STYLE

Luxe for Life

Neutral furnishings make the most of 360 degree views of the Providence skyline

Downsizing doesn’t always mean less. This is the case for Robyn and Ted Smalletz, two business executives who spent 30 years in a large Colonial house in East Greenwich. Suddenly empty nesters, the pair was ready for a new chapter and decided to swap square footage for a State House view. Says Robyn, “Our perfect location turned out to be a corner unit on the 23rd floor of The Residences.”

“A lot of our clients have small children and pets and are looking for designs that are more casual,” begins Kelly Taylor, founder of Kelly Taylor Interior Design, based on Westminster Street. “But Robyn and Ted wanted a luxury hotel situation. They were looking for a quiet, relaxing, spa-like palette, so we gave them lots of layered textures to create depth and interest with no color.”

Taylor also relays that the Smalletzes were clear from the start that the second bedroom needed to be a home o ce, and that cooking wasn’t a priority. Guests would stay at the adjacent Omni and entertaining would be limited to cocktails and apps before dinner out in the city.

Robyn shares that she and Ted had their first meeting with Taylor inside the apartment at sunset. “The lights of the skyline were just becoming alive. I have always said that the timing was serendipitous because this was the dimension we wanted to capture,” says Robyn. “The city was to be the centerpiece of our design.”

Taylor relished this directive and outfitted the 2007-built 1,161-square-foot condo in a style she calls “warm modern glamor.”

Employing elements like dramatic lighting and gauzy drapery to make the most of the skyline views, Taylor selected furnishings at once elegant and artful without being stuffy – there are grandchildren, after all. The palette could be described as “pebble” with shimmering organic accents that combine in a subconscious shoreline aesthetic.

“With limited space and beautiful views we opted for neutral tones and fabulous light fixtures to complement the sparkle of Providence, especially in the night sky,” says Robyn, smiling brightly. “One of my favorite pieces in our home is a crystal starburst chandelier, which appears as an extension of the evening.”

Get Rhody Style

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

Maxwell House

“We have a gallery wall of paintings in our hallway prominently displaying an original oil painting by artist Maxwell Mays. Max was a Rhode Island treasure, a friend, and we love the piece we commissioned years ago,” says Robyn Smalletz of the RI artist who donated over 295 acres to create the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge in Coventry.

Local Accents

“We employed Plantasia to do all the indoor and exterior plantings; they not only provide the plants and the pots, but also can also service them. Stock Culinary Goods is just the best store for anything and everything someone needs for the kitchen, whether beautiful, unique things or kitchen staples, and delicious food products and chocolate, too! Jephry Floral Studio is my go-to for flowers, vases, candles, etc. He has an impeccable eye and a collection of beautiful things. I get all my flowers for photoshoots from his store,” says Taylor.

About Ktid

Since 2004, Kelly Taylor has been bringing fresh ideas to residential and commercial spaces. “We specialize in warm, modern, clean, and fresh spaces, whether historic, waterfront, or urban,” says Taylor. Learn more at KTID.net.

Sister Act

Siblings share their adoration for decor in new storied home interiors shop

A postage stamp-sized section of Hope Street – past the heart of Brown but not quite at Wickenden Street – has become a charming shopping destination. Adding to the flavorful vibes established by restaurants Persimmon and Dolores, Hawes Fine Foods opened their gourmet grocery in the summer of ‘21, making the most of their square footage with e cient displays and marigold drapery showcasing the storefront’s colored transom windows. This summer, another shop has taken over a restored building; it’s Stewart House, an interiors shop owned by two sisters who have been daydreaming about starting a family business for years.

Ellen and Karen Deutsch grew up in an apartment building in Greenwich Village. Their parents owned an art gallery in the city and their childhood was filled with conversation about the importance of aesthetics in daily life. Both moved to Rhode Island to raise their families, and while each went in di erent professional directions, they often revisited the idea of owning a business together. When their kids graduated from college, the time was right and the sisters realized they wanted to fill the need for a small business that would “bring color, texture, and joy to their homes and the homes of others,” explains Karen.

The Deutsches named their venture Stewart House after their childhood apartment building in New York City, and began a search for the ideal character-rich location on the East Side. They found their perfect spot at 97 Hope Street and set up shop in June. With its black window panes and elegant signage against white trim and a gray exterior, even at a quick glance it’s evident that something special awaits behind the red front door.

The sisters have filled their shop with a world of goods inspired from travels, wish lists, and trade shows. Shoppers will find alluring displays of textiles, tabletop wares, fine art, candles, and more – sourced from around the globe and close to home. Whether you’re smitten with Karen’s favorite tablecloths from Italy, embroidered velvet stu ed animals by German designer Anke Drechsel, or handpainted tote bags from Providence artist Dominique Avila, Stewart House has the unique at a variety of price points.

“We’ve loved living in Providence for over 20 years, and this store is the perfect way to connect our past and present,” says Karen. “We’re thrilled to o er something new to the area — particularly something we and our fellow Rhode Islanders have long searched for.” Learn more at StewartHousePVD.com

Meet Allison Kirwan AKA Wild World of AK

This designer is making a splash in fashion with her eye-catching and conversational designs, both in Rhode Island and Hollywood

How did you get into the fashion industry?

I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the art world but was unsure of what medium to choose. I love photography, sculpture, illustration, and designing in general. I started out drawing celebrity mermaid characters like Biggie and Tupac, and printed a run of T-shirts and hoodies back in 2014. They luckily ended up gaining popularity online, so I kept on drawing more characters and taking requests, and eventually it grew into more products and more than 120 mermaid character designs. I then dabbled in making eclectic accessories, printed sweat suits, and home decor. I like to compare my brand to the Will Ferrell quote in Blades of Glory which is something like “No one knows what it means, but it’s provocative…it gets the people going!”

Where does your inspiration come from?

Most of my inspiration comes from childhood nostalgia, the ‘90s/2000s, maximalism, and pop culture. I have a vast array of interests ranging from wrestling to anime, so it makes for a very eclectic mix of designs. I aim to make fun, cozy conversation pieces. My brand is a reflection of my own strangeness. I also make custom print designs to help others’ unique or strange interests come to life.

You recently had your first runway show at StyleWeek Northeast, what was that experience like?

StyleWeek was such an incredible experience. I have not had a big runway show like that before, so it was a fun challenge to push the envelope and create more elaborate runway looks. The theme was “mismatched chaos” which I think was achieved! I had a great team of models, as well, who helped take the show to the next level by adding their own personal flair to the looks. We all clicked so well and still hang out frequently (shout out to the model squad!). The whole StyleWeek team was amazing, from the hair and makeup to the backstage coordinators. It was also awesome to feature the handbags of one of my favorite designers, Kent Stetson, in the show. My lovely friends and family came out to support me as well, which was a great feeling. It was an experience I’ll never forget and a great event for the city. I’m a very lucky gal to have been a part of it!

You’ve gained quite a following, including celebs! Who are some of the memorable people you’ve seen rocking your designs?

The most memorable would probably be Drea de Matteo, who played Adriana La Cerva in The Sopranos. She wore a sweatsuit with her Sopranos’ character printed all over it and posted a photo to Instagram. I was so starstruck! The Sopranos is my favorite show, so that was definitely a pinch-me moment. It’s always fun to see celebrities wearing my designs. Kiernan Shipka, Ruby Rose, Tierra Whack, and a few SNL cast members have sported the designs, as well, which is mind-blowing to me. Although nothing is more exciting than seeing someone wear my stu out in the wild, it always makes my day!

As a Rhode Islander, what are some of your favorite spots and things to do in the state?

I love all the classic RI summer activities. George’s of Galilee chowder and clam cakes with my mom, visiting Newport, venturing to Block Island. I also love finding secret swimming spots, which I cannot reveal! I love to swim. I briefly moved to Denver and it really made me realize how much I loved and missed the Ocean State and being near the water. Learn more at WildWorldofAK.com