“There’s something about Mary…”

  • "Mary Sliney is a magician. How do I know? She listened to my needs, understood my goals (big) and finances (not big). Then she whisked a hodgepodge of furniture from rooms throughout my house, reassembled them and—Presto!—No more chaos! Mary has a way of seeing that brought me fresh perspectives on my odd assortment of hand-me-down furniture and showed me how simple changes - like moving things around or adding a new color of fabric - could transform the space. Incredibly, she even can do this virtually over FaceTime! Slowly but surely, it’s all coming together, and Mary makes the whole process so much fun!"

    Karen M. Beil, Dennis, MA, and upstate NY

  • "Working with Mary is an absolute pleasure! She is amazingly talented at color and design and I'm thrilled with the results in my home. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her. Mary's relaxed approach is a delight and she puts a gorgeous look together by listening and understanding the client's goal and budget. She created cozy and functional rooms where I had chaos by repurposing many items I already had and suggesting new purchases as appropriate."

    Alison Sargent, Osterville, MA

  • “There’s something about Mary... She can transform a room from blah to beautiful without sending you to the poor house. She has a passion for choosing color and a great eye for coordinating space. She is a master at accessorizing with a vase here, a plant there, a mirror, a painting, the right drapes or carpet; all the details that make a room inviting and spectacular and all within your budget. Mary’s easy going demeanor and sense of humor make decorating fun and stress free. At the end of the day, you’re in awe of how well everything came together, and you know you couldn’t have done it without her."

    Pam Abenaim, Lynnfield, MA

  • “Mary is a true gem! Her unerring sense of style is impeccable. Mary, a true professional, listens carefully and suggests possible ideas, solutions & alternatives. She consistently has a positive attitude and calming influence during what can be the stressful time of remodeling. Mary makes the design process a team effort geared to accomplishing the goals that ensure the finished project is better than you could have ever imagined. Everyone who has seen the updated rooms in my house have all said versions of the same theme: 'The furnishings and colors looks so calming and welcoming!' This is all thanks to Mary and her unmatched skills!”

    Judie Garcia, Yarmouthport, MA

  • “I have had the good fortune to use Mary's services twice, once for help with my own home and once for a client in staging using the client's furnishings in a real estate sale. On both occasions Mary worked quickly and surely to create a beautiful space. I was delighted and my clients were in their own words, flabbergasted to see how beautiful their home looked.”

    Trish Graham, Dennis MA

  • “Building our Rockport dreamhouse had its nightmares, but choosing paint colors was a dream thanks to Mary's expertise and gentle way. Mary arrives on the scene with cases of color samples, folders of photos and notes, and a passion for making your home a reflection of your personality and style. And when you go down that wrong color path, she is right there to gently put you back on the right road. Mary does her homework and gets a gold star – in a perfect shade of gold.”

    June & Jim Wulff, Rockport, MA

  • “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Mary as she has helped me make a completely fresh start in a new home on the Cape! She has been great, going with me several times to furniture and furnishing locations to help me pick out things that fit with how I want to live and be able to share my home with my friends, and give me lots of great ideas for the use of the spaces in the house. I have particularly been impressed with her ability to listen to the way I describe the feel of what I'd like, and translate that into solutions that are perfect! She has also been able to help me do this in an affordable way! When I sold my home, I essentially sold everything, including lifelong heirlooms. She was very sensitive and positive about what could have been a huge emotional tug, but she has been completely upbeat and encouraging of the "new start" idea! She also collaborates very well, taking my "no's" on certain things well, and moving on! She has been a joy to work with!”

    Netty Hoagland, Centerville, MA

  • “I was introduced to Mary sometime in the early part of 2016, as I was seeking some design assistance on a house I was renovating on the Cape. From my first meeting with Mary, I felt I had made a good choice and decision to use her. Mary assisted me in almost all aspects of the interior design of this newly renovated home, including wall (selections for every room) AND exterior color selection; window treatments and furnishings for every room; the selection of the tile for the bathrooms and the kitchen backsplash. Not only did her choices capture my “tastes”, they were consistent with the style and intended use of the home. Mary has a keen eye for color and is meticulous in her approach to making design choices, something that was a great balance to my “seat of the pants” approach. I continue to rely upon Mary as I put some “final touches” on the house and can see using her going forward as I tweak little things. To sum up, Mary was not only the best money I may have spent on this project but also a true find as a person.”

    Lance M. Solimini, Cape Cod and Boston, MA

  • “My home was 'old' and groaning for a facelift! Where to begin? I was overwhelmed just thinking about it. Then Mary came into my life! At our first meeting I was very nervous thinking that she would not be able to capture the simplicity that I wanted. BUT...after that first meeting my fears were gone and a new friendship was developing. I love working with her because she is totally honest with me as I am with her. She has taught me so much about colors, fabrics, accessories, websites and stores to visit. She captured what I wanted in my home. We started one room at a time proceeding slowly but steadily. Even my husband now says..."we better consult Mary on this". