Haute Secrets Boston: Taniya Nayak of HGTV

Taniya Nayak is best recognized for her work as a design expert on HGTV and the Food Network’s Restaurant: Impossible with Robert Irvine, but she is most known around Boston for her local interior design firm, Taniya Nayak Design LLC. The TV personality and award-winning designer takes her unique style and transforms commercial and residential spaces into a clean, modern design. (Her designs can be seen at local restaurants throughout Boston, including Whiskey Republic, Julep Bar, and Abby Lane).

Photo Credit: Magdalena M

Nayak is a regular on HGTV shows, including Showdown, Bang for Your Buck and White House Specials and has been featured in a variety of magazines, including People, Cosmopolitan, Glamour.

She has also appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, NBC’s Today and Rachael Ray. Next week, she is hosting a viewing party for the season premiere of ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight”, which she co-hosts, on Monday, December 7 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Back Bay Harry’s restaurant, which she also co-owns. The event will benefit the nonprofit organization, Smile Train.

Photo Credit: Magdalena M

We caught up with her recently to find out what she loves most about Boston.

Where were you born? India

How long in Boston? Since I was 2 months old

Where do you live now? Milton

Occupation? Interior Designer and Television host (HGTV, Food Network, ABC) and Brand Ambassador for Ellen Degeneres “ED on Air” home decor line.

Best Sushi: Fuji in Quincy

Best Italian: Cafe Bella in Randolph

Best dessert: Carrot Cake at Ashmont Grill

Best place for a romantic date: Home

Best Sunday brunch: Back Bay Harry’s in Boston Back Bay and The Poynt in Newburyport

Best place for a power business meeting: Bostonia Public House

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The W or The Revere

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Club Monaco Prudential Mall

Best Spa: Katana Salon and Spa in Winchester

Favorite Charity Event: Room to Dream

Best Steakhouse: Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Boston

Best Pizza: The Poynt in Newburyport

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Milton Hill Sports Club

Best Massage: Massage by Miro at Milton Hill Sports Club

Best Driving Service: Uber

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: The Freedom Trail

Describe Boston in three words: Real, Beautiful, Fun

All-around favorite locale in Boston, whether a neighborhood, restaurant, venue, or other: McGreeveys on Boyston St. (Best place to watch a game)

Best aspect of Boston: The culture and diversity