A new perspective!

We made it! It took a teeny bit longer than we had hoped or wished, but we're here now (yay!) and busily exploring our new environment.

Yes, we brought our dog Samantha Rose - how could we not? Florence is dog-friendly in the extreme.  I just wish our son were here, too... — Yes, we brought our dog Samantha Rose - how could we not? Florence is dog-friendly in the extreme. I just wish our son were here, too...

Saying goodbye to Nick at the airport.  We're smiling to keep from crying. — Saying goodbye to Nick at the airport. We're smiling to keep from crying.

We happened to glance out the lounge waiting area at the exact moment Samantha's crate was being taken to the plane!  (We flew Lufthansa, not Southwest - ha!)  What do you suppose she was thinking...? — We happened to glance out the lounge waiting area at the exact moment Samantha's crate was being taken to the plane! (We flew Lufthansa, not Southwest - ha!) What do you suppose she was thinking...?

One of the reasons we chose Florence (apart from the art, history, architecture, shopping, food, and walkable-ness!) was for the pace of life. It is Italy, after all. After spending a fair amount of time in France and Italy, I've been struck by how the French and Italians really savor life: food and wine are eagerly tasted, stores are small, thereby encouraging frequent trips (the better to get to know the proprietors) and even a trip to empty the garbage/recycle/yard waste is an excursion.

Our home for the first month in Florence

Our first home in Florence - for 30 days! - was the Hotel Villa Carlotta in Porta Romana, the Florentine gate that one passed through to journey south to Rome.

Porta Romana, the Florentine gate toward Rome

The area around the hotel is full of beautiful villas, parks, wide walkways, and a luxurious hotel, Villa Cora, as well as bed and breakfasts. We discovered some wonderful shops and eateries in our monthlong stay.

One of our favorite restaurants, Podere 39, on Via Senese.  The pasta is amazing! https://www.facebook.com/Podere-39-Firenze-919420918172225/ — One of our favorite restaurants, Podere 39, on Via Senese. The pasta is amazing! https://www.facebook.com/Podere-39-Firenze-919420918172225/

Looking out to via Senese from the interior of Podere 39

The pizza at Antica Porta is so thin and delicious!!

I have bought quite a few items from sisters Guilia (above) and Samanta of MuseLab.  https://www.facebook.com/muselabfirenze/ — I have bought quite a few items from sisters Guilia (above) and Samanta of MuseLab. https://www.facebook.com/muselabfirenze/

This home store is so amazing I could live there!  Kitchen and bath cabinets and fixtures, tile, fabric, cooking lessons in the fully-equipped kitchen - everything!  Riccardo Barthel on via Romana. — This home store is so amazing I could live there! Kitchen and bath cabinets and fixtures, tile, fabric, cooking lessons in the fully-equipped kitchen - everything! Riccardo Barthel on via Romana.

An art restoration business on via Romana

It's been very, very hot here in Florence since the beginning of June. One evening, while dining at Podere 39, I saw a woman at a nearby table fanning herself. She didn't speak English but did speak French so I asked her where to find a fan for myself. She tried to explain what sort of market might have one, then suddenly, a few minutes later, she handed her fan to me! And told me it was a gift! What a wonderful experience!

On June 27, we moved into our apartment (for the next 9 months, or so) on Piazza Santa Croce. It's right smack in the middle of the action, so is inundated with tourists from late morning until late evening - but we love the apartment. It's a good temporary home!

Our apartment on Piazza Santa Croce, looking toward the terrace.

From this new venue, I plan to write about the design scene in Florence as well as events, restaurant and accommodation recommendations, nearby places to discover, and some historical perspectives - and everything in between! Please join me!

Posted on July 10, 2017 by Jann Placentia and filed under Firenze, Travel and tagged World citizen Italy.

Springtime in Italy - Memorable Moments

It was late winter when we started our 5 week Italian exploration in Rome, at our favorite hotel: Campo de' Fiori......

