Following years of antique curation for her own home, and a steady stream of “where did you find that?” inquiries from her social media audience, Lauren Sullivan, founder of Well by Design, was inspired to create a platform to share her discoveries with others. The result is Well Found, a shoppable collection of European antiques and vintage discoveries hand-selected by the designer and curator.
For this edition of Designer Travels, Lauren takes us along on a recent excursion through Venice.
Destination: Venice, Italy
Month traveled: May
Duration of trip: 11 days in Italy total, 2 nights in Venice
Temperature range: 60–70°F
Solo trip or vacation with family/friends? With my husband
First visit or repeat destination? First visit
What drew you to this locale?
Venice feels like a living relic — suspended in time, steeped in romance, and layered in history. I was drawn to its decaying grandeur and remarkable architecture: marble palazzos with flaking plaster, quiet stone alleys opening to gilded interiors, and a cityscape shaped entirely by water. It’s a place where beauty is everywhere, but never shouts — and that quiet elegance resonates deeply with me as a designer.
The lodgings…
We stayed at Aman Venice, which occupies a 16th-century palazzo right on the Grand Canal. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear the building’s heritage has been preserved with reverence. Ornate frescoed ceilings, Venetian chandeliers, silk wallcoverings and centuries-old terrazzo floors — all balanced by Aman’s restrained, contemporary aesthetic. It was like living inside a painting, but with the serenity Aman is known for.
Must-sees for design and architecture lovers…
Venice is a study in craftsmanship. I’d recommend visiting the Teatro La Fenice opera house, touring Murano for traditional glassblowing, and Burano for its heritage lacework and colorful facades. Even a quiet walk along the canals reveals layers of timeworn detail and unexpected beauty.
Postcard moment…
Drifting along the Grand Canal at dusk. The sky turns pink, the buildings glow, and the water becomes a mirror. It felt like slipping through time — ancient, cinematic and completely still. That moment is etched in my memory.
Souvenirs…
Yes — a large, clear handblown Murano glass vase with vertical fluting and scalloped edges. I love its generous scale and rich texture — it nods to traditional Venetian glasswork while feeling timeless. We visited a glass studio on Murano after watching the artisans at work. The vase I found and ultimately brought home feels both artful and utilitarian — my favorite combination.
I also sourced several vintage pieces for a future volume of Well Found, our online storefront — though I’ll admit, it’s tempting to keep them all. They came from independent dealers across the city, and we were even invited into one of their homes — a true treasure trove of collected finds.
Lasting influence…
Venice reminded me of the power of patina and restraint. There’s beauty in age, in silence, in subtlety. It deepened my appreciation for layered, imperfect spaces — where every surface tells a story. But also, the unapologetic opulence of the city — its gilded ceilings, marble walls and theatrical scale — served as a reminder that maximalism, when done with intention, can be just as moving.
Greatest takeaway…
That beauty doesn’t always have to announce itself. Sometimes it’s quiet, crumbling, or
half-hidden — but it endures. Venice taught me to slow down and see more deeply.
Photography by Daniele Padovan.
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