The Design Dialogues {Elizabeth Caan}

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?