Yes, it was love at first sight…

It all started in 2013. I, Anita, am a bit of a globetrotter and originally from Finland. Enchanted by the extraordinary beauty of Vasto, I had recently acquired a holiday apartment here (more about that in this video). And only four days prior I had sworn I would never look at another man again!

It was a boiling hot July morning, outside a Vasto Marina coffee shop. As always, I had popped in to get a coffee after the morning run. Umberto stopped me on my way out and said “buongiorno” - and the rest is history. 

Fast forward to 2019. Time to realize our next big dream together: create Palazzo Florio. 

The renovation work started in June 2019. As you can see, there was a bit more than just cosmetic work…Fortunately, Umberto had the technical skills to manage such a massive project so I could concentrate on the creative side. The first big task: design the interiors.

Art Nouveau was always my favorite style of architecture. Liberty was the Italian variant, and became an endless source of inspiration for designing the interiors. The style’s ambition was to turn everyday objects into works of art. In line with that, I wanted to create an extraordinary space which balances beauty and functionality. 

You can see the floral and ornamental influences in the ceramic tiles, doors, hand rails, bathroom and lighting fixtures, as well as the furniture. Finding and restoring the furniture was an adventure in itself, taking us to different parts of Abruzzo. 

The paintings and photography at Palazzo Florio are also my creations. They’re inspired by the sea in Vasto which occupies a special place in my heart.    

JUNE 26, 2020: the Grand Opening.

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