The centuries-old canals of Venice are host to many Renaissance-era palazzos, but just a few have interiors that gracefully balance well-preserved history with contemporary chic. Violino d'Oro, a 17th-century palazzo hotel close to Piazza San Marco and La Fenice opera house that opened last November, accomplishes just that.
Sara and Elena Maestrelli, co-owners of Violino d'Oro, and their cousin, creative collaborator Nicolò de Gregorio, wanted to honor Italian history and design in every corner of the property by exclusively using Italian products, such as Venini chandeliers in the living room, Ginori porcelain in Il Piccolo restaurant, and Carrara marble bathrooms in the guest suites. The décor of the 32 rooms reflects the spirit of Italian craftsmanship, as well as Venice's history as a major trade center, while also boasting dreamy views over the lagoon. As well curated as a "Made in Italy" museum, but with the comforts of your most fashionable friend's home, Violino d'Oro is La Serenissima's exquisite new haven if you are planning an art-focused trip to Venice during the Biennale, which runs until November, or beyond.
Here, Barnebys talks to Sara Maestrelli about Violino d'Oro's design inspiration, focus on sustainability, and its role in Venice's hotel scene.
Barnebys: The "Made in Italy" ethos shines throughout the hotel. How did you choose and curate what designers and craftspeople you wanted to work with?
Sara Maestrelli: It was a work in progress. Some were meant to be and bound to happen: we knew the fabrics had to be Rubelli (one of the most unique luxury Italian fabric companies, Venetians, family owned, the owners are basically neighbors of Violino); statement chandeliers by Venini, master glassmakers; hand laid seminato pavements by Asin, that we have always worked with for all of our hotels and even homes! Some were historic craftsmen from Tuscany that we have been working with for decades.
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The rest came little by little, some things we scouted at design shows or antique markets, some artisans were presented to us by friends or other craftsmen. We did a deep dive into the local cultural scene. It was wonderful. I also worked with some of my childhood friends for this project. Everyone bringing in their own art. It was really fun creating custom projects together.
Related: 5 Italian Design Brands to Know
How did you balance contemporary design and comforts while preserving the original palazzo?
The credit goes to my cousin, Nicolò, who follows all of our real estate projects and new openings. He managed to incorporate state-of-the-art sustainable technology into an antique palazzo standing on water.
What are some of your favorite design elements or spaces of Violino d'Oro that you want to highlight?
The green and white Venini chandeliers, a 1950s design by Carlo Scarpa; the plaster wall decorations in the Il Piccolo restaurant; the hand-laid dark seminato floorings; the art… I love every little piece!
Related: Venini: Glass and Light
Sustainability is particularly important in Venice, so how did that principle inform the remodel and the current guest experience?
Our idea of sustainability is both environmental and social. Violino d’Oro is a 100% Italian craftsmanship project, made locally with natural materials that are meant to withstand the test of time, to last. It’s like applying the concept of slow fashion, to hospitality. And then of course there is the technology meant to reduce consumption.
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Is Violino d'Oro doing anything special during the Biennale?
We are a home for artists and creatives. This is our purpose and what we do best.
Learn about Violino d'Oro here.
