Imobili LLC, under the leadership of Claude Zein, recently transformed Toscana Divino, a Tuscan-inspired restaurant nestled in the heart of Miami’s lively Brickell neighborhood into a warm, modern and inviting dining space. Consistently cited as one of the city’s top Italian cuisine since it opened in 2012, Toscana Divino debuted its refreshed interior in time for Art Basel 2021. Claude Zein personally selected key components from Porro to streamline the spaces so that diners are able to flow effortlessly from one space to the next, allowing for an easy and effective transition from lunch time to dinner time use.
The warmth of Canaletto walnut wood, Porro's architectural systems that punctuate the space and the furnishings that personalize it, in the name of geometric purity and the finest materials, blend in a continuous unicuum for an elegant yet informal and welcoming atmosphere that alludes to a refined domestic setting.
The iconic Ghiaccio armchairs by Piero Lissoni create a pleasant waiting area in front of the entrance counter. They are low and comfortable, with a structure in black stained ash wood softened by a cushion covered in Savannah-colored fabric. A large Load-it floor-to-ceiling bookcase designed by Wolfgang Tolk, a Porro classic chosen with wall panels in Canaletto walnut and steel shelves, runs along the wall, disappearing from view, meeting the innovative Boutique Mast bookcase by Piero Lissoni with its nautical lightness and graphic linearity, characterized by circular metal uprights, thin metal shelves and a cantilevered Canaletto walnut shelf.
In the first room on the right, intimate and cosy, which can become private if necessary, the protagonist is a large Galileo table by Piero Lissoni, presented in a special custom size with an oval top in Canaletto walnut wood, with organic lines and natural tones, supported by 4 thick turned legs. Sculptural object on the edge of sensuality, 100% wood result of fine workmanship, is designed for those who love the total look and rich emotions of this precious material. It is accompanied by Neve chairs and armchairs by Piero Lissoni, which reinterpret in a contemporary way the classic wooden seat: they are characterized by a path of clear lines of different thicknesses, slightly inclined, the roundness of the spindle legs and the soft curvature of the backrest and the suspended seat that soften its figure, making it extremely intimate and welcoming. On the wall, the 3 vertically developed bookcases Gap capture the attention like contemporary totems: a strong aesthetic sign that acts simultaneously as a bookend and a light source. Thanks to its compact size, Gap is a versatile solution to illuminate and furnish all parts of the house in a scenographic way, in the precious metal finishes available: rosso cina and grigio piombo.
In the main room, an imposing custom made bookcase System by Porro, designed by Piero Lissoni + CRS Porro, covers the back wall. Inspired by the rich earthy vineyards of Tuscany and Italian sophistication, Imobili collaborated with Interior Stylist , Christine Pape, in elevating this space. The greatest attention to detail was put into curating the libraries with Italy’s finest wines, beautiful decanters and glasses, vintage books, earthy pots, delicate Murano vases, and breathtaking photographies of Tuscany to create a warm and elegant atmosphere while enjoying a fine wine and culinary journey!
Galileo round tables and Neve chairs and armchairs fill the space gathered around the imposing column reserved for wine bottles, while Load-it bookcases cover the remaining walls making them functional.
A customized central drawer unit for cutlery is made with structure and drawers in canaletto walnut and top in paonazzo marble.
Custom-made Pivot doors in Canaletto walnut separate the service areas, whose compartment is covered with Wood Cover panels in Canaletto walnut that host a Storage solution, design Piero Lissoni + CRS Porro, created in a niche with drawers for waiters.
The bar area is completed by 14 Brina stools with black leather seats, created as a high version of the Neve chair, which release the brand's expertise in woodworking.
In the heart of Miami, a new point of reference for Porro’s design enthusiasts that demonstrates the Italian brand's propensity for tailor-made products and its ability to carry out made-to-measure projects anywhere in the world, thanks to a prompt design and assistance service.
Project Manager: www.imobili.com
Photo Credit: thehaiekphotography, @thehaiek_photography
Stylist: Christine_Pape
Project Factsheet
Use: Restaurant
Location: Miami, USA.
Year of realization: 2021.
Project Manager: Imobili LLC
Porro products: System equipped wall, Load-it bookcases, Boutique Mast bookcases, 3 Gap bookcases, 60 Neve chairs and armchairs, 4 Ghiaccio armchairs, 9 customized Galileo tables, 14 Brina stools, 1 customized chest of drawers, Pivot doors, Storage closet, Wood Cover panelling system, black canneté panels.