I stumbled upon the work of interior decorator Elizabeth Caan last week on Made By Girl and fell in love with her colorful, preppy aesthetic. I was delighted when she agreed to participate in The Design Dialogues and share a few more of her interiors with all of you! Without further ado, Elizabeth Caan!
Who you are: Elizabeth Caan
What you do: Interior decoration and styling
Where you do it: Newton, Massachusetts
Five words to describe yourself... Impatient, energetic, petite, down-to-earth, congenial.
How do you define your aesthetic? Graphic glam.
Who are your style icons? Miles Redd, Mrs. Lilien, Diana Vreeland.
Destination: New York, New York
Quote: "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." —Benjamin Franklin
Site: Etsy. I've scored some amazing things: vintage scarves I've had made into pillows, great art, and photographer that I have smattered about my studio and my home.
Store: Net-a-Porter. Who has time to go into a store?
Thing to read: Financial Times Where to Spend It Weekend Magazine.
Thing to Watch: Breaking Bad on AMC — such a great show!
Thing to wear: A fabulous coat makes anything look très chic.
How did you decide to become an interior designer?
When I could afford to! It's an expensive sport. No, I actually have a degree in art. I spent ten years in sales and marketing for new media companies and have always had a passion for interior design. When I could afford to take a pay cut and learn this business the way I wanted to, I went for it!
What is the most glamorous aspect of your work?
Creating glamorous things with beautiful materials and top-notch tradespeople.
What is the least glamorous aspect of your work?
Schlepping things around town!
What is the best advice you've ever received?
This is a creative business. To make it, you need to be not only creative but a businessperson as well.
Three tasks on your to do list...
Take my daughter to Paris, finish my home office, learn to relax.
Three items on your wishlist...
A pair of Joe Cariati glass lamps in lavender berry, a larger closet, a laundress.
Three tasks on your bucket list...
A trip to the Greek islands, go on an African safari, learn how to upholster — couture style!
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Thank you so much for joining us, Elizabeth! I love her quote about being a creative businessperson and I think I'll be adding a laundress to my wishlist as well. Aren't you smitten with her style?
