PROFILE-The Interior Design Issue, February 2012

DESIGNER: Nicola Manganello | Nicola’s Home

Photography Trent Bell

This Space, This Way:

When Nicola Manganello began work on this interior, it was a blank slate with big, open spaces that were more conducive to roller-skating than day-to-day family life. The owners—a busy family of four—wanted a home, not a just a house. Manganello moved forward with a plan to make the interior feel warm and welcoming without compromising flow or functionality.

“Because of the scale of the interior, I started out by adding some substantial, traditional elements: stonework, reclaimed beams, and lots of woodwork. Those choices brought a lot of warmth to the room, and complemented the classic doors and interior windows well. What was once a big, empty space became much more intimate, even familiar. Without looking worn, it immediately felt accessible.”

Throughout the space, sight lines remain open. Despite its size, conversations can be carried on from any part of the room. Manganello took great care in providing ample seating: backed stools at the breakfast bar, couches and chairs around the fire to sink into, and comfortable dining chairs. “All of them are so comfortable,” she says, “that you almost forget to pay attention to time. And whether you’re eating breakfast, reading a book by the fire, or cleaning up after dinner, you’re together. To me, that’s the definition of home.”

Signature Style:

“Every design decision I make is driven by my desire to create warmth and comfort—not just physical comfort but emotional comfort. Materials make a big difference. Wood brings warmth. Lighting illuminates without overpowering. Seating is conducive to conversation and relaxation. With many of the homes I design, I like to bring kitchen, dining, and living spaces together. Families gravitate toward those spaces and end up spending more time together. Without that unity, it’s too tempting to retreat. The right space can actually keep people together.”

Trick of the Trade:

“At every step of the design process, I put myself in the environment. If it feels right, I go with my instincts. If it doesn’t, I step back for perspective. I know my work is done when it feels like a space I could embrace as my own.”

The Goods:

Flooring & stair runner: Design Concepts, designconceptsmaine.com
Lights over the island: Pottery Barn, potterybarn.com
Cabinet doors: Old House Parts, oldhouseparts.com
Custom kitchen cabinets: Nicola’s Home, nicolas-homes.com
Stools: Maine Cottage, mainecottage.com
Red check chairs & sofa: Barclay Butera, barclaybutera.com
Kitchen table & coffee table in front of the fireplace: Simply Home, simplyhomepage.com
Rug near the fireplace: Bradford’s Rug Gallery, bradfordsruggallery.com
White pottery on the island: Vietri, available at Nicola’s Home,
nicolas-homes.com
Throw pillows on the sofa: Nicola’s Home, nicolas-homes.com

For More: Nicolas-homes.com