Italian Homes Florence

Cari Amici (Dear Friends),

Whenever I am invited into someone’s home or working space here in Florence, Italy, I make it a point to go, even if it is early in the wee hours. The buildings here have so much history and while there have been renovations over the years, with the addition of electricity and plumbing for example, it always surprises me how many beautiful and art-filled places of yore still exist and are available to people to rent. [Although, sadly, it is true that many Florentines have moved out of the central part of the city because it has just become too expensive and maybe a bit too full of stranieri (foreigners) for their tastes.]

Most people visiting central Firenze (Florence’s true name) will never experience her mysteries and full beauty. The gardens and most of the Italian homes are hidden from casual view. It makes one wonder just how dangerous the medieval times really were! Walls are thick and one must often enter a courtyard to see much green in this city.

Recently, after an evening out with friends, our small party was invited over to join the neighbors of one of my friends for a couple of drinks. These images I took of their home give you an idea of its elegance. The two images in the middle of this collection were taken in the bedroom of one of the men. I must say that the trompe-l'œil borders on the ceiling were the most three-dimensional that I have seen. I was quite impressed and enchanted. I hope you can get an idea of what I mean…

Light and Shadows in Florence Italy

Before Lisa and I ended up at The Art Bar in Florence last Friday night, we stopped in at a friend of a friend’s attic apartment to buy some sheets for my new room. (Oh, yes, I forgot to say that I found a nice room vicino the Teatro Verdi, not too far from my room with Grazia. I moved in early to help the situation with my old space and am now sharing with a cute young couple studying design here in Florence.)

But, I digress, as I often do. After we purchased the sheets I needed, Lisa and I did some exploring on the lower floor of this woman’s building. If I told you the address, I might have to kill you. (Nice, huh? Gotta protect the private.) I love going into all of the Italian homes and business spaces in central Firenze. This one surprised us both. While I was still photographing shadows in a hallway with a large vase and plant and looking for other hallways to explore, Lisa was curious about some beautiful wooden doors.

We were both delighted with the view below that Lisa discovered after she opened the doors. Pictured here is the beautiful window with a simple floral design that only partially hid a warm Tuscan-colored floor behind it. This is one way to add a bit of nature to a city of stone and concrete!

But then, look at the cast lighting from the hall lamp hanging from the ceiling. Lisa can definitely spot the cool stuff! The way the light hit the floor made the wooden floor look fluid. I hope you enjoy the images I took of the water-rippling floor and a bit of Lisa’s door on the left, as well as the image of the light that cast such a hypnotizing pattern. While the ceiling’s shadow is not quite as interesting, the contrast between it and the floor’s design is fun. So, when you visit Tuscany, do not forget to keep your eyes open for even the smallest pleasures. And definitely peek into open doorways!