Home Interior: Venice

Showing posts with label Venice. Show all posts

Venice - The Old and The New

<a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="760" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBIBL9NHI/AAAAAAAAFBI/AYUhoU_i5LE/image3%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" width="533" /></a> The Old I just had to share a few examples of the contemporary Architecture in the amazing city of Venice....the city where everyone goes to feast their eyes on antiquity. My visit to Venice was part of a course of study on <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2008/06/ferrara-italy-university-of.html" target="_blank">"Contemporary Italian Architecture".</a> On this visit I had a chance to see a slightly different view of Venice. The New:"Casa delle Zattere"The building below <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignazio_Gardella" target="_blank">"Casa delle Zattere"</a> was designed in 1953 by architect <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignazio_Gardella" target="_blank">Ignazio Gardella</a>. Building a new structure in Venice has always presented a stylistic dilemma; how could one ever hope to design a modern building that was compatible with the prevailing styles. <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Venice Day 1 156" border="0" height="403" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBIjrohWI/AAAAAAAAFBM/cD0rjfo6JpM/Venice%20Day%201%20156.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" width="303" /></a> <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Venice Day 1 159" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBI9_JJuI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/uSkRemnzes8/Venice%20Day%201%20159.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" width="184" /></a> <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Venice Day 1 157" border="0" height="396" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBJFNFD0I/AAAAAAAAFBU/gA5DeDlrRrA/Venice%20Day%201%20157%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" width="298" /></a> Details of windows of the "Casa delle Zattere" This design might be thought of as a new gothic palace, a modern building rendered with a veneer of subtle gothicising detail. The stone base, the window frames and sills, balustrades, chimneys, doorways and corners are all designed to make reference to 13th century details and ideas. Along the canal, the 6 story high façade is detailed to fit comfortably with buildings to either side. The traditional Palace elements of base, piano nobile, attic, and roof are expressed within the context of a typical medieval Venetian courtyard house. The Architect, Gardella also used traditional Venetian building materials to help this building blend seamlessly into its surroundings. Today the home is occupied by the Cipriani family of the famed <a href="http://www.hotelcipriani.com/web/ocip/ocip_a2a_home.jsp" target="_blank">Cipriani Hotel</a>.<a href="http://housingprototypes.org/images/zattare_02.jpg"><img alt="Image of Zattere ..." height="336" src="http://housingprototypes.org/images/zattare_02.jpg" width="542" /></a>Casa delle Zattere as seen from across the canal <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBJZ1e63I/AAAAAAAAFBY/LYu2FraZ-jw/s1600-h/VeniceDay11644.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 164" border="0" height="419" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBJ99f6iI/AAAAAAAAFBc/vwHPBXFyOao/VeniceDay1164_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="557" /></a> This is a detail of the Casa delle Zattere and the adjoining Medieval church. Notice how the cornice details were carried through from the church to the new building, helping the contemporary structure to seamlessly blend to the ancient structure. Olivetti ShowroomBelow are details of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivetti" target="_blank">Olivetti</a> Company showroom store designed by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlo_Scarpa" target="_blank">Carlo Scarpa</a> 1957-1958 located in San Marco Plaza 101 . Carlo Scarpa paid great attention to detail, often using several different materials simultaneously. He explored tiny universes, studying the relationships among all the elements involved without losing sight of the project as a whole. This store is a virtual feast for the eyes. I could have spent several more hours there discovering all the details. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to take pictures, but just happened to snap these from the outside. The store has been sold and is now occupied by an Art Gallery. It is a shame because they haven't done much to preserve the integrity of the original design. But it was still very worthwhile to visit and I found it very inspiring. Olivetti was very good in sponsoring and fostering the arts and were ahead of their time in being innovative. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBKKypkmI/AAAAAAAAFBg/jXAfwqKwVgg/s1600-h/VeniceDay11867.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 186" border="0" height="379" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBKUmuwUI/AAAAAAAAFBk/tnkkn70-yVI/VeniceDay1186_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="503" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBK5p3u4I/AAAAAAAAFBo/pXdbcooU2dQ/s1600-h/VeniceDay11832.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 183" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBLbAIpWI/AAAAAAAAFBs/DSG3I1zOpv0/VeniceDay1183_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="244" /></a>Close-up of the hand laid mosaic floor made of Murrine. Murrine are sliced pieces of candle-layered Murano-glass used to make the internal ornamentation of millefiori glass-paperweights." <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBLnY8BkI/AAAAAAAAFBw/C-k7PIuNtSU/s1600-h/VeniceDay11826.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 182" border="0" height="502" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBMCrktVI/AAAAAAAAFB0/dss3vrGfKAY/VeniceDay1182_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="377" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBMdx1VUI/AAAAAAAAFB4/jSA9LxL4nrI/s1600-h/VeniceDay11855.