I’ve been in Venice for a week and loved every quirky, cold, (sometimes sunny), delicious minute of it. I’ve loved it so much, I’ve not taken time to write about my trip! What? I’m a travel blogger – this is not supposed to happen!

I have been taking photos – so here’s a quick update from Venezia. (I’m really hoping my Italian improves by the end of this trip!)

First of all, if you read regularly you may remember that I started planning this trip months ago and I let you in on my process for picking a vacation rental. I’m 100% pleased with the apartment I selected.

Here’s what my vacation rental looks like:

Don’t you love those massive, ancient doors? And the view of the Grand Canal was amazing – even if I did have to stand on a couch to get the whole picture!

Inside the decor is classic and calming. It just feels right. There are antiques and exposed beams and intriguing artworks.

Plus, a guest room, which of course means guests…

So Kellie Smith, interior designer and inventor/purveyor of Velvet Finishes Paint, came to stay for a week. She’s my friend and business partner in a brand new venture that has been in the works for more than a year.

We did get some work done, but not as much as we’d planned. We had to get out and see Venice, after all!

Venice is one of my all time favorite cities, which is why I wanted to take my creative break here. It’s filled with colorful views around every corner. Even on laundry day, Venice is a magical place.

Kellie and I ate (a lot!) and enjoyed all of the typical Venetian treats…pasta, Valpolicella, biscuits (cookies, not the version we know in the Southern US), espresso… I ate so much local seafood I gave myself a rash, so I’ve had to take a seafood break. But I don’t see me and espresso breaking up any time soon!

Kellie and I did manage to source some handmade artisan jewelry by a lovely Venetian artist, which will be part of our first SmithHönig collection, launching early next year. We found some beautiful decorative accessories that we’ll show you later, too. And we hit up the flea markets, of course, since we’ll be offering unique and one-of-a-kind pieces from our travels on the new website, as well.

We also managed to see a bit of the Venice Biennale, the granddaddy of all international art fairs, which dates back to 1895.

Every two years, countries from all over the world mount art exhibitions in the Arsenale, and in permanent pavilions in Il Giardini, and in museums, libraries, palaces and other spaces throughout the entire city.

One of our favorites, so far, was “Proportio”, an exhibition curated by interior designer Axel Vervoodt and held in the amazing former home and studio of fabric innovator Mariano Fortuny.

The show is dedicated to the idea of universal proportions, the golden ratio and sacred geometry in art, music, architecture, religion, design and more.

The space itself was amazing. And the exhibition, which spans multiple floors, can engross you for hours.

The ongoing play of light and shadow throughout the space is pure Vervoodt magic, as well.

Today, Kellie is off to Marco Polo Airport and I’m left in Venice to take full advantage of this creative break. I’ll wander with my iPhone, taking photos and getting inspiration…

I’ll make drawings and notes – and hopefully keep the blog updated, too.

I’ll start some new designs and maybe even complete a new collection while I’m here.

Plus I’ll definitely spend another day or so at The Biennale, on my own…and before you know it, Mr. H will be here to enjoy some time exploring together. I do miss Mr. H!

It’s already time for lunch here, though, so first…where shall I eat?

Arrivederci – ciao – for now, from lovely Venice. There’s much more to come.