's the only season I haven't been there. While checking out, I told Sara that the next time I return I want to be there with my man.  Hello, I'm single.I stayed in the Fragante room.  It has a fireplace, terrace, a Jacuzzi, and sea/vineyards views.  It's a short walk, through lime trees, to the main villa. I loved the little details, like this floral arrangement.I woke up to sunrises with the sounds of roosters, the sheep next door, and Mt. Etna.   It got a little chilly at night, so I really appreciated the fireplace.They have a newish chef and the food (lunch and dinner) is a little less rustic than before.  It is very good but it's a high-end take on Sicilian cuisine. The wine list is extensive and excellent. The breakfast spread was on point.It rained most of the time I was there, so no lounging by the pool (or the pool bar) this time.  I'm glad it did clear up a little bit the day I drove down the coast.Of course it was a stunning day the morning I checked out.    Grazie mille Guido, Ada, Nujuan, and Sara for everything.I have a solid sense of direction. Therefore, I was perplexed by my Sicilian driving situation.  None of the rentals cars came with GPS but I had maps, directions printed out, and Google Maps on my phone and still I got lost.  What the heck?My plan was to go to Ragusa, Modica, and then meet Gina in Ortigia for dinner.  Some how I took the wrong exit for Ragusa.  It was a happy accident because I ended up in Scicli which was incredible.I gasped when I saw this view.  Pictures do not do it justice. Stunning. Next, Modica.Had a slight fender bender.  It wasn't my fault and after my nerves were frazzled.  At least I wasn't driving a stick shift.   I thought Modica was beautiful as well.Three years ago when I was trying to decide between staying in Modica or Ortigia, I picked Ortigia.  I liked Modica but I would've missed being by the sea and it's a lot more touristy than Scicli.  If I had to pick a small hill town to stay in it would be the latter.Ortigia.It started to pour again.  Gina and I went to a small caffe for aperitivi to wait it out.  The rain never stopped.One thing I noticed right away, is how much Ortigia has changed in one year!  The word is out. There were small tour buses.  The caffe I always went to in Piazza Archimede was packed with tourists. There are several new shops selling souvenirs (at least most of them are food related).  I hope this is great for the local economy.Even in the rain, The Duomo and its piazza moved me.Dinner at Le Vin de L'assassin was delicious.By time we finished dinner, the rain had tampered off.  Then I got lost while driving through flooded streets.  Fun.I finally made it to the Autostrada.  It stopped raining and there wasn't any traffic at midnight. Life was lovely. I was singing along with the radio, loudly, when all of a sudden the skies open up. BUCKETS of rain.  I was near Catania and the heavy rain did not stop until I reached the exit for Acireale. More flooding as I drove on hairpin curves up the mountain.  Thankfully, this time I found Monaci no problem.I really need to see Palermo and so many other places not just in Sicily but also Italy in general.  I haven't been to Puglia or much of the North.  However, Sicily keeps calling me.  I find the architecture beautiful and inspiring.  The food and wine are incredible.  The people I've met made me feel at home.Sicily has my heart and my head.Photos: Me and my iPhone.         

Life in Rome - A Day Trip to Ischia

Ciao Bloggisti,How was the rest of your summer?The rientro was/is intense but I'm loving this back-to-school vibe.  Folks are rested and ready.My summer was pretty uneventful, except for a visit from my younger sister.  Daniella was speaking at conference in Hamburg, Germany and decided to return to the States from Rome.It was her first trip to Italy and she loved it.  She rented a fabulous place in Monti.  Daniella happened to be in town during my birthday and we decided to take a day trip to the island of Ischia.Ischia is somewhat of a schlep for one day but it had been on my "must visit" list for ages.  We took the fast train to Naples.  It was worth the extra money to save time.  We also paid a little more to book our ferry tickets in advance online.A friend who used to live in Ischia and other another friend who holds yoga retreats there, recommended Il Giardino Eden  as a great place for lunch.  All I wanted was a view of the water and decent food.  Our lunch was delicious and the views were ridiculous.To get the restaurant you can walk up a short steep hill or, for ten euros or so round trip, have a little boat take you to the restaurant.  We went with the boat.I'm big fan of the film The Talented Mr. Ripley (the set and costume designs were incredible). It was a treat to see several of the locations, like Castello Aragonese, in person.I  would love to return during the off season and stay for awhile.  It's a beautiful island.        Save

