The recently unveiled The Wheels Florence, situated in the heart of Florence, Italy, is more than just a boutique stay; it is a meticulously orchestrated exercise in eclectic design by architect Giacomo Totti. Located on the ground floor of the ancient residence of the Bargagli Petrucci counts in Via delle Ruote, the project is founded on Totti’s principle of a delicate balance between coherence and stylistic dissonance, where disparate influences manage to find a common, elegant language. This project, which transforms a 250-square-meter area into a secluded world of luxury hospitality, intentionally conceals its complex lineage while maintaining a visually and spatially coherence and harmonious space.
The foundational elements of the project draw deeply from its location, preserving the structure’s original 14th-century setting. Totti’s vision reinterprets the essence and materials of Florentine tradition but layers them with a distinctly contemporary touch. This attention to the past while looking forward provides exceptional privacy and comfort for fashionable travellers in each of its six highly personalized rooms. Even while being fully immersed in the urban context, the courtyard patio offers a tranquil outdoor view, a peaceful respite woven into the very fabric of the historic residence.
Within the spacious interiors, the ancient coffered ceiling serves as a majestic canopy, engaging in a dialogue with the deliberately eclectic taste of the furnishings and finishes. The material palette itself is a celebration of texture and heritage, favoring traditional elements like polychrome marble, solid wood, brass, and bronze. These durable, sophisticated materials are juxtaposed with softer, warmer choices such as velvet and wool throughout the property, underscoring the sophisticated yet modern flair applied to the overall architecture and interior design.
Totti’s studio embraced inspirations ranging from the clean lines of the 1920s to the bold expressions of the 1970s. These blend seamlessly with direct references to both the flowing forms of Liberty architecture and the monumental symmetry of the Renaissance architecture that surrounds it. The result is a highly conceptual space, one that feels both historically anchored and effortlessly current, proving the Giacomo Totti studio’s ability to synthesise the historical depth of Florence into a unique experience.
The communal and social areas are equally compelling, particularly the lounge area, where natural lime plasters applied using traditional techniques provide a grounding frame. Here, carefully restored vintage collector’s pieces—often rare and significant—stand next to bold contemporary artworks. Key pieces include those by Duccio Maria Gambi, a revered Florentine design editor and artist, alongside selections sourced from the prestigious collection of Bunker Galleria Firenze, which is located nearby.
In the private areas, the highly personalized rooms are distinguished by their nuanced use of colour, which is never uniform across the suite but is thoughtfully applied to evoke a specific mood. This, combined with custom-designed furniture created specifically for each space, ensures that The Wheels Florence offers an experience that is never ordinary. Ultimately, the project successfully blends its multifaceted, eclectic design with a genuine homely dimension, achieving the rare feat of both astonishing guests and simultaneously enveloping them in the warmth of its impeccably detailed spaces.