Today’s blog is a slightly more personal one for you all.

Unfortunately I had the task of heading to Italy recently for three weeks. You’re right, life is unfair. Of cause this was a work thing but it turned out to be so much more than that. It turned out to be a genuinely inspiring and influential trip that I would do again in half a heart beat.

Rome, Venice, Tuscany, Milan, Naples, Florence and Sienna all in one trip was a lot to take in for sure and I even managed a sneaky trip to see the ruins at Pompeii. Sheer bliss in a bottle…if I had a bottle that is.

It began with the riverside flower markets of Rome. What else can I say? One of the most architecturally beautiful river banks in the World is flanked with flowers, arts and crafts and local specialities all through July and some of August. The flowers were astonishing and so vibrant in colour. As I’ve said before, I like my brands and I’m definitely a high end consumer but it has to be said, there was something so humbling about touching, smelling and feeling such a huge abundance of flowers without the four walls or sense of occasion.

This is the everyday, no messing, great flowers do their own talking type of floristry and strolling down the river with a bunch of loosely handled beauties in one arm and my camera in the other I was becoming a big fan.

Next to the street sellers in Milan that design and create such beautiful arrangements on the spot to meet your requirements. I’ve never seen it done so fast and with such conviction! This is natural style at its best!

I really can’t say enough positive things bout it, the architecture, art and beauty is overwhelming both in the rolling hills of Tuscany and the hustle bustle of the major cities. I’ve come back a new and humble man!

Not to get soppy on you all (there will be no tears I promise!) but if you are feeling a little lack-luster of frustrated with the hum drum of life, then this really is the country to visit. I’ve come back all ready to sink my teeth back into work with a new understanding of the beauty of design in all aspect and how important it is to build mood and evoke feeling from those around you.

Hmmm…I’m going to go and make some homemade pizza and eat it with a glass of great Italian wine. You should do the same!