THE BOSTON GLOBE
Not at all Nautical
APRIL 2023
In an April 2023 feature by the Boston Globe, interior designer Jocelyn Chiappone, founder of Digs Design Company, showcased her talent for creating sophisticated and joyful interiors in a Cape Cod residence. Departing from traditional nautical themes, Chiappone incorporated subtle coastal elements to craft a space that is both elegant and inviting.
To subtly reference the coastal setting, Chiappone selected a modern abaca carpet and grass-cloth-covered ceiling panels, complemented by a jute pendant light. These elements introduce natural textures that evoke a seaside ambiance without overt nautical motifs.
Chiappone's affinity for mixing patterns is evident in the living area, where pillows featuring a peacock print reminiscent of marbled paper contrast with the sofa's subdued stripes. She likens fabrics to fashion, expressing enthusiasm for new collections and the dynamic possibilities they offer in design.
The room's aesthetic is further enhanced by a hand-painted Paul Schneider lamp, adding a glitzy twist to a classic awning stripe and echoing polished-brass light fixtures found elsewhere in the house. Draperies with jagged, embroidered stripes energize the room's perimeter, and their placement above the window frame creates an illusion of taller ceilings.
Artwork by Boston artist Liz Roache serves as a lighthearted focal point, tying into the black wet bar in the nearby dining room. Chiappone notes that, as the only strong color in the space, it adds an element of excitement. To accommodate the large room's scale while maintaining an airy feel, she chose clean-lined seating with low-profile arms, balancing comfort with visual lightness.
This project exemplifies Chiappone's ability to blend subtle coastal references with sophisticated design elements, resulting in a home that is both refined and reflective of her clients' desire for a non-nautical yet coastal-inspired retreat.