Snack Chat - A Summer Treat with Nathan Turner

I saw on Instagram that Nathan Turner was shooting an online series for The Design Network.What a fun idea.  Nathan is a very talented interior designer but he's also known for being quite the host.For this series, he has invited several of his design friends to cook a little something, something in the kitchen.  Nathan's enthusiasm is infectious.I met him, briefly, at his shop (a must if you're in Los Angeles) during Kathryn M. Ireland's design workshop and he couldn't have been lovelier.There are six episodes (he's currently shooting the second season).  I thought this Banana Berry Trifle dish he made with Mary McDonald was the perfect summer dish.I want to make this.  I may need to wait until my friends return to Rome though. I can't eat this whole thing by myself.Speaking of Rome, it's Ferragosto time.  No trips to Sicily or the Caribbean for me this summer, tears!  However, there are some very excited things happening here and I cannot wait to share more in September.Buone Vacanze a tutti!    

Rhapsody in Green - Ina Garten's Garden

Ciao Bloggisti,I wish more American cooking shows aired in Italy.  We have shows from the UK and France but not many (only the Masterchef shows) from the USA.  I wonder why?I think the Barefoot Contessa would do well here.  What's there not to love?  Ina makes fantastic food and the settings/locations are gorgeous (that kitchen!).I was so excited when the latest issue of ELLE DECOR showed up in my mailbox.  One, because it's a miracle when my magazines from the United States arrive on time, or at all, and two, because there was a beautiful spread featuring Ina's garden.It took Ina and Jeffrey ten years to convince the owners to sell the overrun pasture next to their property.  Ten years.  It was well worth the wait.  The design of this garden, by landscape designer Edwina von Gal, is spectacular.  I love the formality of the boxwoods mixed with the casualness of the roses, Russian sage, and other plants.You can read more about this gorgeous space on ELLE DECOR's website.  The July/August issue is on newsstands now.  Photos:  Elle Decor    Save

Life in Rome - Aperitivi at the Beach

Ciao Bloggisti,How's the summer treating you so far?As I wrote in my previous post, I'm trying to improve my attitude and to be more social.  My friend Courtney and I had plans to meet for aperitivi on Saturday.  Instead of dealing with crowds in the Historic Center on a hot Saturday evening, I suggested we go to the beach. We went to Singita in Fregene. It was fantastic!Sometimes we forget that Rome is so close to the sea.  By going for aperitivi instead of lunch or dinner, we would miss beach traffic in both directions.It was just what the doctor ordered.  Nice breeze, great drinks, and a beautiful sunset. We started out with non-alcoholic drinks and then switched to a mojito.         Photos: Me and my iPhone. Save

I'm Going to Check Myself Before I Wreck Myself - Summer 2016

Ciao Blogglisti,How are you doing?I wrote a post few months ago about being in a major funk after my trip to Milan.  While Rome and I never got into fisticuffs, the situation was critical.Late last week, I stopped by a vendor I haven't seen since moving out of the Center. She told me that my Italian had really improved. I thought about her comment.  I was constantly beating myself up for not being fluent, instead of remembering that I'm getting better.  I seem to be focusing on the negative a lot lately.Yesterday was the first day of summer.  I am determined not to spend yet another season salty with city I live in.   I'm not the biggest kumbaya person.  You will not find me on the top of Gianicolo Hill doing this:[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R462Ro5fqU?rel=0&w=420&h=315]I do know that walking around, as the youngins would say, with a stank attitude is not going to make things better.  I will try to see this city with fresh eyes, be more social, and maybe cut back on political news.    

Io Adoro - E' Stile Bookstore

I'm still getting to know my neighborhood.  One Sunday morning, I jogged past an interesting store window and made a mental note to check it out.Oh man, this place is going to be an issue.  E' Stile is a concept bookstore focusing on art, fashion, and interior design/architecture.They have a GREAT book selection.  I do order from Amazon sometimes, especially English language books but nothing beats going to an actual bookstore.  Yes, it's more expensive.  However, I believe it's important to support small shop owners.  I like to browse and speak with the salespeople about the books. You can't duplicate that experience with online shopping.E' Stile also carries Chez Dede bags, products from brands like Kartell and Alessi, and there's a gallery space downstairs.      Photos:  Me and my iPhoneE' Stile BookstoreVia Chiana, 15+ 39 06 8555337     

Life in Rome - Festival del Verde e Paesaggio

The other week I went to the sixth annual flowers and plants show at Parco della Musica for the first time.  These festivals are held throughout Italy during the Spring.The weather was terrible!  I'm glad I went on Friday when it was just cloudy. Saturday it poured buckets.  I had to work that day on a client's terrace.  We couldn't reschedule the gardeners because they were completely booked this month.I had a great time at the show and look forward to checking it out next year.  So many beautiful plants to buy, so little space.  I wish I had a garden.It's fun for families too.  There was a children's section, several food trucks, and a "school" offering classes in floral arrangements, gardening tips, etc.  

