A dolce vita design shop in Rome

On my travels, my quest for “local colour” drives virtually everyone around me mad, but I find that hidden gems are most often found down a backstreet. Such was the case in Rome last summer when I happened upon Boschettotre, a design-led shop that showcases unusual, often playful objects by emerging European designers and other talents from around the world. Located on Via del Boschetto in the eclectic-yet-fashionable Monti area, Boschettotre is the work of Oriana Tombolesi, an interior designer with a taste for beautiful blown-glass objects, sculptural tables and creative and unusual light fixtures.

Part of what makes this shop so special is Tombolesi herself. She is the quintessential, gregarious Italian who takes obvious joy in sharing her space with visitors, and chats happily about the ever-changing collections and furnishings that all hang together in a slightly quirky but very warm and welcoming way. The light-filled space features minimalist shelving where Rose lamps from Sweden (€55) stand cheek by jowl with ceramic fish lanterns by Dutch firm Pols Potten (€198), casting a warm glow.

Creative plastic rugs by Pappelina (€38 to €570) add splashes of colour throughout the room, as do assorted pieces by France’s Pa Design, including Nimbus lamps and modernist spheres filled with flowers. Magnetic vases by Peleg Designs (€9 each or €45 for a box of five), Voravan’s rubber figurines (€2 each) and sculptural wooden blocks by HK Living (€98) all contribute to a profusion of natural materials. This being Italy, accessories are in resplendent array, to wit: locally made, customisable O Bags (from €39 to €250) made of leather and canvas, glass birds in brilliant hues, as well as unusual 3D wall decorations (from €16 to 38) by Canada’s Umbra.

A visit to Boschettotre casts off-the-beaten-track global design into the spotlight, as well as leading visitors into less-well-travelled parts of the Eternal City. Best of all, however, is Ms Tombolesi’s infectious spirit that is sure to stay with you long after you’ve left her eclectic shop.

Via del Boschetto 3, Rome 00184 (+3906-4890 6922; boschettotre.it).