We first encountered interior decorator Lesli DeVito through her blog, myoldcountryhouse.com, where she showcases her work as a custom pet portrait artist and the artist of a much bigger canvas—her house. An 1880s farmhouse in Greenwood, the home has been lovingly updated with modern amenities and a bright, cheerful interior aesthetic. And DeVito did the bulk of the work herself (that’s kind of her shtick). We asked her to tell us about her biggest design influences, her dream house and what she’ll never DIY.
Antique or modern? Antique, I guess. But I love modern and my home is really more farmhouse antique.
City or country? I live in the country but I long for the city.
Which colors do you gravitate toward? Pink and aqua and white.
Which materials or textures do you frequently use in your own home? Belgian linens and velvet.
What is your favorite interior design-related word? Anchor.
Does your home look like the one you grew up in? No.
What’s one thing that can really transform a room? Lighting.
Favorite designer? Oh, I have so many! Bunny Williams, Katie Ridder, Mary McDonald, David Hicks, Samantha Pynn.
Which design blog, website, TV show or magazine do you peruse religiously? Domino and Living Etc.
Décor-wise, what should a homeowner never scrimp on? Rugs.
Design rule you like to break? I like no-no color combinations like red and pink.
What is your favorite room in the house? I love living rooms.
What is your most treasured possession? My photo albums from 1996 (when my first child was born) up until when things went to all digital are precious to me.
What do you wish you could do without? Trash cans—they drive me nuts because the dogs always go digging around for snacks.
What are you afraid to DIY? Anything electrical I leave for the pros, though I have rewired many lamps.
If you could live in one historical figure’s house, whose would it be? David Hicks’ home, the childhood home of India Hicks.
On what movie set would you like to live? Something’s Gotta Give and The Intern.
If you were reborn as a piece of furniture or an object, what would it be? “Mona Lisa.”
What is your first design memory? Choosing the daisy wallpaper for my bedroom when I was 7.
