In Florence, the past is never far from the present, yet designing within the confines of a centuries-old palazzo requires far more than a passing appreciation for history. It demands a delicate balance of reverence and reinvention, a capability to listen to the whispers of bygone eras while speaking fluently in the design language of today. This intricate challenge was recently undertaken by designers Elena and Giulia Sella at Palazzo Sogni, a stunning new 30-room hotel situated just steps away from the iconic Duomo. Here, the sibling designers faced the monumental task of preserving precious Renaissance architecture and historic frescoes while seamlessly introducing their own distinct interior identity. Their thoughtful approach successfully brings together authentic Florentine craftsmanship, contemporary custom-built furniture, and a playful sense of discovery, utilizing the overarching concept of "dreaming" to physically and conceptually connect spaces throughout the property.
The magnificent building that houses Palazzo Sogni dates deep into the 16th century, originally forming a significant part of Palazzo Testa, which was meticulously constructed by the esteemed Martelli family. Among its most historically and culturally significant architectural features are a monumental nymphaeum complete with an ornate stone fountain traditionally attributed to the legendary sculptor Baccio Bandinelli, alongside historic frescoes spanning several centuries. These masterworks include celebrated pieces by Luigi Catani and Antonio Marini. The meticulous conservation process required delicate restoration work, including the careful removal of accumulated layers of paint to reveal original decorations that had remained hidden and forgotten for years. Rather than treating these fragile historic elements as mere decorative backdrops or passive museum pieces, the designers deliberately used them to actively inform and shape the new interiors.
"From the beginning, it was essential to preserve the character and soul of the palazzo," Elena and Giulia Sella explain, reflecting on their extensive restoration journey. Original ceiling frescoes were painstakingly restored by master conservators, while the grand marble flooring was authentically recreated to echo the building’s original sophisticated checkerboard pattern. These foundational historic elements are complemented by carefully considered contemporary additions, such as amber-toned mirrors, custom-designed furniture pieces, and richly textured fabrics, all developed in direct dialogue with the existing architecture.
This intricate relationship between the old and the new is particularly evident within the hotel’s 30 distinct rooms and suites, where no two interiors follow the same formula or design template. The historic frescoes found within each space informed individual color combinations and unique material selections, while the distinct proportions of each room determined furniture layouts and the inclusion of custom pieces such as plush chaise longues or dedicated seating areas. Lighting was approached with equal consideration and precision, featuring integrated architectural illumination designed to draw the eye toward delicate ceiling paintings, alongside dedicated fixtures specifically positioned to highlight wall frescoes.
The comprehensive color palette takes its atmospheric cues directly from the historic decorative schemes found throughout the building. Powder blue, which the designers intimately associate with the hotel’s overarching dreamlike concept, emerged as its signature shade, appearing gracefully throughout the reception areas, corridors, and the boutique. Complementary tones of mint green, blush pink, and ochre provide a harmonious balance, frequently paired with tactile surfaces like rich velvets, delicate silks, and warm metallic accents.
"We focused on materials that create richness through texture rather than excess," the designers explain. Certain textiles incorporate a subtly iridescent finish that introduces unexpected depth and movement into the rooms, while original lime-based wall finishes were preserved wherever structural integrity permitted. This careful combination allows contemporary furnishings to comfortably hold their own against elaborate historic architecture without ever competing for visual attention.
Rather than relying on existing commercial furniture collections, Elena and Giulia designed every single piece specifically for Palazzo Sogni, collaborating closely with specialized artisans and traditional workshops located directly in Florence and the surrounding region. The resulting bespoke collection includes sculptural wardrobes, dramatic four-poster beds, intricately upholstered headboards, elegant benches, comfortable armchairs, occasional tables, and custom lighting fixtures.
"One of the key ideas behind Palazzo Sogni was to create an interior identity that could only belong to this place," they explain. "Rather than sourcing existing products, we developed what we like to describe as a couture design collection: a bespoke language conceived for the hotel, where wonder, history, and contemporary design come together."
This strong emphasis on local production naturally extends to the property’s textiles. The hotel’s signature Floral Butterfly pattern was developed in close collaboration with Florence-area textile company Alessandro Bini, which set up a dedicated loom specifically to translate the intricate design into a silk-based jacquard featuring a distinctive texture and tactile relief. This bespoke fabric appears prominently on bed canopies, armchairs, and the interiors of custom wardrobes, while luxurious linens and terry collections supplied by renowned Italian manufacturer Rivolta Carmignani add yet another layer of traditional craftsmanship and comfort.
The custom design language also extends down to the smallest details, including the dining and room service tableware. Ginori 1735 reinterpreted its classic Antico Doccia collection exclusively for the hotel, rendering the porcelain in Palazzo Sogni’s signature powder blue and subtly incorporating the property’s recurring floral and butterfly motifs into the delicate ceramics.
One of the project’s most visually striking and unexpected materials is aged amber mirror, which is integrated throughout the interiors in inventive ways—appearing in bathrooms, within elevator cabins, and across larger architectural surfaces. Its reflective quality helps to visually lighten substantial historic volumes while simultaneously introducing a profound sense of warmth.
"It feels elegant and warm while visually lightening larger volumes through reflection," the designers explain. Repeated thoughtfully throughout the property, this specific material functions as a subtle visual thread connecting otherwise distinct spaces.
Beyond the guest rooms, the hotel’s Secret Garden centers dramatically on the historic nymphaeum and its stone fountain. A clear visual axis from the main entrance draws visitors naturally toward this central architectural feature, while plantings inspired by traditional Italian gardens, custom outdoor furnishings, and carefully positioned atmospheric lighting frame the serene space without ever overwhelming it.
"We wanted the nymphaeum to remain one of the strongest architectural moments of the property," the designers note. Their careful approach allows the historic fountain to retain its rightful prominence while giving the surrounding courtyard garden a softer, more contemporary character.
Elsewhere within the property, the hotel’s public spaces offer varied and immersive interpretations of its historic setting. Segreto, the signature restaurant, pairs botanical references with sweeping views of the courtyard garden, while La Sala della Musica carefully preserves the sophisticated atmosphere of a historic salon through original frescoes and refined contemporary furnishings. Above it all, the Sotto le Stelle rooftop terrace provides a much more open-air experience, offering panoramic views of Florence’s famous Duomo.
Not every intervention within the palazzo is entirely restrained, however. Unexpected touches, such as brass "Press for Champagne" buttons, introduce a delightful moment of lighthearted playfulness in the guest rooms, reflecting the designers’ keen interest in creating experiential moments that go far beyond the purely visual.
"Conservation was always the starting point, and every intervention was carefully designed not to interfere with the historic frescoes or architectural features," they conclude. "Within that framework, we wanted to introduce a stronger sense of experience and discovery."
Throughout Palazzo Sogni, the designers have successfully resisted the easy temptation to merely reproduce a traditional, predictable Florentine interior. Instead, they have forged a path where contemporary forms, custom craftsmanship, and historic ornamentation comfortably coexist, resulting in a destination hotel that draws deeply from the richness of the past without ever remaining confined by it.
