a laid-back waterfront retreat

Thom Filicia infuses a waterfront retreat with laid-back sophistication.

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Photography by Brittany Ambridge
Photography by Brittany Ambridge

The

1920s house

, built in the Arts and Crafts style, exudes easygoing opulence.

sea change


For years, interior designer Thom Filicia has divided his time between homes in Manhattan and the Finger Lakes of upstate New York, where he was raised. So when he was called upon to design a five-bedroom property located on the northernmost tip of Skaneateles Lake, he knew just what to do. Set among rolling hills and crystalline waters, the house is ideal for lazy days and lounging out of doors—particularly because the residence, boasting its own boathouse, is only steps away from the pristine lake. “I wanted to set a serene scene,” Filicia says, “in which people could live, entertain, and really escape.”

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

Filicia races his speedboat along Skaneateles Lake.

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

The living area’s hand-woven dhurrie creates a color foundation for shades found in the artwork and textiles.

boyish charm


To enhance the home’s dreamy ambience, Filicia crafted a nostalgic decor brimming with nautically inspired charisma. Architectural features such as porthole windows and pine paneling were paired with preppy prints and timeless touches, including plaid bedding and pin-striped wallpaper. “We wanted the house to feel more like a retreat than a full-time residence,” Filicia says, “to embrace the fantasy of a lakeside hideaway, and make it fun.”

ARMCHAIRS

Trinidad ciscohome.net

CONSOLE

(in corner) Ernest iron with glass top, e-mail info@sedgwickandbrattle.com

COFFEE TABLE

light wood, hdbuttercup.com

SOFA

Saratoga by TF Home Collection for Vanguard, e-mail info@sedgwickandbrattle.com

THROW PILLOWS

aerostudios.com 

In the backyard boathouse, cantilevered over the lake’s bank, Filicia covered ceilings in a bold striped wallpaper to achieve a maritime atmosphere.

WALLPAPER

custom by Three Sisters Studio for York Wallpaper, yorkwall.com

SOFA

(similar to shown) Harrington jaysonhome.com

FABRIC

(on pillows) Kabba Kabba in blue by Holly Hunt martynlawrencebullard.com

PILLOW COVER

(striped, similar to shown) Perennials Côte d’Azur multi-stripe in poppy restorationhardware.com

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

Crystal the cat stands at attention on a four-poster bed of Filicia’s own design.

WALL COLOR

Imperial Yellow (314) by Benjamin Moore  

TRIM COLOR

Stonecutter (2135-20) by Benjamin Moore 

LINENS

French Ring in pimento by Serena & Lily 

DUVET AND SHAMS

Catalina Medallion by Serena & Lily  

LAMPS

Turned Table, e-mail info@sedgwickandbrattle.com

ART

(above headboard, right) “Pacific Ocean, Kashima, Japan” (2005) by David Burdeny, lumas.com

ART

(above headboard, left) “Spring Field, Sanford, Canada” (2001) by David Burdeny, lumas.com  

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

In the reading nook, Filicia painted ceilings a creamy hue and, for an organic touch, added a locally sourced antler chandelier.

COFFEE TABLE

Pacha by Roost, e-mail info@sedgwickandbrattle.com

CHAIRS

Armory from TF Home Collection for Vanguard, e-mail info@sedgwickandbrattle.com

SCONCES

swivel head wall lamp in antique brass circalighting.com

TRIM COLOR

Stonecutter by Benjamin Moore

WALL COVERING

(similar to shown) Japanese woven jute in natural/black, Phillip Jeffries 973-575-5414

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

Upholstered mattresses in the kids’ bedroom rest on built-in frames, forming a comfy spot for lounging.

COFFEE TABLE

teak block, e-mail info@sedgwickandbrattle.com

PILLOWS

east-meets-west.biz

WALL COVERING

winfieldthybony.com

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

“There’s a wonderful sense of authenticity and Americana here in the Finger Lakes.”—thom filicia

CHAIRS

summer dining, Mecox 973-575-5414

UPHOLSTERY

(on chair cushions) Canvas Stone, Sunbrella 336-221-2211

PILLOW COVERS

(similar to shown) Perennials Côte d’Azur multi-stripe in poppy restorationhardware.com

SIDE TABLE

Black Acid Throne stool, e-mail info@sedgwickandbrattle.com

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

A fire pit and ample outdoor seating make the perfect setting for backyard gatherings.

ADIRONDACK CHAIRS

Cypress Westport dartbrookrustic.com

Photography by Brittany Ambridge
Photography by Brittany Ambridge

The lakefront lean-to doubles as a storage shelter and a waterside terrace.

SQUARE TABLES

e-mail info@sedgwickandbrattle.com

SLING CHAIRS

serenaandlily.com for similar

HAMMOCK

quilted in longitude navy by Castaway hammockcompany.com