The Artisans

Born in Naples in 1954, Paolo studied architecture at the Politecnico in Milan, where he now lives and works. After a career as a photographer, he traveled to India in 1993 and lived there till 1999, founding I+I, a company that produces handmade pieces. He now continues experimenting both in photography and design, concentrating predominantly on the production of exquisite rugs and other objects in limited series characterized by an ethnic charm. These iconic pieces combine innovative technologies and the excellence of handcrafted artisanal methods.

Founded by Massimiliano Sernissi (called Leone) with daughters Simona and Valentina, Leone is one of the most important restoration workshops in Florence, frequented by collectors, antique dealers and museums. Leone specializes also in making frames and mirrors that are entirely hand crafted using techniques known since the 14th century and gilded with a gouache finish in pure gold. The most important museums in the world, among which the MET in New York, the Uffizi in Florence and the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg, display art framed in pieces made or restored by Leone.

The Saladini has been a family of master knife-makers since the 19th century operating in Scarperia, a small village by Florence known for its artisanal knife production since the early 14th century. This long tradition creates exquisite and unique pieces, made with the finest materials, attention to details, and meticulous handmade craftsmanship. Along with the traditional Tuscan knives, Saladini also produces pieces for the dining table, accesso-ries for the kitchen and other objects that combine functionality and creativity.

In 1939 the Bagnara family started producing household items, and began specializing in high-end pieces starting in 1973. In 1999 Giorgio Bagnara started producing leather goods under the name B. Home Interiors and changed its name to Giobagnara in 2014. Appointed as “the encyclopedia of luxury leather goods”, this brand epitomizes exquisitely crafted leather home décor items. These sophisticated and eclectic pieces of functioning design are hand crafted with the finest materials whose colors and finishes can also be completely customized.

This historical company was created in Milan in 1969 under the name of its founder, Rudi Rabitti. In 2015, GioBagnara acquired it and launched it with its new name that highlights its prestigious history and tradition. The fine leather used to craft these sophisticated pieces of design is dyed with vegetable pigments to create the iconic saddle leather with its characteristic genuine look and soft touch. These precious and functional objects will make everyday life special, enriching a home with exquisite charm.

Nuala Goodman is an Irish artist who divides her time between Dublin and Milan. She draws, paints, designs textiles, exhibits and occasionally curates for the Office of Public Works in Ireland. In the world of fashion and design she has worked with Ettore Sottsass, Atelier Mendini, and Alessi to name a few. She exhibited ‘Gardens’ at Palazzo Fortuny in Venice, reinterpreting Mariano Fortuny’s eclectic style in a contemporary way. Her work is also represented in the permanent collection of the Newman House and U2 offices in Dublin, as well as in numerous private collections. She is currently researching and making a series of textile tapestries.

Ilario Mingardo founded his blacksmith workshop in Monselice, near Padua, in 1970. Over the years, the company has collaborated with architects, starting with Carlo Scarpa, and important institutions such as the Museo del Novecento in Milan, Parco della Musica in Florence and the Teatro Petruzzelli in Bari. Forty years after the creation of the workshop, Ilario’s son, Daniele, started his own brand to combine exquisite craftsmanship with contemporary design. His pieces feature a minimalist approach and are all hand-wrought by a highly skilled team of specialized artisans.

Kristiina Lassus is a world-famous interior architect and product designer born in Finland. Since 1997, she has lived in Italy, where she developed her first product designs for Alessi, Poltronova and Zanotta. In 2007 she started designing high-end, hand-knotted rugs, inspired by her love for materials, colors, and nature and distinctive for their graceful design and rich personality. An entrepreneur and a designer, Lassus supervises the development of each piece from her workshop in Milan and she has won several international awards.

PB Studio Artigiano is a company that was born recently, although its proprietors have been working for years in the industry of interior design, accumulating artistic experiences and transferring then into exquisite objects of high quality with a rich aesthetic. The works at PB Studio Artigiano are produced entirely by hand. Driving the designs is a constant search for new shapes and precious materials and a commitment to remain true the tradition of Italian artisanal craftsmanship, creating pieces that carry the artisan's touch in their slight handmade imperfections.

Artist-artisan Daniela Poletti started Vetrofuso in 1992, after studying with German and American master artisans. Since its creation, this company has collaborated with world-famous brands, hotels, and restaurants, bringing to life Poletti’s magnificent creations. Mixing ancient glassmaking techniques and a modern spirit of research and experimentation, these pieces link past and future together, creating innovative design and unique color combinations.

