by Donna Dvorak
One doesn’t have to be ‘un turista’ in Italy to enjoy Italian style and charm. The magical essence and uniqueness of Italian culture can be created right in your own home. Lori Blomstrom, co-owner of Veneshe Master Venetian Plastering, is a certified Italian plaster artisan who specializes in applying decorative Venetian plaster finishes for interior designers and homeowners. She has enthusiastically learned this art has roots going back to the Renaissance.
On this warm evening my husband and I take a leisurely drive to visit Lori and Donnamarie, co-owner of Veneshe located below Easton. We enjoy the countryside, passing over stone bridges and valleys. The sun peeks through shade trees and orange wildflowers salute the sky. We find the beautiful “Veneshe” mosaic sign and walk up the driveway. Suddenly we feel as if we entered another world, one reminiscent of old Italy. Towards our right is a magnificent European style home and on the left is a garage with an amazing studio overhead.
Lori and Donnamarie greet us as we climb the stone stairs to the studio. It’s filled with bright light, products and sample boards; the magnificent arias of Andrea Bocelli surround us through speakers. The harmony of nature vs. realism doesn’t escape us and, as both ladies say, their work is ‘green’ and environmentally perfect.
Donnamarie does professional marketing communications with web design, and Lori is the artist extraordinaire. Together their graciousness is above and beyond, and as they offer us a fine wine, strawberries, crackers and cheese—Italian style of course—we sit down to chat. As an Italian aficionado her distinctive style transports me to Tuscany, Chianti, Venice, Florence and Pisa.
To finish reading this article, go to page 126 in the Fall 2012 issue of Bucks County Magazine.