Welcome to my DOM: Casa Flora
A hidden gem in the heart of Venice, Casa Flora offers an unparalleled experience for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the city’s rich design and culinary scenes. We had the pleasure of visiting this favourite of ours from the DOMfriends collection last December, and it quickly became clear that this is much more than a stay. Run by the Romanelli family, renowned hoteliers for over 50 years, Casa Flora is the culmination of a vision that blends Venetian charm with modern design. Gioele Romanelli, a third-generation hospitality expert, and his wife, Heiby, recognised the need for a hotel experience beyond the standard amenities, offering a deep dive into the soul of Venice.
Launched in 2017, Casa Flora is a 180-square-meter apartment designed to invite guests to live like locals, asking them to become part of the city itself and interact with artisans, designers, chefs, and craftsmen who represent the contemporary face of Venice. The home itself is a celebration of Italian architecture and craftsmanship, with custom-made furniture and interior products that reflect Venetian artisanal heritage. Murano glass, terrazzo tiles, treated briar wood, and local textiles come together in a space that feels both fresh and timeless.
The design concept behind Casa Flora was born in 2015 during a design residency where six students from prestigious design schools, including New York's Parsons School of Design, Milan’s Domus Academy, and Venice's IUAV, collaborated under the guidance of architects Matteo Ghidoni, Diego Paccagnella, and Stefano Micelli. The goal was to rethink Venice’s tourism model, creating a space where the city’s authentic culture could meet modern-day visitors. After two years of design development, Casa Flora emerged as a space not just for tourists, but for local design companies to showcase their work and engage with a new generation of creators.
Designed with the notion of a "domestic campo”, a communal area central to Venetian homes, Casa Flora’s layout is both inviting and functional. The apartment is divided into two sections: one dedicated to social spaces, and the other offering a retreat for relaxation and privacy. The living area, where a spacious sitting area connects the three bedrooms, is perfect for gathering, whether for a casual chat or an intimate event. Bathed in natural light, each room includes a reading area and a private bathroom designed as a tranquil garden, incorporating a hammam for relaxation. On the opposite side of the apartment, the dining room and kitchen form the perfect setting for group meals, private dinners, or even work events. The standout feature here is the striking green stone island, which serves as both a culinary and social hub, bringing people together over food and conversation.
At Casa Flora, the experience extends beyond the physical space. Guests are encouraged to discover Venice in a more intimate, authentic way. From private dinners and cooking classes to wine tastings, every activity has been designed to connect visitors to the cultural heritage. For design lovers, specifically, one of the most exciting aspects would be the opportunity to engage directly with Venice’s design world. The apartment offers exclusive tours of iconic local companies, such as Salviati, a world-renowned Murano glass manufacturer, and Rubelli, a historic Venetian textile brand, both of which can be found inside the home as well. Perhaps the most unique offering, however, is the bespoke shoemaking experience with Gabriele Gmeiner, one of the city’s top luxury shoe artisans.
All in all, Casa Flora is more than just a place to stay. It is an invitation to experience Venice from a fresh perspective. The blend of contemporary design, local craftsmanship, and cultural experiences provides depth and offers a unique way to explore the city’s past, present, and future. The thoughtfully designed apartment, with its personalised spaces and tailored services, creates an intimate yet luxurious setting for travellers seeking a real connection to their surroundings. Whether enjoying a private dinner, learning about Venetian history, or simply relaxing in a stunning space, guests at Casa Flora are immersed in the vibrant energy that has defined the city for centuries beyond the traditional tourist path. We hope that, like us, you will leave feeling not just like visitors, but like true Venetians.
The home is available for bookings via DOMstay.
Photography by Voytek Ketz
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