The early March view from our balcony in Rome at Hotel Campo de' Fiori

A vegetable stand in the Campo de' Fiori market

I was struck by the packaging on these spices, herbs and dried beans, etc at the market in Campo de' Fiori

The view of Hotel Campo de' Fiori from our favorite enoteca Verso Sera

The staff makes the hotel --- and these two are the best!  Valentina and Francesco at Hotel Campo de' Fiori — The staff makes the hotel --- and these two are the best! Valentina and Francesco at Hotel Campo de' Fiori

The late-winter view from the rooftop at Hotel Campo de'Fiori, Rome

Rome window shopping.  Incredible children's clothing!  I think I would wear these things. Maybe not the shoes...... — Rome window shopping. Incredible children's clothing! I think I would wear these things. Maybe not the shoes......

Creative parking in Rome!  Ha! — Creative parking in Rome! Ha!

After 3 days, it was on to Florence, where we'd live for a month.....

It was fairly brisk in mid-March, but not raining!

Our normal breakfast at a cafe half a block from our apartment

Shopping in this city is the best!

One of my favorite stores for higher-end clothing and shoes:  Raspini — One of my favorite stores for higher-end clothing and shoes: Raspini

I love this store, too - much less pricey!  Vincent Croce  There are 2 locations (that I found):  in San Frediano, near the Ponte alla Carraia and on Borgo la Croce, near the mercato San Ambrogio — I love this store, too - much less pricey! Vincent Croce There are 2 locations (that I found): in San Frediano, near the Ponte alla Carraia and on Borgo la Croce, near the mercato San Ambrogio

I adored this cafe the second I walked in!  It's small and charming. Cafe Cibreo — I adored this cafe the second I walked in! It's small and charming. Cafe Cibreo

Shops like these are everywhere.  This was me provisioning on our first night in Florence. — Shops like these are everywhere. This was me provisioning on our first night in Florence.

Connecting:

We met Melinda Gallo after corresponding with her for about a year.  We ended up having Easter lunch with her, hosting her for Friday night nachos (gathering the ingredients for that dinner is a post in itself!), and here is our farewell l… — We met Melinda Gallo after corresponding with her for about a year. We ended up having Easter lunch with her, hosting her for Friday night nachos (gathering the ingredients for *that* dinner is a post in itself!), and here is our farewell luncheon, the day before we left Florence. Check out her blog!

This shop makes masks and wigs and ALL kinds of special makeup for cinema and theater.  We passed by the storefront almost every day and one day ventured in:  Filistrucchi — This shop makes masks and wigs and ALL kinds of special makeup for cinema and theater. We passed by the storefront almost every day and one day ventured in: Filistrucchi

Daily life.....

Florentine police at Piazza Santo Spirito

Venturing beyond the borders of Florence....

One Sunday, on a whim, we jumped a city bus and climbed the hill north of Florence to Fiesole.  This is what's left of a Roman amphitheater. — One Sunday, on a whim, we jumped a city bus and climbed the hill north of Florence to Fiesole. This is what's left of a Roman amphitheater.

In mid-March we took the express train - 2 hours! - to Venice.

This shop was amazing!  Not only the drama of the setting, but much of the clothing is designed in-house and is superb quality.  Pot-pouri — This shop was *amazing!* Not only the drama of the setting, but much of the clothing is designed in-house and is superb quality. Pot-pouri

Of course, while in Venice, we HAD to have a real Bellini at Harry's Bar.  The room was startlingly small and unpretentious - and the glasses were surprising - but it was an experience. — Of course, while in Venice, we HAD to have a real Bellini at Harry's Bar. The room was startlingly small and unpretentious - and the glasses were surprising - but it was an experience.

We visited the Cinque Terre the end of March - a great way to greet April!  This is the view of Vernazza from the tower of Castello Doria.... — We visited the Cinque Terre the end of March - a great way to greet April! This is the view of Vernazza from the tower of Castello Doria....

.....And the view looking out toward sea from our room at La Mala in Vernazza

A wonderful wine we first discovered when our son found it at a wine seller in Seattle for us.  Made in Cinque Terre! — A wonderful wine we first discovered when our son found it at a wine seller in Seattle for us. Made in Cinque Terre!

