Haute Secrets Boston: Caroline Hughes of C.B. Hughes Design

Caroline Hughes, owner of Boston interior design firm C.B. Hughes Design, is best known for putting a modern twist on traditional New England style.

Photo Credit: Binita Patel Photography

Hughes believes a well-designed space should be just as functional as it is beautiful. She works with both residential and commercial businesses from Newton and Wellesley, to Beacon Hill and the luxurious Millenium Towers bringing an intuitive sense of style and purpose to every design project.

Photo Credit: Joyelle West

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

Where were you born: Boston, MA

How long in Boston: I grew up in Beverly, a city on the north shore. I’ve lived in Boston for the last 7 years.

Neighborhood: South Boston

Occupation: Interior Designer/Owner of C. B. Hughes Design

Favorite Restaurant: Stella, South End

Best Sushi: I’m the wrong person to ask, I only eat the veggie!

Best Italian: Café Portobello, South Boston

Best dessert: Cannoli from Maria’s Pastry Shop, North End

Best place for a romantic date: Dinner at Stella, followed by a long walk home to offset the feast we just devoured.

Best Sunday brunch: Amrheins, South Boston – their buffet is amazing

Best place for a power business meeting: South End Buttery

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Ames Hotel

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Assembly Row, Somerville

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches:  M. Flynn, South End

Best Spa: Bella Santé, Newbury Street

Favorite Charity Event: Jimmy Fund Walk

Favorite Cultural Event: St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston

Favorite Cultural Institution: Rose Kennedy Greenway

Best Steakhouse: Strip by Strega

Best Pizza: Santarpio’s

Best Lunch: Pulled pork tacos from The Paramount

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Again, wrong person to ask. Although, my husband’s answer is Peter Welch’s Boxing Gym.

Best Massage: I’ve only had two in my life and both were on my honeymoon in Nice, France and Amsterdam.

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber

Best Museum/Exhibit: Institute of Contemporary Art

Describe Boston in three words: Home, Charming, Tom Brady

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Emerald Necklace Parks

All-around favorite spot in Boston: My grandmother used to take me and my brothers to Castle Island in South Boston when we were young. I have the greatest memories there. Twenty years later, my husband and I walk our dog around the island on the weekends.

Best Aspect of Boston: The people.