An Italian home filled with cottage style and a sense of romance
Federica Piccinini describes herself as an attorney by day and a “wannabe” decorator and fashion shopaholic by night.  In her popular blog, Sweet as a Candy, she gives her growing volume of readers around the globe a glimpse of life in her native Bologna, Italy.  Also, she displays her flair for interior design as, within a period of a few short months, she transformed her new home, utilizing its canvas of  blank walls and empty spaces, into a warm and inviting refuge infused with a classic cottage style and her own personal sense of style and romance.
	While she prefers a color scheme that emphasizes shades of white and grey, Federica uses a changing palette of bold colors as accents, along with an intriguing array of flowers, live plants and stylish accessories to add interest and variety throughout her home.  Whether she is serving  Sunday brunch to a small family gathering or hosting a group of friends for an intimate evening of great food and drink, she always strives to infuse each event with an atmosphere of casual elegance and a distinctive joie de vie.
Federica’s home in the revered university city of Bologna gives her a unique opportunity to pursue one of her favorite pastimes... exploring the flea markets and inviting shops in this ancient cultural mecca.  And also, she loves to wander through her neighborhood in search of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Her time at home is often divided between perusing her collection of fashion and decorating magazines or spent in her new kitchen where she tries new recipes to create an enticing array of delectable desserts, many of which she shares with visitors to her blogs.  Weekend activities might include a short trip to  nearby Florence where she and her guy visit the beautiful old buildings, check out the latest fashions and discover small out of the way restaurants.   Top, L to R: Tulips from nearby flower market, Weekend flea market, Federica in Florence Bottom, L to R:  Federica's red walking shoes, Sunday in Florence, Lunch in a Florence restaurant
Federica’s masterful talent for interior design and her attention to detail is also evident in her keen sense of fashion.  As a result of this casual, yet comfortable approach, both her clothes and the furnishings in her home convey a dramatic style and a definite cosmopolitan flair.