A day exploring Monterosso in the Cinque Terre

Some Italian men having lunch behind me at Ristorante Ciak in Monterosso.  Note the ties and scarves even in a beach town.  I love the way Italians and French dress! — Some Italian men having lunch behind me at Ristorante Ciak in Monterosso. Note the ties and scarves even in a beach town. I love the way Italians and French *dress!*

Italian travel mistakes....

So, we missed our train connection in La Spezia and had to wait for the next one to Florence.  We met some young Americans - west coasters, like us! - and enjoyed (!) wine in the ambience of the train station....ahem. The company was defin… — So, we missed our train connection in La Spezia and had to wait for the next one to Florence. We met some young Americans - west coasters, like us! - and enjoyed (!) wine in the ambience of the train station....ahem. The company was definitely better than the surroundings but it was a memory!

.....and then, one Sunday, we decided to take a bus to Greve in Chianti.  We bought tickets and were directed to the bus --- which, it turned out, was going to Grosseto, not Greve, sadly we discovered an hour into the trip!!!  2 1/2 h… — .....and then, one Sunday, we decided to take a bus to Greve in Chianti. We bought tickets and were directed to the bus --- which, it turned out, was going to Grosseto, not Greve, sadly we discovered an hour into the trip!!! 2 1/2 hours and not much to see around the bus/train station, then 2 1/2 hours back - the whole Sunday spent on a bus....! We made the best of it, though.... Inexpensive Chianti and a delicious flat bread pizza sort of thing - lunch totaled 5 euros.

Sometimes it's best just to put up your feet and relax..... There are some changes on the horizon....Stay tuned for the next adventures!

Looking toward the terrace in our Florence apartment.

Posted on June 9, 2016 by Jann Placentia and filed under Firenze, Travel and tagged World citizen Italy.

Florence: From a designer's Perspective

I clearly remember the first time I visited Florence. It was late September, 1979, and the air had a crispness, foretelling the changing of the seasons. I was astounded by the beauty all around: architecture, monuments, the contrast of terra cotta roof tiles against blue skies, chic people wearing furs and gorgeous leather!

After several trips over the years, we decided to spend a month in between winter and spring (the idea was to avoid heavy tourist times - ha!) soaking in all that is the wonder of this compact city.

We rented an apartment through Italy Perfect and stayed in Palazzo Antellesi on Piazza Santa Croce, a wonderfully central location. According to various sources, the Palazzo was first built in medieval times and enlarged in the late 16th c, then acquired in the early 17th c by Niccolo' dell'Antella (from whom the name originates) and joined with a nearby building to make one large palazzo. He commissioned frescoes to cover the entire facade. The frescoes faded over time but then the Cinelli family bought the building and restored them in the 1920's and again in 1990. Young Federica Cinelli inherited the Palazzo in 1945, then married Count Piccolomini, becoming La Contessa Piccolomini. La Contessa still lives here, as does some of her family. And we so much enjoyed meeting her and her daughter, Francesca!

Our first apartment had amazing Renaissance frescoes and high, high ceilings. After being there about 10 days, we moved to another apartment in the building that we absolutely loved! The colors of the Belvedere suit me perfectly....

We spent many hours enjoying the sun-filled terrace

The kitchen is small but has everything someone who loves to cook needs

Once we unpacked, gathered provisions and settled into our apartment, we began serious exploration. First up, a cooking class and market tour with Laura Franceschetti of Cooking in Florence. We had the most delightful time spending the day (!) with her, starting at the Mercato Sant'Ambrogio and then at her wonderful home, which happened to be a 5 minute walk from our apartment! (Almost everything is.... more on that later)

Laura Franceschetti and me at Mercato Sant'Ambrogio

We met at the Mercato Sant'Ambrogio (which is not as touristy as the larger, newly renovated Mercato Centrale, but feels more "authentic") where we learned about purchasing seasonal foods, pasta, cheese ("there's no such thing as Parmesan cheese - it's Parmigiano"), meat, seafood and generally started to feel like being with a friend.

