Haute Secrets Boston: Kathie Chrisicos

One of Boston’s hautest interior designers has recently opened a new design studio, Chrisicos Interiors, across from The Four Seasons Hotel.  Kathie Chrisicos specializes in transforming residential and commercial properties into luxury works of interior artistic design. Photo Credit: Greg Premru

With showrooms in Boston, Wellesley and New York and custom creations from furniture to giftware, the former president of the International Furnishings and Design Association knows what it takes to create an unforgettable space.

Photo Credit: Greg Premru

We caught up recently with Chrisicos to find out what she loves most about Boston:

Where were you born: Nashua, New Hampshire

How long in Boston: 20 years

Neighborhood: Back Bay

Occupation: Residential and Corporate Interior Designer / Executive Relocation Specialist

Favorite Restaurant: The Bristol Lounge/Four Seasons Hotel

Best Sushi: Douzo on Dartmouth Street — a great dining room for a lunch or dinner meeting.

Best Italian: Bar Mezzana, for its coastal Italian specialties. We’re spoiled for great seafood in Boston and Bar Mezzana has one of the most inventive crudo menus I’ve seen. Their patio is great on a hot summer night.

Best dessert: A North End cannoli or gelato and a cafe perch to watch the colorful crowd – always a treat for out- of-town guests.

Best place for a romantic date: Yvonne’s in Downtown Crossing. A modern take on an old world supper club. It’s one of the few places where you really want to get dressed up to go to. I love the over-the- top décor and the food is incredible.

Best Sunday brunch: Stephanie’s on Newbury. It’s the best place for people watching and the food is always good.

Best place for a power business meeting: My Studio!

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? My across the street neighbors, The Four Seasons Hotel. The service is unbeatable.

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Saks Fifth Avenue, Skinner Auction House (across the street from my studio on Park Plaza)

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Cartier

Best Spa: Langham Hotel Chuan Spa

Favorite Charity Event: Berklee Encore Gala, Mass College of Art Fashion Show,BCRF Boston Hot Pink Party

Favorite Cultural Event: Bastille Day celebration at The French Library and Cultural Center/Back Bay

Favorite Cultural Institution: Museum of Fine Arts – from the exhibits to the film programming, there’s always something of interest.

Best Steakhouse: While not a steakhouse, per se, I love nothing more than grabbing a seat at the bar at The Butcher Shop and tucking into their signature Wagyu Coullote. That, and a glass of full-bodied red wine, is a perfect meal for me.

Best Pizza: A toss up: Picco, in the South End. The crust is legendary, thanks to their wood burning oven,and everyone likes it “well done.”  Or when I work with clients in Charlestown, I make my way to the other side of the Bunker Hill Monument to pick up a pie at Brewer’s Fork.

Best Lunch: Bistro du Midi. I love sitting in the downstairs dining room. It’s got a great vibe.  There’s always a hum of activity and it’s filled with both regulars and out-of- towners.

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: David Barton Gym adjacent to my studio

Best Massage: I see Nicole Ricci at Saldare Spa in the South End.  She’s a resource for the film industry. She worked with Sandra Bullock weekly during the filming of The Heat.

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber, so convenient.

Best Museum/Exhibit: #techstyle at the MFA, exploring the intersection of fashion and technology

Describe Boston in three words: Sophisticated, forward-looking, enthusiastic

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for indoor splendor and the Harbor Islands for a quick getaway on the water with an unbeatable view of Boston.

All-around favorite spot in Boston: The Boston Public Garden, truly Boston’s front yard. I enjoy it no matter the season and always find an excuse to walk through it on my way to or from work.

Best Aspect of Boston: Boston is the perfect walkable city with amazing neighborhoods to explore!