Metropolian Home is Back*

*Kind of.I cannot stress how excited I am about this news!  METROPOLITAN HOME was one of my favorite shelter magazines.  While many of its competitors focused on big suburban houses, MH zeroed in on city living and contemporary design.During the massive financial and housing crisis of 2008, MH and several other magazines shut down (InSTYLE HOME, COTTAGE LIVING, BLUEPRINT, COUNTRY HOME, O at HOME and DOMINO). It was first published in the 1970s as APARTMENT LIFE and was renamed in 1981. It was very popular with city dwelling Baby Boomers and older Gen Xers.Now their children (the Millennials) are starting to buy and/or decorate their own homes. There's a ton of information on the internet of course, but there's something special about print. I think older Boomers who are downsizing and moving back into urban areas might spark to the relaunched MH as well.This is a test issue.  It's for sale at newsstands in several cities in the States, was sent to ELLE DECOR (and other Hearst Magazine) subscribers, and is also available via the Apple store. If this issue does well, there will be a second fall/winter issue with the goal of making it a quarterly magazine.I cannot wait to read it. For more information check out their Facebook page, Pinterest page, or Instagram feed.    

Life in Rome - My Post Milan Funk

I've been in a weird mood since returning from Milan the other week.I'm crashing from the Salone del Mobile high, Prince is dead, and I have a  cold.  I rarely get sick but when I do it seems as if my colds have a need to make up for lost time or something.When I went to the Salone two years ago this didn't happen.  Something has changed in Rome and it's not for the better.  I'm not the only one who feels this way.  These articles, yesterday's  New York Times and a piece my friend Michelle wrote for US and News Report in February, sum things up pretty well. Maybe I have cabin fever.  Hopefully, tomorrow I will feel better and can leave my house!I have been to the Salone three times.  The first time I stayed in a hotel near the Convention Center.  The second time I rented an apartment in the city near the canals. Third time's a charm.Hotel prices are insane during the Salone (if you can find one).  The Salone is larger than Fashion week and seventy percent of the people attending are visiting from other countries. The entire city takes part.  If you're planning to attend, make reservations early.  Many companies and vendors have blocked out rooms years in advance.I returned to the Principe after my great experience there in September.  I still don't understand how the hotel was filled to capacity, yet I rarely saw any other guests on my floor.  So quiet.  The service at this hotel is impeccable despite its size.  Plus, they have American bacon during breakfast.Renting an apartment while traveling on vacation is an excellent option but I've learned my lesson.  When I'm working, a hotel is a better choice for me.  Much better.I was running around Milan like a chicken with my head cut off and it was wonderful to return to a clean room, to have concierge service, a gym, a convenient place to have meetings, etc.  Of course the cost was higher than the apartment I rented two years ago but my trip was more productive.And what a great trip...four intense days of meetings and visiting showrooms.  I wish I had more time.I posted a few photos on Instagram and below are additional pictures from some of the highlights.  I can't upload all the highlights as I forgot to take photos at the Ethimo party, and quite a few showrooms.

