Italian Tradition

Looking back on my early buying trips to Italy, it’s clear how much those days shaped the way I see and collect. The architecture, antiques, and art were unforgettable—but so were the people and their hospitality. And of course, the food. There was an ease to daily life: artisans working quietly in their studios, families lingering outdoors for hours, and meals that weren’t rushed.

What stayed with me most was the strength and style of the objects themselves—antiquities designed to endure, often built from stone and wood, meant to weather time rather than resist it. Beautiful, bold, and grounded.

Axel Vervoordt was brought in to design a Venetian home on the Grand Canal, restoring its original character while introducing subtle contemporary additions.

He decorated carefully—solid color, simple objects, and nothing excessive—so your attention lands on proportion, texture, and the quiet strength of the pieces.

The bedroom is simple, with a strong contrast of linens and dark wood. Notice the minimal wall art, and just two small pots on the chest—enough to give the room life without taking over.

You can view more inventory at leestanton.com