Meet Our Newest Fabric & Wallpaper Pattern inspired by an 11th Century Tuscan Villa

Please Meet Our Newest
 Fabric & Wallpaper Design, 

Medici Garden

  inspired by a visit to 

an 11th century Tuscan Villa

 

Medici Garden

Indigo, Linen, Prim, Sage

Since 2010 I have shared a cornucopia of my life blending my personal with my professional while we raised our children.  I juggled these responsibilities as a working interior designer, and later launching a home textile brand.  I was one of the first interior design bloggers on the scene in 2010, and well before the "influencer" craze.  As I shared my love for writing and design in one place, I followed my instincts, and over time I grew my following to almost 2 million readers.  At the cornerstone of my stories was my family- they were there supporting and celebrating my journey as a designer and writer for the industry.  My then two kids (now grown up) honed their own unique set of skills while helping me with the photography, videography, graphics, writing, cooking while I  attended and traveled the globe to design events. My kids were there through all of it, and I'm so proud of them for being a part of it.  My daughter grew to be a world-class foodie and chef and a professional scientist and business woman.  My son was a quick witted and intelligent young writer and producer is now a professional documentary producer.  I can proudly say that they showed their early talents here on Nest by Tamara.  You can see where my kids cooked and served us a beautiful several course dinner for our 18th wedding anniversary in 2010.  And, there are hundreds of stories with them alongside me taking photographs, writing my content and helping me along the way.  I am a lucky mom to have such a supportive family (not to mention my husband who has been there 100 percent as well doing whatever it takes- helping with set up and break down at the many events I have participated in over the years). 

So, it's very appropriate that as my daughter recently became engaged to be married and we embarked upon planning an Italian wedding, I journal.  This September we found and visited the most incredible place for their upcoming nuptials.  This beautiful, historic 11th century villa in Tuscany channels our collective love for history, gardens, delicious food and all things Italian. Full circle, I bring it back to my textile design, and after walking through this magical vineyard and garden, I came home renewed and in awe.  I designed a pattern to capture the magic of the gardens where a bounty of citrus, vegetables and herbs grow and thrive on this famous wine vineyard.  I plan to create some pretty drawstring gift bags to gift to our guests.  Now I'm smitten with the design, and I will be adding it to our newest spring collecton in 2025. In the meantime, please meet Medici Garden in four colorways, and read below about the rich hisotry of this magical place.

The Lovely History 

of the Villa Medici Lilliano

Medicea di Lilliano

visit the vineyard

"The history of the Villa Medicea di Lilliano begins around the XI century, as a look-out tower, but was more precisely observed as beginning in the XV century. During this period the Villa belonged to the Giannelli family under the emblem of Ferza and afterwards in 1480 became the property of the Guiducci and then finally the Capponi family. In 1646 the Villa was purchased from the Grand Duke Ferdinando II de’ Medici, thus becoming a part of the Villa Reale di Lapeggi (the Royal Villa of Lappeggi) named the “Ristretto della Fattoria di Lappeggi”. The Villa of Lilliano, at the time named “Il Palazzo della Fattoria”, was initially used as a simple farmhouse for the neighboring Villa of Lappeggi.

after changing hands a few times 

there were some beautiful designs added...

In 1667 it was assigned from the Grand Duke of Toscana Cosimo III to his brother, the Cardinal Francesco Maria de' Medici, during which restorations began under the guidance of the architect Ferri. In this period the villa underwent restructuring and extensions which to this day form its present design, decorated with fountains, baths, vases and lemon plants. The villa, transformed from a simple farmhouse to a notable country home, entertained renowned guests including in 1709 the King of Denmark Frederick IV. In 1709, as desired by the Grand Duke Cosimo III, Cardinal Francesco Maria married Eleonora di Guastalla in the hope of ensuring the Medici family line would continue, but the Cardinal died in 1711 without any heirs and his assets were sold to pay the debts.

After various owners, in 1830 the Villa of Lilliano was bought by the Malenchini family. The main façade lies south in a very simple sixteenth design and is enclosed by two small towers preceded by a garden of water lilies. The prestigious fountain with statues was designed by the architect Foggini and is the twin of the more famous fountain located in the Boboli Gardens in Florence. On the left side of the garden is the lemon orchard. From the interior courtyard of the Villa, decorated by a circular central bath, there are two large symmetrical stairwells that lead up to the splendid terrace that directly faces Florence. The terrace opens into a large room that at one time was used as a granary or barn. Under the Villa, which is also a part of the Malenchini estate, can be found the cellar and the “orciaia”, with the ancient jars fired in the kilns of Impruneta and Belmonte".

Happy Nesting

XO Tamara