IDS MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - SOPHIA PASSERINI

Meet Sophia Passerini, a native of Venice, a passionate explorer, and the visionary behind Passerini Design! Sophia's design journey and creative process are continually enriched by her travels around the world. Now based in Palm Beach, Florida, she is dedicated to her work in Luxury Real Estate and . 

Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN INTERIOR DESIGNER, AND HOW HAS YOUR ITALIAN HERITAGE INFLUENCED YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY?

A: Interior design has been in my life ever since I can remember. From my parents constant participation to auctions of antique furniture and flea markets around Europe, to the influence of my aunt Tullia Passerini who was later nominated influential woman of the year by Chanel, and whose Art Nouveau expertise and passion for antique textiles exposed me to the most refined Italian design. Growing up in Venice, but also constantly traveling around Europe, built an inner sense of style within me. Later in my life, my passion for interiors let me explore and learn about furniture manufacturing districts of Italy and their craftsmanship specialties, and I accumulated a substantial network of outstanding artisans who still apply traditional techniques paired with new technologies. I love to bring all this to my clients. I can have virtually anything made in Italy, from Furniture to marble works, to cabinetry or Kitchens. Anything I need is a call away.

My interior design style is a mix of Italian heritage and the effect of the years spent in London. There, I learned to layer precious fabrics and textures, and I defined my style which is mostly a classic contemporary. This finds its best application within traditional architecture, where the furniture and finishes need a polished, warm yet layered result. 

Q: WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE FEEL OR EXPERIENCE WHEN THEY ENTER A SPACE YOU'VE DESIGNED?

A: Elegance and peace. I hope to bring balance in the use of space, the materials and textures, so that when you enter the space you immediately feel home.

Q: WHAT INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS ARE YOU LOVING AT THE MOMENT?

A: I try to run away from trends. I feel that a home should embrace timelessness and now follow current trends. Technology is nevertheless essential in all my designs: If there is a thing I always really work on though is the use of recessed lighting and linear LED. This helps me play with lighting in very creative ways and view the space during the day but also at night, when light and colors should look differently, and provide ambience and depth to all the spaces.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO BASICS?

A: my fabrics. I have more than 15,000 Italian fabrics hanging in my design center. This is where I start. When I see the right one, then the whole room will gravitated around it. 

Q: WHAT'S THE MOST TREASURED ITEM IN YOUR OWN HOME?

A: our dining table. It's an Italian contemporary piece, with a beautiful Sahara Noir marble top. I love it because of its design, but also because we spend time as a family there, more than anywhere else. That is where we share our daily stories, our food, and our time together. What's more Italian than eating (Italian food) around a table?

Q: WHAT'S BEEN YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHT TO DATE?

A: A 9,000 sq feet estate renovation in Bears Club Jupiter. The property needed a complete update but started with a beautiful Tuscan architecture that resonated so well with my background.

The most interesting things, I included, apart all the new furnishings custom made in Italy, is the use of Venetian plaster in the Foyer and hallways. This was applied by a team that came directly from Venice, and they used the same materials and techniques used in the Venetian palazzos as well as in the ancient buildings in Pompeii. The feel and touch of that intervention wowed the entire construction team as well as the clients.

Q: ARE THERE ARE PERSONAL RITUALS OR HABITS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?

A: Although I wake up very early, I tend to go to the office around 9:30 - 10, and I work until late, sometimes past 8 pm. I use the first hours to meditate and help me plan the following hours with more clarity. I work on organizational things until around 2 pm, and leave the rest of the day, which is usually calmer, to my creative process. Afternoons are to create.