palazzo strozzi bistrò by novembre studio celebrates the renaissance tradition in florence

shades of blue and ochre leather pair up with three crescent moon symbols, heraldic of the strozzi family.

lea zeitoun October 27, 2023 3 min

novembre studio’s Strozzi Bistrò in the palazzo courtyard

A project celebrating the Renaissance tradition comes to life inside the historical Palazzo Strozzi building in Florence. Signed by Novembre Studio under the guidance of Fabio Novembre, Strozzi Bistrò is a new venue located in the Palazzo courtyard, a well-known Renaissance palace dating back to the first half of the 1500s. Taking in the historical atmosphere, Fabio conceived the restaurant as a reflection of its context, where centuries-old aesthetic and contemporary art are in constant dialogue. Walking toward the vivid interiors, guests are welcomed by the symmetrical layout of the original cross vaults, emphasized by a coincident geometric flooring in shades of grey that divides the space into six sectors; the same is done for the pre-existing wall capitals, which have been integrated with new ad hoc lighting by reaching the floor through newly designed pilasters.

palazzo strozzi bistrò by novembre studio celebrates the renaissance tradition in florence - 1 — all images © Pasquale Formisano

renaissance-infused interiors where ochre and blue collide

The Strozzi Bistrò by Novembre Studio (see more here) is thus transformed into a large telescope framing the imposing mirror bottle rack that traces the shape of the original doorway. The bar counter and the hall’s kitchen space are upholstered in ochre leather with a brick pattern that echoes the ashlar of the exterior facade. For the walls, Fabio Novembre designed a covering in shades of blue, the Palazzo’s social color, decorated with three crescent moons, heraldic symbols of the Strozzi family. Completing the project is an outdoor terrace overlooking the palace’s courtyard, often the site of contemporary art installations by the likes of Anish Kapoor and Jeff Koons. Following his design for the Una Hotel in Florence, Fabio expands his expressive approach, this time with one of the most emblematic Florentine buildings.