Look at the color and the care with which everything is displayed!

The cooking lesson was informative and the food tasted incredible, but I was equally enthralled with Laura's home. The floor tile! The ceiling!

After eating like kings, a few days later I convinced my husband, Bob, to make the hike up to San Miniato al Monte, my favorite little Romanesque church, with the most glorious view of Firenze!

Downhill from San Minato al Monte we found the charming San Niccolo' neighborhood and beautiful Piazzale Michelangelo.

....and we stumbled upon the most lovely boutique hotel, Villa Vedetta, where we felt like royalty, as we dined privately near the pool...

As long as we're on the subject of hotels, the Four Seasons Florence , located in the fifteenth-century Palazzo della Gherardesca, is quite lovely and has an amazing private garden that only guests of the hotel are privy to. We had coffee in the gorgeous bar, so technically we were guests.....

And the JK Place hotel, on newly renovated Piazza Santa Maria Novella, was a complete treat for the senses!

JK Place terrace on Piazza Santa Maria Novella

I loved the exterior of this little hotel even more when I saw the name: Hotel Botticelli And then I discovered it was built in the latter half of the 16th c. Sort of average for this city - ha! - but still impressive!

This is what 16th c Florentine looks like....

Another 16th c building, another amazing ceiling....

So many incredible edifices in one city!

And then there's Florence shopping! The food markets, flea markets and special/holiday markets. The clothing stores, shoe stores and perfumeries - so much to explore!

The flea market by Mercato Sant'Ambrogio

No visit would be complete without a stop at Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella - lots of history here and it smells divine!  Wonderful architectural details, too. — No visit would be complete without a stop at Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella - lots of history here and it smells divine! Wonderful architectural details, too.

Great little boutique next to Rivoire on Piazza Della Signoria - I don't remember the name, unfortunately.  But great stairwell! — Great little boutique next to Rivoire on Piazza Della Signoria - I don't remember the name, unfortunately. But great stairwell!

I could go on and on - and I will, in the next post! - but I'll close with this designer-y cup of espresso machiato I had at JT Caffe, across from the Palazzo Pitti.

Ciao for now!

Posted on May 18, 2016 by Jann Placentia and filed under Firenze, Travel, Design and tagged Laura Franceschetti Shopping Piazza Santa Croce San Miniato al Monte Dining Architecture Four Seasons Hotels Mercato Centrale Villa Vedetta Duomo Palazzo Antellesi Officina Profumo Sant'Ambrogio JK Place.

Remodeling Adventures

How long does it take for a bathroom or kitchen to become dated? After nearly 13 years of staring at tile I absolutely loathed, it became clear that it was time to remodel our master bath. Clear to me, anyway - ha! It took tremendous persuasion on my part to convince my husband.

Here's what it looked like "before":

And time for the huge jetted tub and glass shower enclosure to go!

Ah, if only we could dream up the perfect room and then wave a magic wand or wiggle a nose like Samantha and - poof! - it would be so. But, unfortunately, there's a bit more to it than that.....

First, there's the "vision". I created a Pinterest board called Master Bath and began assembling photos of gorgeous bathrooms and specific products. This photo was the guiding aesthetic:

Once the aesthetic was agreed upon, (avec qui? You might ask) we started shopping for materials. I found the perfect stone remnant for the Waterworks washstand top at Architectural Stone Werkes in South Seattle.....

.....and the perfect Versailles pattern travertine tile for the floor at Daltile

Next, assembling the team: the carpenter, plumbers, electrician, tile installer, stone fabricator, painter, leaded glass window artisan. Fabulous, one and all!

Then, oh boy, demolition was begun.....

and framing....

......electrical and plumbing rough-in.....

.....extraordinary tiling by John Cosfol.....

.......electrical fixtures installed...

.....painting by the wonderful and inspirational Shannon Noel.....

The fabulous Shannon Noel!  Getting closer every day — The fabulous Shannon Noel! Getting closer every day

.... the plumbing fixtures installed....

And here's the funny part - now, not at the time. Ok, so everything was going swimmingly - except, of course, for not being completed in 2 weeks. But still. The plumbers had to muscle our new tub up the millions of stairs in our home and I couldn't watch for fear of jinxing them in some way. So, I sauntered in just as they were 90% finished installing the tub only to discover ---- it wasn't my tub!!!! AACK! (Or words to that effect)

What are the chances that two tubs with the same exact dimensions - but in different styles - are ordered from the same manufacturer and arrive the same day but have the owners' names swapped??! After frantically calling my salesperson, Erika Knight, (she's great, by the way) at Chown Hardware, she located my tub and arranged to have it delivered the next morning! How's that for service? They even had to muscle down the wrong tub and then carry up (again) the correct one! All's well that ends well.....

This is the Victoria + Albert tub I actually ordered!

Et voila! Just like that, it's complete! And we love it so much....

Perfect spot for an Italian gilt painted antique nightstand.....

Just in case you forgot what it looks like now!

Remodeling is not for the faint of heart or those without an adventurous spirit. It's a wonderful, glorious undertaking, akin to giving birth - sort of - in that the final product is so worth the discomfort and, sometimes, agony. Very much worth it!

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Jann Placentia and filed under Bathroom and tagged Waterworks Remodeling Bathroom Visual Comfort Victoria + Albert Travertine.

Happy Winter Solstice!

"Happy Holidays to all my friends" (and family)!!

Today is the shortest day of the year and that can only mean one thing - the days are going to be getting longer from now on! Yay! It's dark this time of year, that's true, and rainy, too, here in the Pacific Northwest, which can sort of make one feel like never going outside again. Just cuddling up indoors under a comforter and waiting patiently for spring's arrival..... But the lovely holiday lights & decorations around town DO make the darkness much more bearable - even joyful! And when the decorations have been stowed away for another year, we have longer days and spring to look forward to.....

In the meantime, please take a vicarious trip to Europe with me and feast your eyes on Christmas in France and Italy:

Paris.  A "tree" of macarons! — Paris. A "tree" of macarons!

There will be a full moon this Christmas so I hope you'll keep your eyes peeled for Santa!

Joyeux Noel & Buon Natale to all!!! xoxo

Posted on December 21, 2015 by Jann Placentia and filed under Holiday and tagged Christmas France Italy.

Buon Natale and Joyeux Noel! Piacenza Maison for the Holidays...

The virtual store.... lovely mural on canvas by Shannon Noel

I fell head over heels in love with Europe the first time I visited. Everything about it spoke to me: the art, architecture, café life, chic residents and the sense of grounding that comes from generations of established society. (Also, the lack of skyscrapers.....!)

Since I live in the rugged, upper west corner of the US where the reigning (ha!) style is known as "Northwest Contemporary" and, being the Francophile that many of you know I am, it's been challenging for me to source, locally, European "Haute Brocante" (Flea Market) items for my own home. I love a collected-over-time aesthetic and sense of genteel, but not precious, warmth - without breaking the bank.

Antique Louis Phillipe mirror with new Aidan Gray candle sconces

So, I started shopping! The last couple of trips to France, I discovered some wonderful things and had them shipped back to Seattle. The delivery was anxiously awaited!

And now, the Brocanterie is "live" on my new store website, Piacenza Maison. It's a mix of French (Louis Phillipe mirrors, vintage copper cookware, f inishings, art), Italian (gilt painted furniture, Venetian mirror, handmade paper goods, art) and New items that reflect the same "Haute Brocante" sensibility.

I absolutely love what I call "The Mix". It's a blend of high/low, antique/modern, and streamlined/ornate. It's really what the term Contemporary means to me: Of the moment. (vs "Modern", which is a style in its own right) My goal is to offer furniture and accessories at Piacenza Maison that will bring to your home or office a little touch of Europe and, when mixed with new Modern or even rustic pieces, will impart a truly Contemporary essence.

Philippe Starck Ghost Chair mixed with French reproductions and antique Oriental rug

And just in time for last minute Holiday shopping, we have a category called "Little Luxuries" - items that are all $50 or less. Here are a few samples: