[Continued from Part 1…]

The conclusion of my Q&A with award-winning designer and author, Thom Filicia.

ShulmanSays:  Eveningwood (the home Filicia shares with Calejo, on Skaneateles Lake – and the subject of Filicia’s 2012 book, American Beauty: Renovating and Decorating a Beloved Retreat) is at once stylish and welcoming.  What’s your secret?

Thom Filicia:  I wanted our country camp in the Finger Lakes to have a sense of easy sophistication - reflecting the energetic lives that we have in the city, and all of the traveling we are able to do; while feeling contextually appropriate to its surroundings and the purpose this house serves – being a relaxing getaway from our day-to-day. I believe this is shown in some of the artwork, books and collected/curated accessories that we have around our home. There’s interesting eye-candy and sophisticated elements mixed in, but I wanted to make sure this home didn’t feel pretentious or precious in any way. 

I wanted my home to feel comfortable in its own skin – connected to its location, architecture, and surroundings – honestly communicating the experience that we want to have, when we’re there; and what we want our family, friends and dogs to feel, when they arrive. 

When one feels comfortable in his own skin, you are drawn to it; and this is the same reaction we wanted people to have when visiting our home.

SS:  What’s the difference between decorating for yourself and for a client?

TF:  When decorating for a client I am striving to reveal the authentic personality and lifestyle of the people that live in the home and allowing that to drive the influences and aesthetic perspective for that particular project. However, when designing and decorating for myself, it can be a bit harder because I’m forced to take a look within and distill an aesthetic born from all of the influences, points of view and products that interest me (and what I can afford). These interests are broad and varied, so it’s really about looking at oneself with a critical eye and doing a bit of self-reflection in order devise a direction that will help guide my focus.

SS:  What’s your signature cocktail?

TF:  Depending on the season, I have two…

Summer:  “East Lake Cocktail”

A wheelbarrow of vodka, with a splash of watermelon lemonade, and a dash of club soda, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint.

Winter:  “West Lake Cocktail”

A wheelbarrow of vodka, with a dash of club soda, garnished with a large lemon wedge. (FYI - West Lakers are on a budget…)

SS:  Where are you most happy, and why?

TF:  On the boat with our dogs – I love the sense of freedom and simplicity.  Also, no talking back!

SS:  What one thing do you look at and think "I did that!"

TF:  College… Syracuse University… I can’t believe I got in, I got through it, and I got out!

Seriously though, everything “I” do is a “We”, because from television to design, and books to product; none of it would be possible without an amazingly talented team!

Thom Filicia: Decorating from Top to Bottom
hosted by Las Vegas Design Center & Interior Design Society|benefiting the Las Vegas Philharmonic
Thursday, September 24th|5:30pm
Click HERE for info

Get into it!