The traditions and history of Palermo
A contemporary sanctuary in the midst of one of the Mediterranean’s most authentic and historic cities
The streets of Palermo’s centre exude a particular charm that speaks of a glorious yet turbulent past. Every alleyway, monument and building bears an imprint of centuries of triumphs and defeats, of periods of splendour and moments of tragedy and despair. Palermo is a cultural melting pot, the home to civilisations ranging from the Greek to Arabs to Normans throughout its multi-layered history, each of which have an artistic legacy, and nowhere more so than the centre itself. Here, just a stone’s throw away from the majestic main cathedral, nestled among this kaleidoscope of artistic influences is a historic palazzo that has undergone a Salvatori makeover.
The cathedral with its wonderful mix of architectural styles looms beyond the full-height windows of the study. It would be easy to while away the hours admiring its iconic dome as you sit in your Flirt chair, your arms perhaps resting lightly on the table that forms part of this retro set, designed by Luca Nichetto.
Both the two chairs and table are crafted in highest-quality leather and this inspired choice of material combines with the curved design of the seat back to deliver supreme comfort. The small circular table is a whimsical and ingenious piece of design, with a top that can be reversed to reveal a chessboard embossed on the dark brown leather.
If you can tear your eyes away from the tantalising panorama of Palermo or the intriguing battle of chess, you will be rewarded with yet more aesthetic rewards. The floor in the warm pale tones of honed Travertine provides the perfect link between the ochre colours of the city, tones which are repeated in the Koushi storage unit. Designed by Kengo Kuma, this versatile modular solution can be adapted for use as a bookshelf, room divider or bathroom vanity unit. The possibilities are as varied and fascinating as the maze of streets of the city itself.
There you can wander to your heart’s delight, visiting imposing landmarks such as the Royal Palace and Capuchin Catacombs or darting among the authentic markets of famous quarters such as Ballarò and Vucciria. Here you’ll find a cacophony of sound as the stall holders shout out their wares and tempt you with local delicacies including, of course, arancini, delicious fried and stuff rice balls.
A day among the streets of Palermo is immensely fascinating and stimulating, but it can also be an assault on the senses, so the perfect antidote is returning to a relaxing haven of contemporary design where you can soak up the beauty and peace of your surroundings.
And what better way to relax than a refreshing shower in your gorgeous bathroom? The creamy tones of Crema d’Orcia limestone in honed and Rain textures create a soothing atmosphere that runs through to the oversize walk-in wet room where a ceiling-mounted shower rose with matching stone insert creates a compelling focal point. In the ante-room, we find another example of Koushi, here in a vanity configuration in wood and Crema d’Orcia, once again demonstrating its versatility and capacity to provide a practical solution that melds perfectly with its environment.
Those who prefer a darker, moodier bathroom will also find their perfect sanctuary. The guest bathroom showcases the near-black tones of Pietra d’Avola in honed and Raw, creating the ideal canvas for a stylish basin and top combination from the new Punto collection by Yabu Pushelberg.
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