“Nowadays hotels are more like homes and homes are often more like hotels,” explains Rocco Forte Hotels’ Director of Design, Olga Polizzi. “When I’m designing, I always think about things personally – what would I want in a room?” If you’re looking to transform your home, here, the interior design expert shares her simple tips on how to recreate the elegant atmosphere in her own home.
1. Books of short stories: “I have lots of these at home and like to leave them lying around for visitors to discover and flick through. They add character and personality. Many of our hotel rooms feature books for guests to pick up and enjoy, especially Brown’s, which has a long literary heritage.”
2 Good shelving and storage: “At home, I want to find things straight away and have everything nicely presented, so quality shelving and storage is essential. Declutter as much as you can and pick something practical yet stylish, whether that’s an antique piece or something more modern.”
3 A show-stopping piece of art or sculpture: “A statement piece of art makes a great focal point of the room and will create atmosphere and drama. My house is eclectic as I have collections of pictures and sculptures as well as objects and paintings from my parents’ house.”
4 Mirrors: “Mirrors are a wonderful way of adding glamour to a room, and of course they create the impression of space too. I don’t think you can have too many.”
5 Magnifying glasses: “Decorative and practical, I love magnifying glasses. They’re useful for when I’m designing and look intriguing, lending a sense of antiquity to a room. You can source beautiful vintage ornamental ones as well.”
Those of Scottish heritage, or who hold an appreciation for its history, will no doubt have 25 January marked out to celebrate the birthday of famed Scotch poet Robert Burns. Read on to learn why Scotland’s Bard is so well-loved.
The Italian Renaissance didn’t just transform Italy, it cast a spell over London too. Even Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled over England and Ireland during this great period of growth, embraced the fascination, calling herself demi Italienne, or “half Italian”. Today, in certain pockets of the capital, the artistic, intellectual, and architectural influence of Renaissance Italy can still be felt.
With its lively festivals, world-renowned galleries and museums, and thriving food scene, Munich is one of Germany’s most culturally rich cities. Sometimes hailed ‘the most northerly city in Italy’, the Bavarian capital is known for its readiness to embrace a Mediterranean lifestyle the moment the sun appears, its appreciation for Italian art and architecture, and its year-round love of Italian cuisine.
