Sunday, July 13, 2008

Ciao J.K. Florence

Ever since the day I read about the boutique J.K. hotels on Style Court I have been absolutely obsessed with the idea of visiting. As luck would have it, I'm actually in Italy right now visiting Florence, Rome and Capri with my family! Although we couldn't afford to stay at J.K., I was completely determined to check it out and share it with you! So, this afternoon while my mom and sisters were viewing statues and paintings, I ventured out with a map and camera (and a giant ridiculous smile on my face) to Piazza Santa Maria Novella in search of J.K. Florence. I arrived at the doormat above and was buzzed in by a friendly employee named Patrick, to whom I shamelessly explained that I am head-over-heels in love with the hotel and would give anything to snoop around. He was kind enough to give me a tour. Here's what I found...

The entryway corridor leading to the reception library. (How gorgeous are those chairs!) The hotel's general manager Ori Kafri wanted to create a space that felt like home, as if his guests had always been there.

Opposite side of the hall

This is where guests check in! They can browse through hundreds of design, decorating and fashion books to take to their rooms, or read in one of the many chic lounge areas. An Eighties piece in tempera hangs above the Regency fireplace next to a lucite lamp.

Nineteenth century "men of letters" are represented in these plaster statues which were cast from an ancient collection.

This is the first of many lounge areas, which also has a gorgeous black bookcase filled with design titles.

A highlighted book selection under a soft pink chandelier. I love the eclectic yet highly calculated decor.

More sitting rooms and amazing books

Check out the architectural details! The hotel was designed by Florentine interior designer and architect Michele Bonan. I wish I could build a replica of this and move right on in...


Loving the flooring and color palette and artwork and flowers and furniture and doors and and and and ;)

Check out the reflection of the ceiling in this mirror!

This is the breakfast room, featuring a walnut table from the nineteenth century and Chinese style chairs designed by Michele Bonan, produced by Chelini.

I can't get enough of this built-in bar. Check out the nineteenth century copper lanterns reflected in the mirror! The space was originally an internal courtyard, which Bonan covered with a glass structure and added pietra serena flooring.

And there you have it. Isn't this place stunning?! As silly as this will definitely sound, I was honestly so awestruck that I was shaking a bit while taking it all in. I haven't been this inspired by a space since my domino days, and am so grateful that I was able to check it out in person. Hopefully on Friday I will have as much luck taking photos at the J.K. Capri, which looks like it could be even more spectacular! Can't wait to share my finds with you. Ciao bellas ;)

24 comments:

Robin said...

What a gorgeous space, it must be such a refreshing place for guests to return to after a long day of sightseeing or business. Thanks for sharing this, you know we are all living vicariously through you!

Style Court said...

Yes we are living vicariously through you this week Michelle! Thank you, thank you for sharing. Beautiful! And I love your enthusiasm!

Anonymous said...

Words are not enough for the goodness that was just in that post. Good grief. Thank you for sharing, you could have been selfish and kept all that goodness to yourself, but you shared! And I am soooooo grateful.

MABELLE said...

Haha thanks guys! I'm so glad you like it as much as I do! Ok time to go to sleep! (why on earth am I awake at 2:43 am?? cause i was excited about these pics!)
xo MA.

please sir said...

Amazing space - WOW - you are very lucky! I agree with Robin - living vicariously for sure.

Jessica Claire said...

UNREAL

like totally gorgeous and so jealous you got to see it in person- thanks for the pics!!

SimplyGrove said...

Wow, so stunning!!! If its this amazing in a photo i cant imagine what it is like in person. I would so shake too!!!

Suzy said...

It's amazing! I am so in love with that black library right now...

Jane said...

unbelieveably gorgeous. thanks for the peek inside.

thelovelist said...

Michelle you lucky duck! How beautiful! Also, how nice of them to take you through the hotel like that!

Sam Suttie said...

thanks for your the tour, what a stunning spot. I think the best bit for me has to be the library.
I would have to stay for weeks.

The Food Girls said...

Thanks for posting this! I've been yearning for a bit of Italy and this has tided me over until I can get the real thing! Wonderful photos! Thanks!

AphroChic said...

What a beautiful post! I love that there are similar people in the world who get excited over things like touring an amazing hotel. I can't wait to see Friday's post! Ciao.

Jen of MadeByGirl said...

This space is so GLAM, gotta love it.

Jen Ramos
'100% Recycled DESIGNER Cards & More'
www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

What a treat....I do so love blk and wht. and to see it in this venue....WOW! The thrill of seeing "fabulous" does make one shaky. I'm a little breathless just looking at this post. Thanks so much...Ginny

Mary said...

Oh no. Now I'm going to have to be obsessed, too.

Porchlight Interiors said...

You lucky, lucky girl!!! What a gorgeous post - thanks for showing us such gorgeous pictures all the way from Italy. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

Red River Interiors,LLC said...

This place is more amazing in person I'm sure but the pictures are great!!I love the details in the decor and the fabrics are organic and lovely....white is fresh...can't wait to see more... Fay

Anonymous said...

Lucky lady! Thanks for sharing -- this is great inspiration for my dining room dilemmas

Anonymous said...

Hi there! I’ve just been a big fan of your blog,it’s really interesting.I love the blog’s name,
Something that I am very inspired,which is really neat.

I live in Japan right now ,but I used to live in NewYork.

BTW,I wanted to know if you would like to do a link exchange with my blog,is so please contact me!

la la Lovely said...

Wow.. this is gorgeous! Thank you for the inspiration. I love your blog and am adding you to my blogroll!

Trina
la la Lovely

The Food Girls said...

Hey Michelle,
Stop by my blog when you get home. I just tagged ya.

Ursula

Paul Pincus said...

gorgeous! gorgeous! gorgeous!

i'm with style court re: your enthusiasm! it's totally infectious ; )

Unknown said...

You're so lucky to have stayed there! What an amazing place! I just did a post on it last month. I'm jealous! :)