HOME: An

LIFE&

Home | Shop | Fashion STYLE

A pair of lanterns from their former home flank a fireplace salvaged from a Beacon Hill demo. The mural creates a stunning backdrop to furnishings like a Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams sofa.

Patterns of Behavior

An interior designer embraces a love of flowers in her East Side home

When Michelle Cortizo of Cortizo Interiors LLC and her husband Jorge became empty nesters, they decided to downsize from their Canton, Massachusetts home to swap acreage for less maintenance. While Boston seemed “busy and expensive,” Providence and a historic house on College Hill felt like just the right size. The pair fell for an 1850s clapboard home with features like two brick fireplaces, nine-and-a-half-foot ceilings, wide plank floors, and an eat-in kitchen. “Manageability and walkability played a key role in our choice,” says Cortizo.

Original wide wood planks were unearthed beneath two layers of ceramic and linoleum flooring. Cabinets are painted the faintest blue with bronze-rubbed hardware over copper. A copper farm sink and custom hood are new but nod to the home’s 1850s aesthetic.

This change of scenery also sparked some liberation in Cortizo’s personal design scheme. “Two things I thought I’d never have: a mural and so many flowers in a room,” she begins. “For some reason, at this point of my life and our history, feminism is speaking loud and clear in my home.” The mural she’s referring to is an expansive Dutch Masters rendering of flowers, purchased from JF Fabrics in Canada; there is also a ticket from the Women’s March proudly displayed on her desk. “I believe a home should have a sense of history but should also function and reflect the world you live in. Your home should tell your story.”

Cortizo describes her style as traditional chic, offering that she likes a mix of relaxed and elegant, old and new, with no clutter. “Editing has always been a part of how I curate my home. I believe you should only live with what you love and need. Everything should speak to you visually and if it doesn’t, then it should be edited.” She also notes that every home she has ever lived in has been very different, and setting informs her choices. “Each has been a reflection of the architecture of the home, of course, but also where I am in my life and how I see things.”

A pair of mid-century chairs were a consignment store find recovered in lilac textured velvet

Constants in Cortizo’s designs are the use of color, fabrics, and lighting. “Lighting is the mother of enhancers. No matter what house I’m in or the style I’m emphasizing, every light is on a dimmer. From living spaces to bookcase interiors and bathrooms – dimmers!” says Cortizo, who also notes that she indulges in filling her home with flowers, music, and the daily burning of candles. “I don’t wait for special occasions because you can never be sure if there will be another one. Every day is special so why not celebrate daily?”

GET RHODY STYLE

Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.

LOCAL ACCENTS “I love the vibe. Providence has that mix that keeps life and good design engaging and interesting,” says Cortizo, who cites NAVA and Simple Pleasures as favorite shops.

FLOOR SHOW One of Cortizo’s decor go-tos for herself and her clients is Loominous. Located at 126 North Main Street, the gallery displays custom-made rugs from places like Egypt, India, Nepal, and Turkey.

PRO ADVICE Cortizo began her design business in 2000 and has been designing residential projects big and small ever since. She is a Fixr Top Expert 2023 in the Interior Design Industry. Learn more at CortizoInteriors.com.

Want your home featured in Providence Monthly? Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to learn more Photography by Grace Lentini