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 185" border="0" height="500" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBMsE19QI/AAAAAAAAFB8/JR2oboJaY-8/VeniceDay1185_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="375" /></a> Left Window detail in brass Brass / Right Fountain detail Querini Stampalia Garden <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlo_Scarpa" target="_blank">Carlo Scarpa</a> (1906-1978) is an architect whose development draws on deep roots in the Veneto region, and on traditional forms and construction methods. He is the same architect that designed the Olivetti Showroom above. Galleria <a href="http://www.studiocleo.com/gallerie/scarpa/querini.html" target="_blank">Querini Stampalia</a>, (1961-1963) is the restoration of the ground-floor of an old Venetian palace with the integration of a garden that is used as a gallery and exhibition space. Again, as in the Olivetti showroom, the attention to detail was outstanding. I was fortunate to visit the garden late on a Sunday afternoon and was the only person there. I had the advantage of being able to view the garden in its entirety unobstructed, and plenty of time to savour the details. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBNGOIBBI/AAAAAAAAFCA/KA82nJra6oY/s1600-h/VeniceDay20723.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 072" border="0" height="300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBNdasLsI/AAAAAAAAFCE/bnyiNjqr4kM/VeniceDay2072_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="398" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBNpBk5XI/AAAAAAAAFCI/Ch3R0TlxTr0/s1600-h/VeniceDay21514.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 151" border="0" height="472" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBOL28xxI/AAAAAAAAFCM/NmjOUaigJKk/VeniceDay2151_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="629" /></a> The building was a former Palace and this is the entry via Gondola. Scarpa designed the new metal doors.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBObYGgHI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/zy2ZU9sgacA/s1600-h/VeniceDay20843.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 084" border="0" height="357" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBOwFLdDI/AAAAAAAAFCU/uEqm4j2RLTc/VeniceDay2084_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="269" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBPH5XNfI/AAAAAAAAFCY/sQkZ73_KSJs/s1600-h/VeniceDay20984.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 098" border="0" height="360" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBPXp80VI/AAAAAAAAFCc/p910eRgOeDA/VeniceDay2098_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="479" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBP6GsJII/AAAAAAAAFCg/7ai76Agmu3M/s1600-h/VeniceDay20885.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 088" border="0" height="355" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBQDJIMQI/AAAAAAAAFCk/lZUmApz8hQk/VeniceDay2088_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="471" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBQXRI2KI/AAAAAAAAFCo/MGhUjlTCPhI/s1600-h/VeniceDay20783.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 078" border="0" height="380" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBQncN2PI/AAAAAAAAFCw/VRIg2JXhuDE/VeniceDay2078_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="286" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBRDBL_RI/AAAAAAAAFC0/dlLZEhRfZ9E/s1600-h/VeniceDay21003.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBRs4vL-I/AAAAAAAAFC4/fM7KOBOhrZs/s1600-h/VeniceDay21034.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 103" border="0" height="422" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBR7-VHeI/AAAAAAAAFC8/l_laGOGcBh8/VeniceDay2103_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="317" /></a><img alt="Venice Day 2 100" border="0" height="330" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBSHCZLpI/AAAAAAAAFDA/3k3WBnZyHkA/VeniceDay2100_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="439" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBShz9RbI/AAAAAAAAFDE/wZcOhEg3NKg/s1600-h/VeniceDay21233.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 123" border="0" height="290" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBS7aKGwI/AAAAAAAAFDI/Y5YcGjZZqlM/VeniceDay2123_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="385" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBTKK1RGI/AAAAAAAAFDM/dSe1XhFbfIw/s1600-h/VeniceDay21075.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 107" border="0" height="472" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBTWt6ZBI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/9tawp4QzOZo/VeniceDay2107_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="355" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBT6dWJ3I/AAAAAAAAFDU/Z9Zi6wMm7zI/s1600-h/VeniceDay20853.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 085" border="0" height="425" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBUML97nI/AAAAAAAAFDY/G5y1ReQoars/VeniceDay2085_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="565" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBUe9o3JI/AAAAAAAAFDc/NSzMCEOhno4/s1600-h/VeniceDay20966.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 096" border="0" height="746" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBUoABC4I/AAAAAAAAFDg/ZimYd1rs9fw/VeniceDay2096_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="561" /></a> <a href="http://monaco.hotelinvenice.com/overview.html?source=-hotel+monaco+venice" target="_blank">Hotel Monaco</a> Renovation I was very excited to see the new renovation of the <a href="http://monaco.hotelinvenice.com/overview.html?source=-hotel+monaco+venice" target="_blank">Hotel Monaco</a> as there has been some controversy surrounding it. One part of the <a href="http://monaco.hotelinvenice.com/overview.html?source=-hotel+monaco+venice" target="_blank">Hotel</a> remains intact in the traditional decor and the other part, being the entry off the side walkway and the Reception, have a new very glamorous modern look. I found the juxtaposition of the old with the new to be very fresh and well done. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBVOvHDbI/AAAAAAAAFDk/wtUCFQIIYH0/s1600-h/image45.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="188" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBVSP4a7I/AAAAAAAAFDo/EoNY_AZWYjo/image_thumb25.png?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBV7xzn8I/AAAAAAAAFDs/wp77AYvGtTg/s1600-h/image46.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="501" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBW3ybyZI/AAAAAAAAFDw/2eEoLFtbDA8/image_thumb26.png?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="418" /></a> New mosaic panel and large scale lamps. Notice the beautiful terrazzo floors throughout. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBXUlR0II/AAAAAAAAFD0/NlCltZjIlvY/s1600-h/image50.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="410" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBYGMc0VI/AAAAAAAAFD4/oJ0z84D5M-8/image_thumb30.png?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="435" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBY60NDLI/AAAAAAAAFD8/Xzs19SdsxTQ/s1600-h/image49.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="457" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBZZON3iI/AAAAAAAAFEA/5oX8pY5umiE/image_thumb29.png?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="310" /></a> Left is a large scale new mosaic panel that serves to separate the new covered interior courtyard from the Reception. Right The elevator vestibule was a old Venetian canal scene reproduced on glass and backlit. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBZnrfC1I/AAAAAAAAFEE/7UiSVZ1bdIA/s1600-h/VeniceDay21634.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 163" border="0" height="533" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBZ8k01UI/AAAAAAAAFEI/ObFWAKkIxO0/VeniceDay2163_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="401" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBaPolk7I/AAAAAAAAFEM/XSMG5nksiuE/s1600-h/VeniceDay21683.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 168" border="0" height="372" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBafykcpI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/Rg-aiNxk4U4/VeniceDay2168_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="280" /></a> Stair details<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBazWmhhI/AAAAAAAAFEU/WSkn6KLoAwc/s1600-h/VeniceDay21713.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 171" border="0" height="276" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBbOpMa3I/AAAAAAAAFEY/N1cjzRfnp1g/VeniceDay2171_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="366" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBbTDZKHI/AAAAAAAAFEc/1mbOO0VpVo8/s1600-h/VeniceDay21703.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 170" border="0" height="334" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBbm7vf4I/AAAAAAAAFEg/Mhcj4WgCYSQ/VeniceDay2170_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="252" /></a> Suite entry doors. The bronze glass door knob was mounted in the center of the door....very cool. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBbyQI5qI/AAAAAAAAFEk/r79E9lK0-Zs/s1600-h/VeniceDay21813.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 181" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBcGmnFqI/AAAAAAAAFEo/VgYl7l1fdOQ/VeniceDay2181_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="291" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBcbP59nI/AAAAAAAAFEs/UPqU0QtKmo8/s1600-h/VeniceDay21783.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 178" border="0" height="254" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBch5oBoI/AAAAAAAAFEw/mtLDUTP1Hlc/VeniceDay2178_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="338" /></a> Public washrooms featured these Cararra marble sinks. The taps were motion activated. The Italians do bathrooms like no other country. They are employ more energy efficient techniques than are currently found in North America. For example most taps, even in homes are motion sensor operated. Toilets are dual flush- a small flush or a full flush. Lights are motion sensor operated, they turn on when someone enters the room and turn off when you leave. Paper products in bathrooms are kept to a minimum ( no toilet seat covers and no paper towels). <a href="http://www.bauerhotels.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Bauer</a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBczKFbUI/AAAAAAAAFE0/NRn1SzddVSc/s1600-h/VeniceDay21974.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 197" border="0" height="460" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBdX-JxxI/AAAAAAAAFE4/unSwBMbea7k/VeniceDay2197_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="346" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBdq7tJ3I/AAAAAAAAFE8/W7JIS2uBwEQ/s1600-h/VeniceDay22111.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 211" border="0" height="461" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBdweYVdI/AAAAAAAAFFA/jeDOyTJPTxI/VeniceDay2211_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="346" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYEMIny2fI/AAAAAAAAFGo/dJljM5oJ_iQ/s1600-h/VeniceDay22023.jpg"></a>Left The <a href="http://www.bauerhotels.com/" target="_blank">hotel</a> from the street Right The <a href="http://www.bauerhotels.com/" target="_blank">Hotel</a> from the Canal</a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYEMIny2fI/AAAAAAAAFGo/dJljM5oJ_iQ/s1600-h/VeniceDay22023.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 202" border="0" height="351" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBe1hzYCI/AAAAAAAAFFM/RDg4zaorlJQ/VeniceDay2202_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="467" /></a> Lobby Chairs covered in Reptile Leather <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBfA0ywMI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/tXtwGE0LB4Y/s1600-h/VeniceDay22055.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 205" border="0" height="358" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBfYKKAwI/AAAAAAAAFFU/Yue0aDkFjyY/VeniceDay2205_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="477" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBfqZI9oI/AAAAAAAAFFY/5a3sI4VMFG0/s1600-h/VeniceDay22044.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 204" border="0" height="359" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBfxZS9MI/AAAAAAAAFFc/_G5a5h76FSk/VeniceDay2204_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="271" /></a> Right Murano glass ceiling & wall sconces <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBgI5IBqI/AAAAAAAAFFg/eG-kfBA-HaQ/s1600-h/VeniceDay22073.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 207" border="0" height="340" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBgmV-DKI/AAAAAAAAFFo/x1jlZ1UTX2Y/VeniceDay2207_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="256" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBg7Qvq7I/AAAAAAAAFFs/PrybMTWfNt8/s1600-h/VeniceDay22083.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 208" border="0" height="338" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBhOmPyoI/AAAAAAAAFFw/TAT2gi3iHIs/VeniceDay2208_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="254" /></a> Table covered in Ostrich skin Window Shopping <a href="http://www.emiliopucci.com/" target="_blank">Emilio Pucci</a>, <a href="http://www.missoni.com/ing.html" target="_blank">Missoini</a>, <a href="http://www.bottegaveneta.com/" target="_blank">Bottega Veneta</a>, Hermes - they are all there....... <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBhSoRmkI/AAAAAAAAFF0/15D1Fk1s5gE/s1600-h/VeniceDay2188.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 188" border="0" height="635" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBhrMlFXI/AAAAAAAAFF4/Pj_XrqAuyuc/VeniceDay2188_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="478" /></a> You can’t mistake a Pucci print, which is iconically Italian. Since the late-1940s, when Italian skier and socialite Marchese <a href="http://www.emiliopucci.com/" target="_blank">Emilio Pucci</a> casually tried his hand at design, the brand has been synonymous with bold, brightly colored graphic patterns with a kaleidoscopic, slightly psychedelic feel. Pucci prints usually appear on clingy, stretchy fabrics, and are widely applied in every category—evening wear, ready-to-wear, swimwear, accessories, shoes and home décor; they have even been featured in the logo of the Apollo 15 space mission and the interior of a Ford Lincoln Continental. Vintage Pucci is highly collectible, but present designer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Lacroix" target="_blank">Christian LaCroix’s</a> more current designs—which use prints from the Pucci archive—are also in high-demand. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBh30YCmI/AAAAAAAAFF8/TISi8AmPsg4/s1600-h/VeniceDay21901.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 190" border="0" height="634" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBiZNAPgI/AAAAAAAAFGA/DFecGHlcHK0/VeniceDay2190_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="476" /></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missoni" target="_blank">Missoni</a> is an <a href="http://www.missoni.it/ing.html" target="_blank">Italian fashion</a> house based in Milan. It is famous for its unique knitwear, made from a variety of fabrics in colourful patterns. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBiv1NEMI/AAAAAAAAFGE/rXHbhhJXEkM/s1600-h/VeniceDay2191.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 191" border="0" height="640" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBi2PffEI/AAAAAAAAFGI/dom2e1yUHDw/VeniceDay2191_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="480" /></a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bottega_Veneta" target="_blank">Bottega Veneta</a> is a manufacturer of luxury leather goods, most famous for its Intrecciato line of woven leather. The company is based in the Veneto region of northeast Italy. A family firm founded in 1966, <a href="http://www.bottegaveneta.com/Collection/?folderId=df2b2ef3-8e21-4549-8bbb-51ade1d889af" target="_blank">Bottega Veneta</a> was bought by Gucci in 2001.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBjWUtpNI/AAAAAAAAFGM/gIdZsDjPsCw/s1600-h/VeniceDay2192.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 2 192" border="0" height="359" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBj3CgNKI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/CO-iPu1pkxM/VeniceDay2192_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="477" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBkaahkWI/AAAAAAAAFGU/b0yYeLLN5yU/s1600-h/image512.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="696" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLYBlTdZLZI/AAAAAAAAFGY/NdhlGS6UnpE/image51_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" width="474" /></a> <a href="http://usa.hermes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10202&catalogId=10052&langId=-1&categoryId=58003&leftCategoryId=58003&topCategoryId=58003&parentCategoryId=58003&nbItem=0" target="_blank">Hermes</a> was showing it's hot, new scarf traveling bag. Bellissimo!!See other articles on Venice:<a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2008/07/island-of-giudecca.html" title="The Island of Giudecca">The Island of Giudecca</a><a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2008/07/venice-bauer-palladio-hotel-spa.html" title="VENICE - Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa, Giudecca Island, Redentore">VENICE - Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa, Giudecca Island, Redentore</a><a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2008/07/venice-architecture-of-20th-century.html" target="_blank">Venice - Architecture of the 20th Century</a> Patricia Gray writes about Interior Design inspirations, emerging trends, and the world of Design. While you're here, <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/patriciagrayincblogspot">subscribe to this feed</a> so you don't miss out.

