Giambi's apartment is a bohemian paradise. Every corner is a carefully curated work of art, seething with Giambi’s creative inventiveness. Every day hum-drum objects such as door handles or light fittings have been removed and replaced by something more aesthetically intriguing. You feel privileged to enter an intimate space made with love.
Despite teeming with passion and artistry - the apartment is tranquil to be in, and the density of creativity that surrounds you is not stifling. As well as being a carefully orchestrated installation piece in its own right, it is also a well thought out, functional living space. You feel you have room to breathe and think. One almost feels like enough stimulation is gained from just hanging out inside, that you don’t need to go out and look at a whole lot of renaissance paintings. Giambi- as well as being a painter and sculptor - should also try his hand at interior decorating as the feng shui, and his eye for exquisite antique pieces, all contribute to a feeling of being in a very well designed space.
For those without artistic sensibilities and wanting something clean, modern and minimal - this is not the place for you - it is very shabby chic- and has a sort of shambolic elegance that those without taste may not appreciate. This is a perfect place for people with creative sensibilities to stay - it’s terribly romantic and a perfect little nest for a couple. It feels very secure and private.
We slept well. The master bedroom looks on to the Piazza de Carmine - there was minimal noise from occasional cars and passers by at night - the kitchen / living room area looks on to an interior courtyard and feels completely quiet and private.
Giambi was very friendly and welcoming, he presented me with a bottle of wine and some fresh fruits upon arrival. He was immediately available with instructions when I contacted him about technical issues and they were quickly resolved.
If renting for 4 people - please note there is not much privacy between the two bedrooms - just a swing door - so you would have to be on fairly intimate terms -i.e a family or good friends. But it’s marvellous to have two bathrooms. There is no bath.
There is a mezzanine in the living area stacked with giambis paintings - this just adds to the poetic atmosphere of the place - you get a feeling of ongoing creative zeal- however for those who don’t like clutter it may not be to your taste.
Despite the appartment being fairly densly packed with miscellanea - I didn’t get the feeling of oppression by unresolved clutter one gets in some packed spaces - as Giambi has such good taste every object in his apartment is beautiful or stylish.