A Novacolor Ambassador Experience in Italy
There are moments in business and in life when everything aligns in a way that reminds you exactly why you started. My recent trip to Italy as part of my ambassadorship with Novacolor was one of those moments.
One of the most meaningful parts of this experience was being named a 2026 Novacolor Ambassador. This moment, shared by my mentor Gerwin Kijkindevegte, is something I will carry with me for a long time.
From the second I arrived, I felt immersed in a culture that does not just value design, it lives and breathes it. Italy has a way of slowing you down just enough to notice the details. The texture of a wall. The way light moves across a surface. The quiet elegance of aged plaster.
What stood out immediately was that design is not treated as an afterthought. It is part of everyday life. Surfaces are not just finished, they are considered. Materials are not simply selected, they are understood. There is a deep respect for craftsmanship, history, and intention in everything.
Being welcomed into the Novacolor world made that even more meaningful. This was not just a visit, it was an experience rooted in shared knowledge and exploration. Connecting with artisans and creatives from around the world offered a rare opportunity to step outside of daily work and see how others approach the same materials in completely different ways.
It was both inspiring and grounding.
There is something powerful about being surrounded by people who care deeply about what they create. Conversations naturally moved from technique to philosophy. From application methods to the role surfaces play in shaping how a space feels. It reinforced the idea that this work is part of a much larger story, one rooted in tradition and constantly evolving.
Alongside the learning and collaboration, there were many candid moments that captured the spirit of the week. These behind the scenes glimpses reflect the process, the people, and the shared respect for the craft.
What stayed with me most was the level of passion. Every person involved brought a deep respect for both the materials and the process. There is a clear sense of pride and artistry in every finish created. The work is thoughtful, intentional, and never rushed.
Experiences like this naturally influence how the work continues to evolve. There is a greater focus on texture, depth, and authenticity, along with a renewed awareness of how light interacts with each surface. Materials begin to guide the process more clearly, allowing the final result to feel more grounded and complete.
This experience in Italy offered both perspective and clarity. It reinforced the importance of slowing down, paying attention to detail, and continuing to refine the relationship between material, light, and space.