Nº49: Alessia Miro
The interior designer talks buying art from friends and family, the right way to spend 24hrs in Florence and a laidback Sunday roast in Notting Hill.
We’re back with interior designer Alessia Miro. Read on to find out what she’s into, and if you’re new here, hit subscribe for secret recommendations every Monday and Wednesday.
Alessia Miro is a native West Londoner and founder of interior design company Alesia Miro Interiors Ltd. The core vision of Alessia Miro Interiors is to build a relationship with clients and help guide them to realising their own personal style and vision. Alessia was born and raised in London but originally from Belgium, Italy and Lebanon. Alessia brings her multicultural background into her designs.
☞ THE COW: If you’re after a laidback Sunday roast, any respectable Notting Hill resident would send you to the The Cow.
☞ TAWANA ORIENTAL SUPERMARKET: Tawana Oriental has got every single niche ingredient you could possibly need for any asian dish.
☞ KEMPTON PARK ANTIQUES: This antique fair is on every second Tuesday of the month. I can depend on it for affordable, yet high quality 70/80s furniture. Tips: Have an idea of what you’re looking for and be prepared to dig.
☞ BUY ART FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY: Filling your home with art that you love made by people that you love is universally applicable interior design advice.
☞ MATCHBOX COLLECTION: My matchbox collection started when I moved to NYC in 2013. At first, it was a useful way to get to know the city and remember the spots I liked. After a while, it became a habit and now I’ve got an ever-growing collection of little (free) souvenirs from my favorite spots all over the world.
☞ HAVE A TRIP TO LOOK FORWARD TO: I love booking a quick weekend away really far in advance (6-8 months or so), it acts as a ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ through bleak winter months or a brutal work period.
☞ 24 HOURS IN FLORENCE: I grew up visiting the Italian side of my family in Florence. It’s where I feel the most ‘myself’, and also the source of a lot of my design inspiration. Here’s how to spend 24hrs there like a true Florentine:
BREAKFAST: Caffe Barni Di Baracani Paolo inside the Sant’ Ambrogio (quick coffee and a ciambella)
LUNCH: Trattoria Sostanza Troia is one of the best dining experiences in Florence. It’s a local classic. Expect very simple Tuscan food, a communal table, and great atmosphere. Get the butter chicken and the tortellini in brodo. You’re welcome.
ART: Go check out whatever exhibition is going on at Palazzo Strozzi. It’s my favourite museum in Florence and always super cool. Make sure to walk into Palazzo Vecchio, or even just into the courtyard to look up.
ICE-CREAM: Stop and have an ice cream at Perche No! (Why not!)
DRINK: Procacci for a Negroni or Aperol Spritz and a mini truffle butter bun
SHOES: Angelo Romano is around the corner from Procacci. He is responsible for hand making gorgeous shoes for my family for over 30 years. And it’s on the way to dinner.
DINNER: Cammillo is a chaotic and fabulous family run business. A must in Florence. Definitely try the homemade pasta and a Bistecca fiorentina (Florentine steak).
♪ LISTENING TO: Hold On I’m Coming’ - Sam & Dave
☠︎ HATES: Slow walkers
TY Alessia! Follow her here!