From Left – Right: The Florim Crew at LAX Airport | Nina & I on the plane ready for take-off | The crew on the 2nd leg of our trip

Stepping into the vibrant city of Milan, I knew this adventure would be extraordinary. Our group, united by the spirit of curiosity and camaraderie, set forth to Bologna on a luxurious bus, where we were greeted by the UNA Hotel Bologna Centro. The warm embrace of the gracious staff welcomed us with a splendid dinner, setting the stage for a week of unforgettable delights.

From Left – Right: Arriving in Milan | Milan Airport | Our Lovely Driver for our entire Italy trip

In the heart of Bologna, we embarked on a mesmerizing walking tour, guided by a knowledgeable Florim expert. The city’s charming architecture beckoned us to uncover its secrets, and amidst historic cobblestone streets, we shared laughter and forged deep connections. Later, we savored a delectable lunch in Imola before venturing to the awe-inspiring Florim Factory in Mordano. Inside, we were captivated by the impeccable craftsmanship and sustainability practices that define this industry leader.

Returning to our hotel in Fiorano, we indulged in an enchanting rooftop aperitif, where the setting sun painted the sky in hues of gold. The evening concluded with an exquisite dinner at our hotel, leaving us spellbound by the perfect harmony of flavors.

From Left – Right: Bologna Canal | Enjoying Bologna with Rob Glass & Jeanne Chang | Keeping warm in a quaint coffee shop with the whole crew | Florim Factory | Florim Factory | The crew on the Rooftop Terrace of our Hotel

Day three was a journey into the heart of Florim as we explored their Fiorano headquarters. This day was an immersive experience, revealing the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence and social responsibility. Witnessing their meaningful contributions to local hospitals left us in awe, while the exclusive preview of their new slabs collection ignited our creative spirits. The Florim Gallery, a treasure trove of artistic marvels, filled our souls with wonder and inspiration.

From Left – Right: Sarit Saruri at the Florim Factory Lobby in Modena | The entire crew in front of Florim’s Sign by the factory | The crew at the Florim Factory | The crew at the Florim Factory | The Florim Factory Staircase | Florim Factory Architecture | Florim Showroom Vignette | Florim Showroom Vignette

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we found ourselves in Modena, savoring Aperitifs in the enchanting Piazza Grande, framed by the majestic Duomo and Ghirlandina Tower. Dinner at the delightful Oreste restaurant was a culinary masterpiece, elevated by the company of Lorenzo Cascino, the VP of Florim in California.

From Left – Right: The crew on our way to the heart of Modena | The crew in front of the Duomo in Modena | Welcome note in Modena | Ellada Mesveliani, Lorenzo Cascino, Myself & Shila Saruri at our Dinner in Modena

Day four marked our arrival in the magical city of Venice, where we were transported to a world of timeless beauty and allure. The journey through Venice’s labyrinthine canals, courtesy of a captivating taxi boat tour, was an experience like no other. Gliding along the glistening waters, we were treated to breathtaking vistas of palaces, bridges, and quaint alleyways, all encapsulating the city’s ethereal charm.

From Left – Right: The beautiful sights of Venice

Our next stop was the Peggy Guggenheim Private Residence Museum, an artistic treasure trove that showcased an exceptional collection of modern art. As we strolled through the intimate halls, we were privy to masterpieces by iconic artists such as Picasso, Pollock, and Ernst. The personal touch of Peggy Guggenheim’s curation made the experience even more intimate and profound, leaving us in awe of the creative genius that graced these walls.

As the sun began its descent, we gathered on the Guggenheim Rooftop Terrace for Aperitifs, where the Venetian skyline unfolded before us in a mesmerizing spectacle. The city’s iconic landmarks, including the graceful dome of Santa Maria della Salute, provided a stunning backdrop to our convivial celebration. With the soft light of the setting sun casting a golden glow, we raised our glasses to the beauty that surrounded us, a moment of pure magic in the heart of Venice.

