Where Memories are Made

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Veteran designer Ericka Catanzaro realizes a forever home for a young family in Lafayette

In the entrance, Cantanzaro designed a custom mirror fabricated by Rossi Antiques that hangs above a ruffled wicker console from Anyon Atelier. Photography by Stephaine Russo.
In the living room, pillows in Peter Dunham textiles add pops of color. Photography by Stephaine Russo.

“I have always been drawn to art-inspired interiors that are bright and inviting. I love a good juxtaposition in a space whether it’s antiques with modern art, or a mix of simple materials like linen and jute with more elegant things like silk or fine metals,” says designer Ericka Catanzaro about her classic, eclectic style. “When it comes to the bones of a home I like to keep the architectural details and finishes classic and timeless. I tend to veer away from trends and am drawn to styles that can stand the test of time.”

Custom colored “Capri” Wallpaper by Quadrille adds artistic edge in the dining room. The dining chairs are by Woodbridge and the rug is from Stark Carpet. Photography by Stephaine Russo.

Inside this 5,000-square-foot new construction build, she was hired by a dynamic family that she met through Russ Stryker of Stryk Construction, to create inviting spaces with a contemporary farmhouse approach where they could build lasting memories. “The moment I met this entrepreneurial tech family, I knew the project was going to be a success,” she recalls. “Not only because our second design meeting led to an evening of chatting and sipping sauvignon blanc in their backyard, but because they truly were excited about the process and valued my expertise.”

Having purchased an existing set of preliminary plans for the empty lot, the clients enlisted Catanzaro and Stryk to build their forever home. “This project was built from the ground up in under a year during the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic,” she notes. “It was amazing to the progress every week, and was a really great team effort on all parts including the client who was decisive and made quick decisions which really helped us deliver on time.”

In the office, the rug is by Stark Carpet, the desk chair is by A.Rudin covered in Peter Dunham textiles and the art is W.I.M.P. (1999), 10 Color Lithograph from Gemini Gel NY. Photography by Stephaine Russo.

They envisioned a neutral palette throughout, with pops of color in the accents and accessories and were eager to use this opportunity to curate an art collection. “We guided them in their selections by presenting them with pieces we loved from established galleries throughout the country,” she notes. “For most of the rooms we used the art as our hero piece in each space to build the color palette.”

John Robshaw’s Lanka Lapis wallcovering adds a moment of fun. The fixtures and sconces are from Waterworks. Photography by Stephaine Russo.

“For this project the client and I fell in love with some really beautiful wallpapers and textiles,” she remarks. “The paisley block print in the powder room set the tone for many of our selections. John Robshaw’s translation of a classical paisley pattern, guided us on a lot of our decisions.”

In the primary bedroom the bed is by Oly and the lamps are by Arteriors. Photography by Stephaine Russo.
Waterworks’ Ludlow fixtures are anchored by Calcatta Marble tiles from Da Vinci Marble. Photography by Stephaine Russo.

The family moved in prior to the completion of the project, however, every time the team installed a new piece, the clients were overjoyed. “The furniture was installed in three phases as pieces were completed,” says Catanzaro. “Each time we brought over new pieces, the client was truly delighted and in awe of the new additions and the impact they made on the space.”