Project Via Monserrato - Reveal

During the past year I've been working on a decorating and renovation project in the Historic Center for a client who wanted to update a few of their B&Bs.It was a great experience.  At times it was also challenging, as the apartments were fully booked months in advance.  The logistics were difficult.Located inside a palazzo that dates from the 1600s The Via Monserrato apartment (aka Grand Suite), is on one of the prettiest streets in Rome.The brief was to create a contemporary décor, while at the same time retaining (and respecting) the charm and history of the architecture.Vacation rentals are tricky.  You don't want a design that is bland or cookie-cutter but it cannot have so much personality that it turns off most customers.Here's a photo from the living room, before.After This room is a mix of high and low vendors, antiques (that belong to the client), and custom pieces.The room is light, stylish, yet comfortable. We had to use fabrics and colors that could handle a lot of wear and tear.The walls were changed to Farrow & Ball's "Blackened", a cool white that reads light grey.  I know I talk a lot about this brand but there's a reason I have used it in every single project I've worked on.  The quality of this paint is no joke and depth of color is incredible.  This was the first time the painters had worked with Farrow & Ball and they were very impressed. When people who paint for a living rave about a brand, you know it's good. Stateside, I like Benjamin Moore as well but that brand is not sold here. Le Decorazioni is the authorized Fallow & Ball vendor in Rome.We decided to go with a one L shaped sofa instead two.  This model is a sleeper sofa and we bought it from Berto Salotto.The coffee table is from Maisons du Monde, a French brand with stores all over Europe.The curtains were custom made. The trim is Dedar. All the fabric for the apartment was selected and purchased at the store Lelli.The floor lamps are from MADE.The art work over the antique buffet is by Due Alberi.  Funny that I read about these two artists in Rome on Elements of Style, which is written by Boston-based American interior designer Erin Gates. We used their work in another apartment (pics soon) as well.We commissioned artist Marta Alexandra Abbott to create pieces that referenced Rome in a subtle way. Marta is American and moved to Rome several years ago.  You can see more of this series, inspired by the Ara Pacis, HERE.Dining area.We kept the dining table and reupholstered the dining chairs.BeforeAfterThis graphic Dedar fabric is durable and makes the 1930 lines of the chair stand out.  The chairs were in great shape. I thought it would be better for the budget and the design to keep them. I'm not a fan of spaces where every single item is brand new.  I like to mix things up. You see that a lot in interiors in France and Italy.  If you don't have any older pieces of your own, you can find them at flea markets, estates sales, in your family's attics/basements, etc.We created a window seat.  I wasn't sure my client would go for the pattern or the color. The fabric is Thibaut.  I think it gives this room of neutrals a nice punch of color.The pillow are from a local shop, Fabindia.The former artwork in the living room.Art work, after.The hallway was painted white and the huge 1980s sconces were replaced with simple, modern ones.  This art is by Marta as well.Bedroom - beforeAfterOriginally, there was a queen-sized bed in this room but my client's company has had many requests for twin beds.The walls are Farrow & Ball, "James White".  The curtains are custom.  The fabric is Thom Filicia for Kravet.I asked my blacksmith to make the head boards.  I wanted something that would look great when together and when separate.  We came up with a few designs and this is the one the client picked.The night stands are from Maisons du Monde. The lamp bases are from IKEA. The shades were custom made at the store Paralume, which is right up the street.I'm not sure how a store that makes/sells lampshades manages to stay in business in this global economy we live in but I hope they stick around for a long time.The beds together.The master bedroom - beforeAfterWe kept the bedside tables. The walls are F&B James White. The curtain fabric is Malabar.The lamp bases are IKEA, shades custom from Paralume.  It's hard to tell from the photo but these shades/trim are a different color from the other bedroom.I have a thing about four poster/canopy beds.  Our blacksmith designed this simple yet, elegant frame.  With these ceilings, we thought a more decorative frame would be too much.  It interesting how the room actually looks bigger even though this bed is the same width as the old one.Two photos from inside the Palazzo.Overall, I'm very happy with how the apartment turned out.  A huge, "Grazie" to my client and their team.  I cannot tell you the amount of  WhatsApps, SMS, emails, phone calls, job site visits, that were made. I truly appreciate their patience with my bizarre smash up of Italian and English.  My client introduced me to my new Italian teacher. I got the hint.   Heh.For more information about renting the Grand Suite, or other apartments from Your Suite Rome, click here.After photos and before of bedroom 1: Vincenzo TambascoOther photos: Me and my iPhoneSave

Life in Rome - Museo Nazionale Romano, Palazzo Altemps

For almost eight years I walked past Palazzo Altemps at least five times a week.  I'm not sure why I waited so long to finally check it out.One Friday, during lunch time, I basically had the place to myself.  True, it was the dead of winter but I was surprised.The Palazzo is very close to Piazza Navona and was built during the 1500s.  Archaeologists have uncovered ancient Roman structures and artifacts from the 1st century AD, which are displayed on the first floor.Cardinal Marcus Sitticus Altemps acquired the palazzo from the Riario family in 1568.  He greatly extended the palazzo to showcase the family's impressive art and and book collections.   There are also many standout pieces from the Boncompagni Ludovisi, Mattei, del Drago Albani, and Brancaccio collectionsThis museum is part of the Museo Nazionale Romano which also includes the Crypta Balbi, Palazzo Massimo, and Terme di Diocleziano.There is free admission to the museums on the first Sunday of the month.Below are a few pictures I snapped during my tour: 

Palazzo Altemps is opened Tuesday - Sunday from 9.00 to 19.45.Closed Mondays (except Easter Monday and during the "Culture Week"), 1 January, 25 December.The Ticket Office closes one hour before closing time.Photos: Me and my iPhone

