Photography Barbara Pirovano
When a cutting from a plant is placed in water or soil it is able to regenerate, thus giving life to a new one. Talea, which means cutting, is a versatile place that came into being just over a year ago, and which promises to evolve with the passage of time, taking its cue from this evocative idea. The scent of flowers and the retro ambience with wooden furniture poetically blend together in this pleasant space. At Talea, flowers, vintage furniture, home accessories, events, creative workshops and much more all come together.
Behind this young project are Davide and Giorgia, owners of a farm in Careno, on the eastern shores of the Como branch of the lake. There they raise their chickens and grow vegetables and numerous varieties of flowers and fruiting plants, driven by their avowed intent to bring out the best in the products of this landscape, with a view also to sustainability and respect for the natural cycles of nature. “The citrus fruits, flowers and plants in the store all come from our farm. We decided to create a sort of closed circuit, without recourse to buying cut flowers or plants from outside. Sustainability is fundamental for us, so during the winter there is not a great deal of variety in the store, but with the coming of spring it all starts up again”, the young owners tell us.
Talea emerged from another great passion of Davide and Giorgia, who have over the years amassed a large collection of vintage and salvaged furniture purchased during their many trips throughout Italy and France. Some of these are now displayed in the store, and all of the tables, chairs, sideboards and stools on display are for sale. The constant turnover of furniture allows the two owners to frequently change the furnishings so the space is constantly evolving and regenerating from month to month, just like a cutting. Second-hand furniture and objects are joined by small niche brands, both local and foreign, which, consistent with the store's philosophy, offer sustainable and ecological products, such as natural soy-based candles, and pure European linen fabrics.
Talea's large bright spaces, where attention is paid to every detail, are also the perfect setting for photo shoots, small private events and creative workshops, which include the likes of the making of recycled paper and natural fabric dyeing. At the weekends, the long wooden tables are laid for tasty Sunday brunches or afternoon teas accompanied by homemade biscuits and cakes.
Talea is not just a store, but is also a multifunctional space that embraces all the enthusiasms of the two owners, destined to keep changing with the evolving dreams and aspirations of Davide and Giorgia: “Although our initial dream was to open a farm with food and holiday accommodation in Tuscany, we realised that all roads led back here and so we decided to open the store. But the name Talea ultimately stands for change and development, so we also know that over time this project will mutate and perhaps move, but as for how, where and when, who knows”.