We research some hotels in advance. Others, are found by chance. When the Florence Biennale travel agent billeted me at the Hotel Cellai, I didn’t know what to expect, but ended up being surprised and delighted. This boutique hotel, I think, might enhance any arts enthusiast’s visit to Florence—epitomizes the Florentine spirit and its evolution.
Originally, a small bed and breakfast, the premise has been in the Carvallo family for three generations—passing from grandmother to daughter to son. Francesco, the current owner/manger credits his three decades of "international renaissance education" with strongly influencing his hotel’s remodeling and expansion. The Cellai now has 70 rooms, and is brimming with artwork, ornaments, fine furnishings, and old-world charm. Each room is different from the next and the lounge areas are comfortable and intriguing. Magazines and books are are in key locations throughout, opened on pages with special quotes, images and articles. Also, various contemporary artists’ canvases are exhibited on a rotating basis in a living room area.
Although the hotel looks complete the way it is, Carvallo is in the process of adding three more common areas: a billiard room (with a purple-clothed table). Geometry is one of this designer’s passions, and the room’s intention will be to give a sense of the "forces of the universe." The second addition will be a "love room"—one that’s not really intended for use, but to be viewed as an installation of sorts, built around a red velvet sofa (from a 1890 - 1905 "pleasure house"). "It cost a fortune," Carvallo admitted, reminding that people will be looking at it, not sitting on it. There’ll also be special mirrors (from another "pleasure house"). Finally, there’ll be Libertine prints, showing people flirting. The third, and final, new space, will be a wine bar with books and silk curtains. 20th century style will be set off to advantage here, with black and white photos from 1920 - 1970 being an important decoration (from Carvallo’s extensive personal collection).
Interior design, according to Carvallo, is like "a medicine" for him. His own home celebrates the 1940s - 60s, but has paintings from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries as well. Carvallo especially loves still-lives from the nineteenth century that have dark backgrounds and Italian origins—mostly from Florence and Naples.
Carvallo appears a modest and diligent man, and blushes when telling that his interior designs have been featured in niche magazines. He is also very excited about another space, adjacent to the hotel, that is also nearing completion. It is to be called the "Spazio Bianco" (White Space). This is where his designs will have a chance to leap into the contemporary world (beyond the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries). He loves the idea of covering centuries, room by room, as he has done so far. The "Spazio Bianco" (White Space), as its name indicates, will be totally white and have a wooden floor, also painted white. Carvallo is particularly looking forward to creating special effects in there. The simplicity of the decor, he thinks, will offer unique possibilities, like to change the color of the air.
The event space/gallery is 150 square meters, and will be the hotel’s cinema, if there’s no special event or exhibition happening. Carvallo plans to show Italian black and white movies from 1948 - 1968 (from his personal collection). He’s also looking forward to playing there once a week, with his band, "The Pink Freuds." Carvallo is the vocalist. In the band, there’s vocal, piano, guitar, electric guitar, and drum. Apart from a female lawyer, all the other band members are male—and professionals with significant day jobs: an architect, economist, town planner, and geologist (responsible for Florence’s public water systems).
Carvallo’s attention to detail shows everywhere, and not least in his agenda for the event space/gallery. The product line "San Zanobi" (local oils and wines) will be available for tastings. Then, once a month, vintage dresses will be shown, from a flee market close by. And, there’ll be a salon-type atmosphere with literary readings and art shows. Carvallo is "connected," so the offerings are guaranteed to be interesting! Cecco Mariniello, the number one (and reclusive) Italian childrens’ book illustrator is the Cellai’s postcard designer—and, right now, these postcards are "giveaways"!
Carvallo doesn’t have a secretary, and says he makes all his own decisions and designs. His days are long and guests catch him fluffing cushions early morning, or with papers all over his desk well into the evening. In the day, he drifts in and out, covered in dust from construction. Carvallo explains how, in Italy, "Everyone wants to change things themselves, and put in their soul…and then there’s Italian mothers who ‘kill’ Italian boys…" His own mother, at 83, went paragliding in Florida recently, and his father lived a healthy life until his passing at 90. Carvallo’s mother still helps out at the Cellai, and he says he’s appreciative of that. "Traditionally, Italian men talk but don’t do. Women do…," he stresses. Carvallo might just be an exception to his own rule!
Carvallo is hoping to open all his new additions this spring. Then, he’s planning to start selling artifacts that he’s collected, as well as artworks from displays.
