Spring 2013

A Beautiful Abode

Cape Cod Home  /  Spring 2013 / ,

Writer: Nancy E. Berry / Photographer: Eric Roth 

A Beautiful Abode

Spring 2013

Cape Cod Home  /  Spring 2013 / ,

Writer: Nancy E. Berry / Photographer: Eric Roth 

Interior designer Liz Stiving Nichols offers an eclectic mix of furnishings and accessories in her shop in Vineyard Haven

Photo by Eric Roth

CCH: What is your design philosophy when it comes to designing a home on Cape Cod or the Islands?

SN: On or off Cape, our philosophy is the same—the interior design of a home should be harmonious with the architectural and exterior elements, and also reflect the client’s personality and style. On the Cape, we might take a few other things into consideration such as well-designed outdoor living spaces, or the possibility of wet bathing suits and sand being tracked in the house. Ultimately our job is to get to know our clients and create a design that is all about their life, personality, and family. A good designer is, first and foremost, a good listener.

CCH: Is it different designing for a primary residence versus a second home?

SN: The approach to designing a primary residence compared to a vacation home is the same; it’s the state of mind that may be different. Our goal is to create a design that reflects our client’s lifestyle. One’s lifestyle in their summer home may be vastly different than in their everyday life.

When beginning a project, I frequently ask my clients if they want their home to be a place where people can put their feet on the sofa, or take their shoes off at the door. In the summer, I find people (myself included) are most often a little more laid back and maybe even adventurous. Perhaps the fact that they are only living in the house a few weeks or months out of the year, people feel they can take more risks. That is certainly an added perk from a designer’s point of view.

Nancy E. Berry

An accomplished journalist, Nancy Berry lists “former editor of Cape Cod HOME” among many credentials. She is currently the editor of Northshore magazine which is based in Andover, Mass.