So, I’m back from a whirlwind 6-day vacation discovering treasures in Italy for the home along the way. I was almost overwhelmed by all the beauty, artisanship and inspiration surrounding me. The trip came about because a dear friend was celebrating his birthday with 107 of his nearest and dearest at the luxurious Villa Regnalla in Pietrasanta, a town in northern Tuscany. Much fun and revelry was had by one and all culminating in a brilliant fireworks display lighting up the night sky for miles around✨
I’ve been to Tuscany several times and is my favorite region to visit for its historical towns, charming coastal resorts and of course Florence, Tuscany’s capital, center for commerce, the magnificent Duomo and endless classical art. On this trip our first stop was to the famous Santa Maria Novella Museum. Having shopped in their stores in New York and Miami I was thrilled to finally be where it all began for Santa Maria Novella. Originally a convent founded by Dominican Friars, Santa Maria Novella was founded in 1221, “where they began to cultivate - among other things - a garden. From that same garden, many centuries of experience in pharmacopoeia and natural plants began to develop.” Eventually the world of Santa Maria Novella would grow from distilled Acqua di Rose (scented rose water) to ward off the Black Death plague to encompass cosmetics, fragrances and wellness products based on essential principles of aromatic plants found in the convent’s garden.
Signature eau de cologne collection and an inspirational moment of organic floralst set in a classic majolica vase
The chapel of San Niccolo built in 1334 was transformed in 1847 to become what is now the majestic home of the Great Sales Hall for all the Santa Maria Novella collections. The vaulted Gothic ceilings are intricately decorated with frescoes by Paolino Sarti that depict what was then the four continents.
The chapel’s frescoed walls depict the four continents
The chapel’s frescoed ceiling where the colors and gilding remain gloriously vivid
Idrali skincare collection grouped together on a silver tray that would sit perfectly on your bathroom vanity
An elegant full length mirror with intricate gold leaf details set in a custom wooden cabinet
The iconic Acqua di Rose Collection gathered together on a silver tray atop an antique side-table and weathered iron watering can…a classic bronze angel statue stands majestically on guard
Stay tuned for my next post where we discover the hidden treasures of Florence’s famed majolica.