Italian architect and interior designer, Michele Bonan is the mastermind behind several of my favorite spaces. I have blogged about three hotels designed by him: The JK Place Hotel in Paris, The JK Capri, and most recently the Heidelberg Suites back in April. Since then, I have been scouring the internet looking for more of his projects. I really cannot get enough of this man’s work! While on the beautiful Reverie blog last week, I was thrilled to come across his most recent design project, the Palazzo Tornabuoni in Florence (Thank you, Melissa!). The Palazzo is a magnificent structure with a storied past and was once home to Pope Leo XI and the Medici family.
Palazzo Tornabuoni was painstakingly restored to its original splendor and is the first “Palace Residence Club” in the world. “Situated on one of Florence’s most aristocratic streets, in the heart of the fashion district, this historic fifteenth-century palazzo was home to a Renaissance Pope, and hosted the world’s first documented opera performance.”
The Palazzo’s beautiful interiors were designed by Michele Bonan, who in my opinion has the most extraordinary taste, blending classic and modern with the utmost sophistication. Palazzo Tornabuoni hosts 38 private residences for its members in addition to a number of indoor and outdoor common areas. While the main purpose of the Palazzo is to serve as an exclusive residence club, there are a limited number of private, full-time residences available as well.
The restoration of the magnificent Palazzo Tornabuoni took four years to complete under the watchful eye of Florence’s Soprintendenza ai Beni Artistici e Storici. The palace has been restored to its extraordinary Renaissance origins and along the way, the restoration team discovered hidden frescoes, Mannerist statues, and beautiful stucco ceilings.
The library is one of the Palazzo’s shared areas for the club members. Bonan’s masterful way of blending classic shapes with contemporary touches is clearly on display in this beautiful space.
A More Detailed Shot of the Library
I love the upholstery on these chairs.
The Palazzo’s pietra serena staircase is now the permanent home of this marble Diana the Huntress statue by Gherardo Silvani (1579-1675).
Each of the private residences by Bonan is unique. Every one has a different layout and historic decorative details, such as the gorgeous moldings in this residence.
Beautiful Renaissance Details Abound at the Palazzo Tornabuoni
Bonan fuses classicism and modern details in the beautiful residences at the Palazzo. All of the residences feature a great deal of charm with all of the conveniences of modern living.
A Second View of this Residence
The residences at the Palazzo are equipped with state-of-the-art Boffi kitchens.
Most of the residences also feature breathtaking views of Brunelleschi’s Duomo.
I love the minimalist palette in this gorgeous space.
Can you think of a more glorious view?
Visit Palazzo Tornabuoni for more information on this remarkable project.
Image Credit: Palazzo Tornabuoni