WHERE INNOVATION MEETS TRADITION
The oldest household goods store in Florence had been closed and divided up into several parts with different uses and variable duration. The idea was to bring it all back together into a single setting and pay a skilful tribute to it, with a redevelopment project conducted by two people. The aim was to turn the originally environments into a new, contemporary space, La Ménagère, a single, multi-functional setting comprising a bistro, cafeteria, florist’s and household goods store.

LA
MENA
GERE

HISTORICAL INHERITANCE

Initially, the client was looking for a small place to turn into a simple restaurant, but he was so taken with the charm of these 1600-square-metre premises that the initial idea was completely turned around. This historic setting presented an incredible opportunity, but also brought with it a huge responsibility.

La Ménagère is a place with a multi-faceted soul, with every aspect faithful to the original.

Architect Baldini

STYLE AND DURABILITY

During the initial renovation work, the choice was made to use exclusively wood and concrete resin, but after just a few months, the floors of the bathroom and kitchen had already deteriorated, so it was necessary to intervene again, opting for a material both resistant to wear and easy to lay: stoneware.

DISCOVER THE SERIES TERRA

We started out from the setting, from the city and its history, from the idea of home. The name Ménagère, French for “household”, is a reference to the domestic environment. We wanted to restore that sense of intimacy, to highlight it rather than trying to conceal it. We were looking for a cement tile with classic patterns, such as those used in Florence in the 19th century. We were already familiar with the Terra series, a tribute to the past, in a small size with an authentic look.

In each area, tradition blends smoothly and seamlessly with contemporary style, as in the kitchen, where the hexagonal shape – currently right on trend – recalls the centuries-old porticos of Florence.

ANOTHER LOOK BACKSTAGE OF THE LA MÉNAGÈRE VIDEO

Open though it is onto the restaurant, the kitchen is the most intimate area: customers can walk in and eat in the company of the chefs, as if they were in their own kitchen at home.