Suzanne Iovanna is the first to admit that her work life is demanding.
She’s an executive in charge of high-volume dealerships and a recently published author. Her memoir, Reclaiming My Pride: From Tragedy to Triumph, documents an emotional personal journey. In 2014, she went from being a stay-at-home mom to taking over as president of Pride Motor Group following the death of her husband in a car crash.
With so much going on workwise, it’s no wonder that Iovanna considers her home in Marblehead a refuge, a peaceful sanctuary by the sea. Set on the town’s trademark rocky coast, the property boasts a backdrop of cool, calming ocean.
“Whenever I pull up, I have to pinch myself,” she says of its appeal.
One vital part of this refuge, especially come summer, is the patio, which stretches between the main home and a refreshed carriage house. Structurally, its bones are sound, with bluestone as the primary hardscape material and tidy stone walls marking the border. It also boasts an outdoor kitchen, complete with sink, ice maker, and pizza oven.
For the overall design, Iovanna—a stylish businesswoman who sets the bar high on any project she undertakes—didn’t want just a smattering of furniture. She preferred a meaningful oasis with curated experiences.
To turn this vision into reality, Iovanna turned to interior designer Justine Sterling, principal of Justine Sterling Design. “We wanted the patio to feel relaxed but in an elevated way,” describes Sterling of the design intent. “The patio kitchen was already designed before our involvement, so we focused on the furnishings, layout, and overall experience,” she continues.
For the color palette, Iovanna requested earth tones with subtle blues. For furnishings, she envisioned unique pieces that go beyond the norm via texture or shape—and nothing overtly nautical.
Sterling delivered all of this and more, starting with a dedicated dining area anchored by a hefty table with concrete top. For the chairs, designer and client opted for Cape Town dining chairs with Polar cushions from Azzurro Living.
“We fell in love with those chairs right away; they are neutral but warm and a perfect contrast to the cold bluestone,” describes Sterling.
Palecek’s Duncan outdoor console table rounds out the area’s functionality. It features a natural teak wood frame accented by hand-twisted and -wrapped synthetic rope. “It’s very handy whenever I host a barbecue or party, notes the owner.
Another dedicated space is the cozy lounge area. Here, two Tulum club chairs with Fawn cushions, also from Azzurro Living, are the perfect destination for morning coffee or a glass of wine with a friend.
The umbrella is from Tuuci. “I have one in my own home,” notes Sterling of the durable shade structure. “These umbrellas are virtually indestructible, and the best part is they come in a variety of shapes with one or two layers. We went with a scalloped edge accented by navy blue trim,” she adds.
Even small details, like the Gloster side tables, have artistic presence. Designed by acclaimed Danish furniture designer Henrik Pedersen, they feature a glazed ceramic base and a glossy teak wood top. Sterling ramped up the styling with Pottery Barn lanterns for ambience and a Pappelina outdoor rug to unite the arrangement.
From start to finish, designer and client worked well together, with Sterling reacting nimbly to what Iovanna calls her “eclectic” tastes. (“I’m not stuck on one particular style,” she says.)
Iovanna’s ability to trust in Sterling’s professionalism and creativity resulted in a patio that’s visually interesting with subtle coastal references. It’s a well-intentioned, stylish setting for making memories by the sea.