Venice - The Old and The New

The Old I just had to share a few examples of the contemporary Architecture in the amazing city of Venice....the city where everyone goes ...

6:38 PM

A Passion for Doors

Below is a collage of some photos of doors that I took on my recent trip to <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2008/07/venice-bauer-palladio-hotel-spa.html" target="_blank">Venice</a> and the <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2008/07/island-of-giudecca.html" target="_blank">Island of Giudecca</a>, which sparked the talented artist <a href="http://fififlowersdecor.blogspot.com/2008/08/grand-entrance.html" target="_blank">Fifi</a> to paint her rendition below. Well done Fifi!!! Check out her Blog Posting <a href="http://fififlowersdecor.blogspot.com/2008/08/grand-entrance.html" target="_blank">here</a> where she shows two more of my <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2008/07/island-of-giudecca.html" target="_blank">travel photos</a> rendered to perfection. As you all might know I have a passion for <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2008/07/florence-bellissimo-windows-and-doors.html" target="_blank">doors.</a> <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGxNtusOI4LKKRJGeMI-RTb9xzRk1wcY94T_X9UTK9WkRycIVlCoEh6ihlN6caC72uuj_f5QdgNMJBbN0xaVsk08JoOTcZwNySLKJmWMxu9aFKHjQ-4EglcVK33KrgEQFFsQ8Y7MuSF8/s400/doorphotcollage.JPG" width="591" /></a> <a href="http://fififlowersdecor.blogspot.com/2008/08/grand-entrance.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8ksp06cLFZm634ucMBIDmhvshSgmiGfvpauswYSYSrCalsYte-h3WKvZLTedz2wNCQxro8-A2DEbetTWq82nBDDeYtJ-djMAH-rqvga_y7KC84hGHPQYxkjBEfdn2B2oe45Jd5Xk7wE/s400/Italian+door+collage.JPG" title="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8ksp06cLFZm634ucMBIDmhvshSgmiGfvpauswYSYSrCalsYte-h3WKvZLTedz2wNCQxro8-A2DEbetTWq82nBDDeYtJ-djMAH-rqvga_y7KC84hGHPQYxkjBEfdn2B2oe45Jd5Xk7wE/s1600-h/Italian+door+collage.JPG" width="608" /></a> <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2008/08/feng-shui-and-your-front-door.html" target="_blank">"I love doors...</a> Front doors are the first impression the world has of your home and as the saying goes: You never get a second chance to make a first impression. <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2008/08/feng-shui-and-your-front-door.html" target="_blank">Patricia Gray</a> Patricia Gray writes about Interior Design inspirations, emerging trends, and the world of Design.  While you're here, <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/patriciagrayincblogspot">subscribe to this feed</a> so you don't miss out.

A Passion for Doors

Below is a collage of some photos of doors that I took on my recent trip to Venice and the Island of Giudecca , which sparked the talented ...

