Get to Know Emily Mattei

By Jen DeRose on Sep 18, 2018

Photo by Molly Haley

Known for her chic nautical style, e4 Interior Design owner Emily Mattei riffs on the power of a blue-and-white palette and why a wild animal has taken up residence in her purse.

My go-to gift is…

Baggu Bags! I used these as gift bags for my clients’ holiday presents last year. I love how they fold into cute little pouches. Standard Baggu, $12, Folly 101. 207-773-5227

My foolproof paint color is…

I have Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams in my office and just used it on a client’s kitchen cabinets. It’s not super- stark, but it also doesn’t have yellow undertones, so it always looks clean. $67.50/gallon. 

I always have this in my purse…

A rhino figurine has lingered in my bag of tricks to keep my toddler entertained during events like his older brother’s T-ball games. $8. rainbowtoysme.com

I’d love to fill my walls with art by…

Sarah Madeira Day. She paints beautiful coastal Maine scenes with a simple, elegant hand. I like that they work in both modern and transitional spaces. Deer Isle Tide, framed acrylic on canvas, 30″ x 48″, $1,630.

A room isn’t finished until…

It smells great. I use essential oils in diffusers throughout my home — studies show the scents can improve mood and productivity. In bathrooms, I also use Maine Island Soap, made with eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender essential oils. $6.

I’m currently obsessed with…

The terra-cotta backsplash tile I just installed in a Kennebunk kitchen. The owners didn’t want the house to feel too new. This tile, with its matte finish and vintagey hand-painted design, looks like it was plucked from an old farmhouse. Walker-Zanger Fatima tile, $91/ square foot. bluerockmaine.com

The key to pulling off nautical style is to…

Make it subtle. Instead of furnishing with coral statues and a Life’s a Beach sign, stick to a soothing palette of blues, whites, and grays and mix in jute rugs for warmth. I also like to use traditionally nautical items in unexpected ways — for example, this rope towel ring. AlaskaRugCompany, $35.