The #1 Task People Fear

by Susan Marocco on October 26, 2011


They say that the #1 thing people are afraid of is public speaking. But as an Interior Designer, I’d like to add – choosing a paint color.

A dreaded task – what to paint the room, the adjacent room, the entire house. An overwhelming process. When in doubt, there’s always “Linen White”- an acceptable neutral that’s easy on the eyes and seems to go with everything, seems to be the fall back option.

Many first start by asking their friends – what do you think? Then there’s the trip to the local paint store and the Benjamin Moore Fan Book which has a myriad of color choices. Now it’s even more confusing. Maybe the guy behind the counter can help. Or the painter, surely he knows what’s best. Another solution, now that Benjamin Moore has those 2oz. sample bottles, is to purchase several and try them on the walls. Hmmm darker than I thought, too light, too cool, too warm… Too many choices.

To the rescue are those who specialize in paint color selection and truly have an eye for color. They will look at your home, your fabrics, delve into which colors you truly love, which ones make you smile, make you happy, put a glow on your complexion and most importantly enhance your home.

Changing a paint color can be an inexpensive way to transform your space. If you are stuck in the above rut, contact me. I spent the first 20+ years of my career developing my eye for color creating lipsticks, nail enamels, eye shadow and blush for some of the leading cosmetic companies. Now that honed skill can apply to your paint selections.

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A few weeks ago I had the relaxing experience of going to Canyon Ranch. While I was in Lenox, MA. I of course had to visit Edith Wharton’s home, The Mount, which is conveniently just down the street. It’s an elegant estate and gardens. Wharton designed and built the classical revival house and its formal gardens in 1902 according to the principles she developed in her first book, “The Decoration of Houses“. You are able to tour the house from May-October.

A Sneak Peak Into the Life of One of America’s Leading Designers

It was here that Wharton fashioned a world of beauty, where she wrote some of her greatest works including such enduring classics as “The House of Mirth” and “Ethan Frame“. Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was one of America’s greatest writers, producing 40 books in 40 years, including authoritative works on architecture, gardens, interior design and travel. She was the first woman awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

As I walked the halls, you can see how she implemented the virtues of proportion harmony and simplicity. Restoration of the home was initiated in 1997 and continues today. The Drawing Room – our living room, was recreated by Charlotte Moss, whom I worked for when I first started my career in Interior Design. It is the largest room in the house measuring 36’ x 20’ and the only room with an elaborate ceiling treatment. Highlights of the original decoration included two c. 1710 Brussels tapestries set into the walls, which have been reproduced from photographs. The room also features a beautiful French marble mantel, terrazzo floors which in Wharton’s day were probably covered with an Aubusson carpet.

The other room which has been fully restored is the Dining Room, recreated by Bunny Williams. It features a white-painted round Victorian table with French armchairs.

Wharton was an avid gardener. The restored gardens include a kitchen garden, a lime walk of Linden trees, the walled garden- an Italian-style “giardino segreto” – hidden garden include fieldstone walls, fountain and pergola, and the flower and rock gardens.

A Sneak Peak Into the Life of One of America’s Leading Designers

For those who would like to purchase one of Edith Wharton’s books, there is also a bookstore which stocks her books, many difficult to find.

For more information visit EdithWharton.org, or phone 413-551-5107.

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Show House Progress – The Accessories

May 6, 2011

The Show House opens May 7th. The final touches have been put on the Bedroom in preparation for Press Week. Here you see pictures being hung.   The fabulous 19th century Japanese six panel screen is carefully hung. This piece serves as the focal point of the room, not only as art work, but as the [...]

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Show House Progress – Furniture Move In Day

April 28, 2011

May 7th, the opening date for the Show House, is rapidly approaching. The Rug and Furniture have been selected and ready to be installed into my Show House bedroom. Here you see the moving men assembling the bed frame. You can also get a sneak peek at the luxurious Stark Tibetan Rug I have chosen. [...]

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Showhouse Progress – Painting the Ceilings

April 19, 2011

The opening gala date for the Showhouse is approaching, May 7th so I am busy pulling the room together. Here my decorative painters are applying a striae on the walls of the bedroom which is a custom color glaze that is done with mica mineral powders. The sheer gold color of the glaze allows the [...]

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Showhouse Project for Cerebral Palsy Fundraiser

March 31, 2011

I have some exciting news I’d like to share with you!  Susan Marocco Interiors has been chosen as one of 20 Interior Designers to  create the Designer Showhouse of Westchester, an 11,000 square foot home and a fundraiser for Cerebral Palsy of Westchester. The opening Gala is May 7th, and the Showhouse is open from [...]

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Traditional Kitchen | Location: Darien, Connecticut

December 6, 2010

Client’s original kitchen had two windows, one over the sink, and a second at the end of the same wall. In addition, there was an off center opening to the family room. In re-designing the space, a larger window was added over the sink allowing for more light and expanding the view, while the second [...]

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Family Room | Location: Larchmont, New York

December 6, 2010

Clients wanted a comfortable, casual Family Room in which they could relax, put their feet up and watch T.V. They also wanted storage for the toys of their 1 year old child- accessible, but out of sight. We purchased two oversized chairs to co-ordinate with the existing sofa, flanked by a coffee table with storage [...]

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Traditional Dining Room | Location: Bedford, New York

December 6, 2010

Dramatic, formal dining room. Walls were painted a terracotta shade with a cross hatch pattern creating an elegant, cozy dining environment. Crown molding was added to frame the space. Complementary fabric on the chairs and window treatment complete the design scheme.

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Traditional Living Room | Location: Bedford, New York

November 29, 2010

Formal living room with a combination of antique and reproduction Louis XV and XVI furniture. Walls were striéd a golden hue by a decorative painter giving the illusion of linen silk. Crown molding was added and gilded to complement the gold damask drapery treatment. Blue chinoiserie accent pillows tie together the blue in the oriental [...]

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