5:43 PM

The Island of Giudecca

<a href=" http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2008/07/island-of-giudecca.html" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="415" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SLHWKlLJv1I/AAAAAAAAE-A/k6fowXd2pdk/image151%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="290" /></a> A Special Hi to all of you from Venice.  I arrived on the Island of <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2008/07/venice-bauer-palladio-hotel-spa.html">Giudecca</a> on Saturday.  The yellow paper lanterns were lining the canal in anticipation of the annual fireworks that night called <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2008/07/venice-bauer-palladio-hotel-spa.html">Rendentore.</a>  My first stop on our all-day tour was the famous <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2008/07/venice-architecture-of-20th-century.html">Hilton Mulino Stucky</a>, that had an almost 360 degree view of Venice from the rooftop garden and pool.  <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2008/07/island-of-giudecca.html" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="355" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYoSQpsspI/AAAAAAAAE-E/idiTCs648nI/image6%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="436" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYoUDAYLfI/AAAAAAAAEsU/tqG80YTPqIQ/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20013%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 013" border="0" height="353" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYoVu-sWtI/AAAAAAAAEsY/HDI_LMCiLsY/Venice%20Day%201%20013_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="266" /></a> The day was hot...34 degrees and 56 per cent humidity, but that didn't stop me from having my breath taken away by all the beauty surrounding me! <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYoW8pAXqI/AAAAAAAAEsc/R4XCYsPFoTA/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20019%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 019" border="0" height="377" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYoYHXzIbI/AAAAAAAAEsg/P--MYWHf_8M/Venice%20Day%201%20019_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="284" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYoZYwSWgI/AAAAAAAAEsk/ykt7s9bZxbY/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20021%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 021" border="0" height="307" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYoas8yCqI/AAAAAAAAEso/KwYKyO8M1uU/Venice%20Day%201%20021_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="408" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYobweX0vI/AAAAAAAAEss/cUQZxdv1XjQ/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20028%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 028" border="0" height="256" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYodkC-s0I/AAAAAAAAEsw/KRGo9l14wZQ/Venice%20Day%201%20028_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="340" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYofimXQTI/AAAAAAAAEs0/kGa4l_xONYs/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20026%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 026" border="0" height="262" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYohCjpEUI/AAAAAAAAEs4/xfKLpo1EJxA/Venice%20Day%201%20026_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="348" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYoipPM4SI/AAAAAAAAEs8/aYQH-qh_0Fo/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20151%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 151" border="0" height="520" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYoklJjZqI/AAAAAAAAEtA/OX5yYSEw3Ek/Venice%20Day%201%20151_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="691" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYomPNcbUI/AAAAAAAAEtE/-OdmJ786McI/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20018%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 018" border="0" height="453" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYonoETu9I/AAAAAAAAEtI/DrnvYAi_Vv8/Venice%20Day%201%20018_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="340" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYopbVqeXI/AAAAAAAAEtM/T8rBYis1_64/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20015%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 015" border="0" height="455" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYorBgOsNI/AAAAAAAAEtU/UeXgHueARtI/Venice%20Day%201%20015_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="342" /></a> A view down one of the interior canals on Giudecca (left) A view of the promenade (right) <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYos07dVgI/AAAAAAAAEtY/Oq33vCo1ozA/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20029%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 029" border="0" height="336" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYovlxVyAI/AAAAAAAAEtc/L_l9mGO19XA/Venice%20Day%201%20029_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="446" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYoxX6SocI/AAAAAAAAEtg/AY58X0_Xp0M/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20031%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 031" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYoyzYre8I/AAAAAAAAEtk/hXwFGP-oeYw/Venice%20Day%201%20031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="244" /></a> This was an espaliered vine that covered a marble wall on the roof top of the Mulino Stucky  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYo2rC4szI/AAAAAAAAEto/8ZdCuuzG0ro/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20043%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 043" border="0" height="518" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYo5NKUyoI/AAAAAAAAEts/XPo-3eFoZrI/Venice%20Day%201%20043_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="689" /></a> A type of bean ever so gracefully opening out of the most delicate flower <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYo63Im3vI/AAAAAAAAEtw/ujpkPFJJ8Wo/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20014%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 014" border="0" height="523" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYo8ZXiGsI/AAAAAAAAEt0/0DoXCSFyNJw/Venice%20Day%201%20014_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="695" /></a> A view down one of the alleys.  There was a abundance of greenery and flowers almost everywhere. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYo-RinvxI/AAAAAAAAEt4/6bn5LrrGGaE/s1600-h/image%5B46%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="530" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYpA5Oj7OI/AAAAAAAAEt8/QE97cMvmxRE/image_thumb%5B28%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="340" /></a>   <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYpDSkFc8I/AAAAAAAAEuA/J_Lbx8-cRQA/s1600-h/image%5B17%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="382" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYpFsnYLcI/AAAAAAAAEuE/9FlvoSJ1UlE/image_thumb%5B9%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="340" /></a> The reflections of the sun on the water are so ethereal and cast a spell on you. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYpHA-aHfI/AAAAAAAAEuI/vwwwCugWfjw/s1600-h/image%5B47%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="581" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYpJmX-JCI/AAAAAAAAEuM/DEIea0P73T0/image_thumb%5B29%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="380" /></a>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYpWV6vQoI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/nwLxIcKdQTI/s1600-h/image%5B68%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="581" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYpZJP47XI/AAAAAAAAEuU/WbY3Jy0rn5U/image_thumb%5B33%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="303" /></a> A view from the window in the Mulino Stucky Hotel (left) The sunlight shining through a window in my Hotel (right) <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYpa2h-5lI/AAAAAAAAEuY/6QushU4Nf5w/s1600-h/image%5B126%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="659" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYpcmJzKnI/AAAAAAAAEuc/-CyCm2811Cg/image_thumb%5B82%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="397" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYpeelHnJI/AAAAAAAAEuk/zlW0xr5Hi-4/s1600-h/image%5B125%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="662" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYpg_3LKYI/AAAAAAAAEuo/HFQZTNk9CPM/image_thumb%5B81%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="286" /></a> The island of Giudecca is not a popular tourist destination.  It is mainly occupied by residents, so it was so pleasant to stroll the sidewalks next to the canals and the back alleys.  We virtually only saw the locals. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYpi7a8NBI/AAAAAAAAE-I/F9HDxomwIjY/s1600-h/image20%5B5%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="446" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYpmB98ykI/AAAAAAAAE-M/Cv1212MB4z8/image20_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="301" /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYrXPnoCuI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/XinbeRYM-u4/s1600-h/image115.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="447" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYpqgvP3aI/AAAAAAAAE-U/8gg_rL-M3eo/image28_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="362" /></a></a>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYrXPnoCuI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/XinbeRYM-u4/s1600-h/image115.png"></a> </a>    <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYpuvckNiI/AAAAAAAAE-c/-8RMnOXTzIA/s1600-h/image35%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="510" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYpx8YkHzI/AAAAAAAAE-g/m35S7B9Ojfc/image35_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="274" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYp0If1G6I/AAAAAAAAE-k/vT9t1Mrtvyo/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20154%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 154" border="0" height="508" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYp2o3cO2I/AAAAAAAAE-o/KwhBdmaqQAs/Venice%20Day%201%20154_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="382" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYp5bs1YyI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/Z7BjElGy3yQ/s1600-h/image%5B93%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="490" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYp8OZXvHI/AAAAAAAAEvU/S7h-fETZc4k/image_thumb%5B59%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="516" /></a>   A view across the lagoon to Venice taken from a cafe we stopped to have an espresso.   <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYp-ZU5ZWI/AAAAAAAAEvY/p0SBwP4arfA/s1600-h/image%5B114%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="538" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYqA8MyXaI/AAAAAAAAEvg/3Ed_fc9ypo8/image_thumb%5B72%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="362" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYqC0sNQjI/AAAAAAAAEvk/twYeiEt4tJ0/s1600-h/image%5B113%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="538" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYqF9Ri6dI/AAAAAAAAEvo/H-_AnmWj_C4/image_thumb%5B71%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="364" /></a> They even have graffiti, but I particularly was taken with the soft muted colors - so tasteful. (right photo) <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYqIUgdotI/AAAAAAAAEvs/iMLsQAO3cqs/s1600-h/image%5B102%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="508" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYqLFEffZI/AAAAAAAAEvw/a7_piCQgKCY/image_thumb%5B64%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="354" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYqNLPNyjI/AAAAAAAAEv0/AZ3bFvfMkd4/s1600-h/image%5B161%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="507" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYqPnJS7zI/AAAAAAAAEv4/Z2-KqtP4cL0/image_thumb%5B105%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="377" /></a>  The colors were vibrant <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYqRhev_3I/AAAAAAAAEv8/I-3QYEQEK0s/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20086%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 086" border="0" height="541" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYqTkpSC_I/AAAAAAAAEwA/_QXlPfHtZJM/Venice%20Day%201%20086_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="719" /></a> The flowers were magnificent.  The Venetians take such pride in their homes. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYqV89xT-I/AAAAAAAAEwE/94q97e3BCak/s1600-h/image%5B143%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="340" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYqYJR203I/AAAAAAAAEwI/VOxIuqONm_8/image_thumb%5B89%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="263" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYqa0ZqxaI/AAAAAAAAEwM/PldtaB6o9D4/s1600-h/image%5B144%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="350" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYqc5u72TI/AAAAAAAAEwQ/6VAxE3hiPzc/image_thumb%5B90%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="460" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYqewjBsnI/AAAAAAAAEwY/0fGciTYYezY/s1600-h/image%5B146%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="711" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYra6H0z4I/AAAAAAAAEwk/_w_BHhNkWZ8/image_thumb%5B92%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="425" /></a>  This was washing strung out to dry in the hot sun. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYrdapmu-I/AAAAAAAAEwo/ztQcjnhob4M/s1600-h/image%5B147%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="544" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYrgWtLjkI/AAAAAAAAEws/wasnTCKCMoM/image_thumb%5B93%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="299" /></a>  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYri5U2heI/AAAAAAAAEww/8QOzGyuKpzE/s1600-h/image%5B150%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="436" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYrluWlLII/AAAAAAAAEw0/IoR_Pj1uXQs/image_thumb%5B96%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="383" /></a> Doors and windows were so attractive <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYrnYABhHI/AAAAAAAAEw4/xR1DEt091wU/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20046%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 046" border="0" height="517" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYrp9mFP4I/AAAAAAAAEw8/jlF4nCYptW8/Venice%20Day%201%20046_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="689" /></a> Stairways over intersecting canals <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYrrxYAe8I/AAAAAAAAExA/p8Izkzbj7p4/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20050%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 050" border="0" height="460" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYrt4Dz2II/AAAAAAAAExE/_0pQ0uJeE-E/Venice%20Day%201%20050_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="345" /></a>  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYrvaGEolI/AAAAAAAAExI/-8fCM-vbhlE/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20051%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 051" border="0" height="462" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYrxajvYhI/AAAAAAAAExM/f5LQrO_xh-w/Venice%20Day%201%20051_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="348" /></a>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYrySIPHSI/AAAAAAAAExQ/RL8lhFnAXCU/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20060%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 060" border="0" height="563" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYrzlmyHUI/AAAAAAAAExU/2R_L4J6eiDg/Venice%20Day%201%20060_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="423" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYr1piXkJI/AAAAAAAAE-s/zfqKnehm6AY/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20077%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 077" border="0" height="427" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYr4ChB14I/AAAAAAAAE-w/iRjFq3MGFD8/Venice%20Day%201%20077_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="322" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYr5l0YieI/AAAAAAAAE-0/Ibc3MYndwGI/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20080%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 080" border="0" height="427" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYr7ez5UNI/AAAAAAAAE-4/cyYwnGYxuPI/Venice%20Day%201%20080_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" width="321" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYr8pWI9fI/AAAAAAAAExo/mNLSh8ojOgw/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20079%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 079" border="0" height="428" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYr-vaPSDI/AAAAAAAAExs/9Oc0E6ruhSQ/Venice%20Day%201%20079_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="322" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYr_-JZJYI/AAAAAAAAExw/rGdgLzHuKV0/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20083%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 083" border="0" height="428" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsCJePZnI/AAAAAAAAEx0/oyjNwwoTwUc/Venice%20Day%201%20083_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="322" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsD_cau_I/AAAAAAAAEx4/8g72glgU8HE/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20090%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 090" border="0" height="396" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsFjjWw8I/AAAAAAAAEx8/Qpa7_CWfYro/Venice%20Day%201%20090_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="526" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsHRdoM8I/AAAAAAAAEyA/7mRuMO14WZU/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20081%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 081" border="0" height="396" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsI67ZZ_I/AAAAAAAAEyE/qLaQ87Klnc4/Venice%20Day%201%20081_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="526" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsJ-gaUYI/AAAAAAAAEyI/j-8CkorLYaQ/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20114%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 114" border="0" height="513" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsKeGFa7I/AAAAAAAAEyM/B8JozLsxrnI/Venice%20Day%201%20114_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="386" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsL3J0wVI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/0_7VK8h8Cyk/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20124%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 124" border="0" height="310" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsM_IaEGI/AAAAAAAAEyU/EfrHlkdzT7g/Venice%20Day%201%20124_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="412" /></a> These were some contemporary housing projects we visited on the tour <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsNumUQgI/AAAAAAAAEyY/-TUOqv5RiSA/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20123%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 123" border="0" height="370" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsObQoWOI/AAAAAAAAEyc/U_Y4TW_ZwJ8/Venice%20Day%201%20123_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="492" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsPF20GtI/AAAAAAAAEyg/egppY6kxZEI/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20119%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 119" border="0" height="374" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsPpM9IWI/AAAAAAAAEyk/Vvb4prIJL-c/Venice%20Day%201%20119_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="497" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsQJQyP8I/AAAAAAAAEyo/J1Ml73lOEPI/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20136%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 136" border="0" height="432" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsQ_G4aOI/AAAAAAAAEys/Z3-zfLr1-_0/Venice%20Day%201%20136_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="325" /></a>  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsRj_dYNI/AAAAAAAAEyw/S8kYPeCBcCk/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20150%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 150" border="0" height="341" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsSJ-YUCI/AAAAAAAAEy4/tvHgwpb2_WI/Venice%20Day%201%20150_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="452" /></a> Fresh fish market that was setting up for the day  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsTByut0I/AAAAAAAAEy8/x5Dud9XHARY/s1600-h/Venice%20Day%201%20140%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="Venice Day 1 140" border="0" height="799" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/patriciagray1/SIYsTvnFimI/AAAAAAAAEzA/I-vgK8Fkh1M/Venice%20Day%201%20140_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" width="601" /></a> A delicate squash blossom   To be continued.............Ciao for now!!!!   Patricia Gray writes about Interior Design inspirations, emerging trends, and the world of Design.  While you're here, <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/patriciagrayincblogspot" target="_blank">subscribe to this feed</a> so you don't miss out.

The Island of Giudecca

A Special Hi to all of you from Venice. I arrived on the Island of Giudecca on Saturday. The yellow paper lanterns were lining the cana...

11:52 AM