From Left – Right: The statue at the entry of the Peggy Guggenheim Museum | Sarit Saruri at the Guggenheim Museum next to a Picasso Painting | The whole crew saying cheers on the Guggenheim Museum Rooftop Terrace | Venice Canals at night

Our enchanting evening culminated in a culinary symphony at the Michelin Star restaurant Antinoo’s Lounge & Restaurant, nestled within the illustrious Centurian Palace Hotel. With a refined menu that celebrated the culinary traditions of the Venetian region, each dish was an exquisite work of art. The ambience of the restaurant, set against the backdrop of the serene canal, added an extra layer of sophistication to the dining experience. Amidst lively conversations and the clinking of glasses, we savored every moment, savoring the culinary delights that Venice had to offer.

From Left – Right: The ladies of Venice | Canal views from the Centurian Palace Hotel | Shila Saruri & I at Dinner | Hugging a venetian light pole by the Canal

The fifth day of our adventure was highly anticipated as we made our way to the Salone Del Mobile in Milan. This grand event is renowned worldwide for its celebration of design, innovation, and cutting-edge creativity in the realm of interiors. The exhibition hall buzzed with excitement and energy, a true playground for design enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

As we stepped into the Salone, we were immediately drawn to Florim’s booth, a breathtaking showcase of their latest porcelain slabs and tiles. The booth exuded elegance and sophistication, captivating visitors with its artistic displays and meticulous attention to detail. As we wandered through the exhibit, we were immersed in a world of design inspiration, where art and architecture merged seamlessly.

Surrounded by a plethora of other extraordinary exhibits, we reveled in the diverse array of design perspectives and concepts on display. The creativity and ingenuity on exhibit filled us with awe and wonder, igniting our own creative sparks.

From Left – Right: Salone del Mobile 2023 | Florim Salone del Mobile Booth | Sarit Saruri at Florim Salone del Mobile Booth | Florim Salone del Mobile Booth |

As the sun began to set, our group made its way to the much-awaited Florim Flagship Store Party—an evening of sheer opulence and refinement. The store itself was a haven of beauty, showcasing Florim’s products in the most creative and exquisite ways. Mingling with like-minded individuals from the design world, we exchanged stories, ideas, and visions, forging connections that would extend beyond this memorable event.

As the party drew to a close, our group found itself spontaneously united for another memorable experience. We embarked on an impromptu adventure to behold Milan’s iconic Duomo at night. The cathedral, adorned with dazzling lights, took on an otherworldly aura, captivating us with its majesty and splendor. Under the starlit sky, we stood in silent admiration, feeling the weight of history and marveling at the timeless beauty that transcended generations.

The night concluded with a sense of awe and wonder, as we returned to our accommodations, hearts brimming with gratitude for the extraordinary experiences shared throughout this dazzling Italian journey.

From Left – Right: Florim Milano Flagship Store | Jeanne Chang, Scott Harris, Nina Avetisova, Sarit Saruri, Dean Larkin, Shila Saruri and Elaine Morrison at Florim Flagship Store | Sarit Saruri, Scott Harris, Elaine Morrison, Richard Rotheberg, Lorenzo Cascino and Shila Saruri at Florim Flagship Store | Salone del Mobile Sign | Milano Duomo at night | Sarit Saruri in front of Milano Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II | Jeanne Chang & Sarit Saruri at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Our Italian escapade with Florim and California Homes Magazine was a testament to the power of art, innovation, and human connection. From the ethereal beauty of Venice to the design wonderland of the Salone Del Mobile, each moment of our journey was a treasure to cherish forever. The camaraderie, the laughter, the breathtaking sights, and the inspired creativity left an indelible mark on our souls.

As we bid farewell to Italy, we carried with us not only the memories of this extraordinary adventure but also the promise of more enchanted escapades in the world of design and beauty. For those who embark on a similar journey, they too will find themselves immersed in the splendor of Italy, embraced by its rich cultural heritage, and surrounded by the spirit of innovation that defines Florim and the design world at large.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Richard Rothenberg from California Homes Magazine for orchestrating this remarkable gathering of talented individuals, allowing us to embark on this unforgettable journey through Italy with Florim. His thoughtful curation brought together a group of like-minded individuals, making our adventure all the more enriching and enjoyable.

A special thanks goes to Lorenzo Cascino and the entire Florim family for their unwavering dedication and meticulous planning, ensuring that our experience surpassed all expectations. Their commitment to excellence and their genuine hospitality made every moment of our trip outstanding, beautiful, and truly memorable.