Design Inspiration - Sugar Paper, Los Angeles

I'm a big fan of Sugar Paper's letter-press stationary.  I must visit their store whenever I'm in Los Angeles.Before I said "arrivederci" to my Hollywood screenwriting career, my Los Angeles trips were a blur of pitches, general meetings, and being stuck in horrendous traffic.During my last trip, I was able to slow down a bit and really see Los Angeles. My feelings about Los Angeles have completely changed.  I lived there for ten years and was so happy to get out.  Now?  I'm excited to spend time there.  Not that excited about the thirteen-hour direct flight though.Sugar Paper is located in the Brentwood Country Mart.  The market is worth checking out as well.  In the past I've bought my stationary and rushed out the door to my next meeting.This time I had a lunch meeting at Farmshop in the Mart and the traffic gods had smiled upon me.  I was very early.  To be honest, my wallet was displeased with the turn of events.How lovely is this space?Renovated last year by the firm Life.Style., this update of the ten-year old shop is perfection.  The stationary is the star of the show.  The brass light fixtures are Thomas O'Brien and the fabric is from Peter Dunham. For more (and professional!) pictures of the project, the Life.Style. portfolio is here.Photos: Me and my iPhone   

Work in Progress - My Foyer

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have lived with white walls for decades.  The last time I had any color on the walls was when my parents let me pick the color for my bedroom back in high school.During my apartment search, I knew I wanted a place with a foyer/ingresso. Even my super tiny apartment on Via Pellegrino had one.  Both of my apartments in Los Angeles, which were much larger, did not. Drove me nuts.  You opened the door and walked right into the living room.  Of course this is fine for a loft apartment but I didn't live in a loft.Many people neglect their foyer.  It becomes a place to dump keys, magazines, mail, etc., etc.  The foyer is the preview for the rest of your home.  It sets the atmosphere.  What does it say as you enter?Depending on the size of your foyer, it could provide much needed storage space, a place to display artwork, and in a smaller one you could splurge (creatively and/or financially) on your favorite wallpaper.Painting an entrance way a darker color than the next room makes the second room seem much larger. Interior designer Miles Redd  loves going from dark to light.   I decided to be bold for a change and go for it.  I went to the store Le Decorazioni to look at Farrow & Ball samples.I'm so happy with how the foyer turned out.  I'm relieved my landlady (who lives in the same building) loved it. I thought she might be offended since she'd just painted the apartment.  Instead she asked me to send me a link to the Farrow & Ball website.I was thinking of going with Hague Blue but in the end Stiffkey was best with the light grey in the living room.  Stiffkey looks great when the lights are on and in natural light it reminds me of late summer nights in Sicily or sitting on my parents' veranda at dusk in St. Martin.When I first saw the apartment the owner told me the bookcase/cabinet in the hallway had to stay. I understood why for practical reasons. The fact that it wasn't flush with the wall bothered me aesthetically.  What a difference some high-quality paint makes.   The painters and I couldn't believe how this big piece of furniture blends in a little more and looks more expensive than it is.I'm going to meet with my blacksmith to design a simple bench. Above the bench I will hang some black and white photographs.I don't know when that will happen.  I tell clients all the time that it's better to take our time while decorating.  Perhaps I should listen to my own advice.Photos:  Me and my iPhone     

Life in Rome – Rome Luxury Suites, Via Babuino

Buon giorno!Life has been nuts these past few weeks between signing new clients and moving. I still have twenty-five boxes of books and magazines to unpack.I hope to publish a post on this blog the first and third Wednesday of the month, at least. I need get it on a schedule or else it will end up like Jeb!’s presidential campaign. Seriously, what’s happening there? He must be very annoyed. This is one of most unusual American presidential races I've ever seen, but I digress.While Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, finding a hotel here can be tricky especially once you get out of the five-star range.I tend to prefer smaller boutique hotels, so I was excited to check out Rome Luxury Suites on Via Babuino. I was invited, along with a few other guests, to tour the hotel followed by an aperitivi on the new rooftop. You know how I feel about terraces, more on that later.The location couldn’t be better. Via Babuino is in the Trident area, close to the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo. The sidewalks were recently widened. During the day there's a lot of pedestrian traffic as this street is a popular high-end shopping destination. At night, it’s quiet. There are no bars, or clubs.The hotel has twenty-four rooms. They are stylishly decorated without being too “done”.  On some floors it’s possible to connect rooms, creating a private suite. Perfect for a family.This is a great place for someone who likes the idea of renting an apartment but would like the services of a hotel (concierge).One of my favorite rooms was the Babuino Suite which has its own balcony.Now back to the roof terrace. It’s available for guests only. This was my favorite part of the hotel. I know that’s not logical but what can I say? I love a good roof terrace.For more about the hotel (they have two other locations in the neighborhood) you can check out their website HERE.