Talk Shop: Cara Woodhouse // Cara Woodhouse Interiors
ABOUT CARA
Specializing in luxury private residential and commercial projects, Cara Woodhouse Interiors encapsulates the fundamental values of design: form, function and symmetry. We love her for her punchy, modern take on glam mid-century style. Cara combines luxurious comfort with unsurpassed customer service – and having lived in New York, Los Angeles, and London, she brings her worldly knowledge of design to each and every project.
Cara strives to find the perfect balance in each space and has worked on projects in Miami, Colorado, New York City, the Hamptons, New Jersey, Boston, Nantucket, Connecticut, Westchester, London, and Los Angeles. We sat down with the Instagram powerhouse (321K followers!) mama, and designer, to chat all things design. Check it out below!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Luxurious, modern and unexpected playfulness
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started Cara Woodhouse Interiors in 2016 after owning several design firms. My favorite thing about what I do is seeing the final install of months upon months of work come together. It is literally thrilling!
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I do not have a mentor and have always wished that I did. This is why I try to go out of my way to help other designers and act as a mentor to others.
What does your home say about you:
Bring the funk! I love my eye candy and I think I have achieved that in my home with lighting, marble and interesting furniture pieces.
Where do you find inspiration:
Everywhere! I find it online via Pinterest and Instagram. I also find it through my travels and from my everyday surroundings.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
When entertaining, I love making my guests feel special and taken care of. I make sure that my guests have their favorite foods and cocktails and I love beautiful accessories such as serving bowls, dishes, glasses and serving wear. I like to create an oasis retreat in my home and make guests feel comfortable in every way possible.
Do you collect anything:
I do…No one really knows this about me but I collect 19th Century US stamps. I think they are so beautiful and have so much history!
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I always follow comfort over beauty. Comfort should always come first. I am such a fan of cozy comfortable chairs, sofas, etc. Rules that should be broken…I love breaking rules! I love when people say that's not possible…I am the type of person that will always challenge that and find a way to make things happen!
What are you working on right now:
SO much! I am working on a compound property in Setauket, NY, a Miami modern home, a Roslyn Harbor estate, and a Central Park West piedetere.
Wardrobe staples:
Shoes and bags always!!!! Accessories are the most important to me in my wardrobe!
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
I love Porter Teleo for wallpaper and fabric.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I invest in rugs and lighting and save on everyday dishware and glasses.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Garde, LA, The Future Perfect, Twentieth
Most prized possession and why:
My children! They are my life!
Your interiors motto:
Don't be ordinary…be extraordinary!
Your life motto:
Never take no for an answer
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Find your inspiration from everywhere… books, online, travel, stores etc. Don't be afraid to do you and do something different. You don't always have to follow trends or what's going on around you. Be you and define what that is for yourself. Be daring and push yourself to break barriers of design and create something new that has never been seen before!
My Favorite…
Food: Sushi
Drink: Cherry flavored seltzer
Film: Best in Show
City: New York
Bedding: Matouk
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee, half and half and a tsp. of stevia
Weekend Activity: Hanging with my husband Dean and two boys Cash & Lennon. This could be anywhere!
