How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport/the area? I have 3 children who we raised in Weston and I have lived in this area for 30 years. Currently my interior design studio is in Westport at 489 Post Road East.
How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project it is you might be doing? While working in Advertising in NY and living in Fairfield County, I knew I needed both a change in lifestyle and a creative outlet — so I went to design school at Parsons School of Design to pursue interior design as a passion, but also as a serious career. I knew that I did not want it to be considered as a hobby, as many new designers do. It was important to me that I be well versed in all of its aspects.
Fast forward, I later joined the Home Builders Remodelers Association (HBRA), where I connected with many builders and architects, who continue to refer me to new construction and remodeling projects, a particular design outlet for me.
My passion project is creating homes that support the lifestyle of the families that live there. I love working with clients who are inspired by fashion and edgier styles and appreciate how custom design can elevate their lifestyle. Interior design can impact a family’s wellness by creating spaces that flow and therefore direct the flow of their day. During the pandemic this philosophy has become much more apparent to me.
What was your best memory from 2021, a strange year we know… Personally, it was that my grown children were living with me, thus creating a special time to get to know each other and slow down in a new way, a rare gift with adult children that are out of the house.
Professionally, it was an interesting time as I was working on several projects for many young families that made the big move from NYC to the suburbs, Westport in particular. One such project was for a client whose parents’ home I had renovated a few years earlier. Both homes are in Westport. Working with the next generation on their first home in Connecticut, when she and her young family were coming from New York City during a time of so much change, showed me the power of interiors to elevate the wellbeing of a family. I was able to help create a true oasis for them, bringing peace during an unsettling time. We were able to design space for their family to grow and to work from home. This is what makes my work so rewarding.
What are you most looking forward to in 2022? While designing interior spaces, along with all of its fixtures and finishes is the core of my business, I also like to venture outside of my lane, particularly when aiding a good cause. Later this year, I will be using my creative juices to conceive a dining experience at an upcoming fundraising event to benefit Emerge. It will be fun for me, out of the box and most importantly, will benefit a good cause. The entire conceived tabletop will be auctioned off to raise monies in support of victims of domestic violence.
What is the best show you have recently (binge) watched? Inventing Anna! It was so appalling and alluring all at the same time.
What is one food you could not live without? It’s got to be pasta. It’s comfort food for me, as a throwback to life at home with my Italian parents and Sunday dinner with my grandparents. It’s just an easy go-to. Nowadays, when watching my waist, I will use spaghetti squash or grain pastas, but I just can’t ever get away from the real deal.
I love to cook, which is one of the reasons that I love to design kitchens. I understand the space, function and flow from the perspective of a cook and as a mother who has raised three children. For me, making a meal is nurturing, a way to show my love.
Each year there are so many new and exciting features and design elements that become available and I love being on the forefront of that technology because I know that moms and families benefit from a kitchen that is designed to support their needs. I try to get to the Kitchen and Bath Design show every year to stay on top of those trends.
Which talent would you most like to have? To sing. Any time I just want to belt out along with a song, I cringe at how off-key and bad I actually am!
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Chic! It is how I describe my interiors. It’s about a certain alluring edge and sophisticated style that defines my design and also reflects the creative spirit that sets Westport apart. But along with chic, I like my spaces to feel that you are invited in and compelled to linger.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I come from a large family with 6 siblings. Being part of a large family has served me well in communicating with clients. Being able to listen and understand people is a very important part of what I do and coming from a big family helps to teach me that. I also have lived overseas and grew up with some unique cultural furnishings. Experiencing different cultures has influenced my approach to design and helps me to think outside of the box and beyond what everyone else is doing. As soon as I hear that something is the most popular item, or that this is what everyone else is doing, that is when I turn the other way.
What thing has surprised you most about being in the suburbs? The suburbs here in the Westport area have become younger and are infused with a fresh energy from New York City transplants that I love and find inspiring as a creative, having grown up in the suburbs of NY myself. Westport is stylish, sophisticated, yet still with a laid back vibe. This is not your average suburb and I love that about it!
QUICK THIS OR THAT:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? Chocolate, always
Cook or order in? Cook, usually with fresh ingredients from Fresh Market. But sometimes I will pick up sides from Mystic Market to shorten the process.
Cake or Ice Cream? Ice cream
Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? Hot tea. I love mine from the Granola Bar, along with their avocado toast.
Beach or Mountains? Beach all day long, and Westport has 3 to choose from.
Puzzle or Board Game? Puzzle
Wine or a Cocktail (if cocktail, which one?) Wine. The crew at Greens Farms spirits has always been a great help to me.
Reading or writing? Reading, on my Kindle from Barnes and Noble.
Before bed: Social media or book/TV? Book before bed
Watch or play sports? Watch, but I do like to stay active. Does zumba count as a sport?
Stay in or go out? I cherish my time to unwind, but am very social as well.
Comedy or Drama? Drama