Alberto Donà was born in Venice in 1944. He began working in the field of glass at the age of 13. He perfected his skills working with many masters and was heavily influenced by his experience at Nane Ferro, known in Murano as one of the best glass workshops in the world. In the 70s Donà opened his own workshop where he became known for his unique ability to invent colors in glass never before seen, as well as his use of innovative forms. Donà 's works have attracted attention from major companies and they have also been exhibited all over the world.

Established in 1976 in the northeastern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, La Cividina makes furniture pieces that are a perfect mix of functionality and aesthetic. Their distinctive designs, the use of artisanal methods and modern technologies, and the fine materials selected produce pieces that are timeless and long lasting. This brand has always had a special care for the global and local environment and is careful to use sustainable materials and techniques and to collaborate with local artisans whose expertise enriches these creations in every step of production.

Silvio Piattelli comes from a home furnishing and lighting background and is proficient in a multitude of medias like glass, marble, wood and ceramics. He has worked on projects with countless prestigious companies, designing at first universal hardware and then moving to more complex and innovative lighting fixtures. Two years ago, Silvio released his first solo collection, the Alchemist collection, specializing in fixtures that use glass and metals to diffuse light producing interesting reflections and retractions, and luxuriously illuminating spaces.

Larghevedute is based in Milan and has over 20 years of experience in crafting wallpaper hand-painted on paper or cotton canvas with unique designs that can be customized. The subjects, featuring both natural and abstract themes, are inspired by the superb centuries-old Italian drawing and painting tradition. The skilled artisans who make these exquisite pieces are passionate about their work and are constantly guided by a need for excellence, showing a deep knowledge of the materials they work with.

Alessio Elli is a designer and artist with a passion for glass and its many creative opportunities. After studying traditional techniques, Elli explored the digital direct printing technique, thanks to which he has developed his own unique and modern style. His pieces are characterized by a distinctive balance of shapes, light, and transparency and give natural accents to the environment they are placed in. Elli’s works have been shown in Italy and the United States. It has been awarded the prize "America Innovazione" assigned by the prestigious Fondazione Italia USA.

In 1970, Alberto Pinetti and his wife Ezia, founded a design and architecture atelier in Bergamo where they created sophisticated furniture for their home. In 1983 Pinetti became a company that, with the help of their two architect sons, Andrea and Lorenzo, opened up the family creations to a global market. These pieces, characterized by exquisite artisanal craftsmanship and constant research, can be seen in the most exclusive homes and boutique hotels in the world and received international awards, among which are Design Plus and Wallpaper Design.

Giuliano Tincani is an environmentalist, a designer, and an artisan on top of being the founder of the global lifestyle brand Tincani, manufacturing and distributing elegant home accessories and specializing in one-of-a-kind objects and customized pieces, each one designed and hand-crafted by Giuliano. Tincani pieces possess a particular refinement and sophistication and their extraordinary signature of placing natural minerals and lustrous metals side by side is unparalleled.

Bertrando di Renzo created Les Ottomans because of his love for Turkey, which he has explored extensively over the span of many years. The result is an exquisite home collection in which east and west, tradition and innovation come together. These sophisticated pillows, carpets and plates are both functional and elegantly decorative making a home warm and unique, thanks to their bright colors, their precious exotic fabrics and their rich textures. Our customers favorites: plates, cushions.

Lorenzo Franceschinis, born in Friuli in the north east of Italy, believes in genuine craftsmanship and has a passion for woodworking. After several years spent abroad, Franceschinis returned to his homeland in 2010. There he began to construct simple shapes, seeking for an opening through the soul of wood with which he creates a dialogue, breaching through traditional techniques, navigating through the material’s secrets and creating unique pieces that are a celebration of nature and art.

Inside the Tamborrino workshop, a unique aesthetic and design sensibility are expressed, taking inspiration from the simplicity and linearity that has characterized Italian design since the 50s. Their signature use of steel to create delicate furniture brings solidity, stability and lightness to interior design. Since their first laboratory opened in 1957, the company has expanded, mixing elements of industrial architecture with fine home décor creating distinctive collections praised for their dynamic and innovative ways of designing and manufacturing metal objects.