When it was pulled off the market, the couple was heartbroken; but the Basarwala’s Realtor was able to make the owners an offer, and they signed on the dotted line to purchase their dream home.
“It truly is my dream home,” explains Marcy. “It was brand new and move-in ready, but the back yard needed a lot of work. It had so much potential, we were eager to get started on it.” Marcy, who has always used a lot of color to decorate her home, got right to work on bringing some heart and soul to the interiors. Having seen Tom Holley’s design work in a friend’s home down the street, Marcy commissioned his help. Tom, owner of Crazy Jane’s in Southend, worked quickly over the next year to carefully curate the look of Marcy’s home.
“I really like interiors that look collected,” says Tom. “I like bringing organic casual pieces into dressier spaces. Comfort is always key, though it all has to look sophisticated and fashionable.” Marcy adds that she has always had a bit of a bohemian flair and is never afraid to take risks. “I have always wanted people to find the space interesting, even if it isn’t their style or taste,” she says. Her dining room is the perfect example of daring and interesting design – from the red leopard wallpapered ceiling, old barrel art chandelier and Indian buffet to the hand-sewn patchwork draperies and natural reed top-down window shades, it’s full of textures, layers and color. “I wanted to keep the modern organic theme of the home,” shares Tom. “You can see that in the reclaimed marine wood, stone accents, and the sea grass and hide rugs in the dining room and kitchen.”
All of the color and soul Marcy poured into her home dripped beautifully onto the veranda when the pool and backyard were finished in September of 2015, complete with an outdoor kitchen, fireplace and fire pit. They worked with B and B Pools to design a relaxing salt-water pool oasis, and Marcy took to designing the outdoor living areas herself. “My mom is an amazing seamstress,” explains Marcy. “She sewed most of what you see out there, including the outdoor curtains, which I love!”
From Crazy Jane’s, Marcy pulled in some rugs and a cool iron mirror art piece which hangs outside. She uses an underground rainwater cistern for irrigating all the gorgeous and colorful landscaping in the yard in addition to using solar panels to power
the hot water heater. Rain barrels (in addition to the metal screens by the fire pit), designed by the wife of B and B Pools owner Bryant Bedingfield, were painted to look like planters and house an array of greenery and flowers, while a stone wall sets off a separate fire pit area perfect for lounging on crisp spring and fall evenings.
“I think your home should be a reflection of who you are,” advises Marcy. “Do something that makes an impact on people who come into your home. I’m not afraid to try unconventional things – if I don’t like it, it can be changed. Nothing is permanent!”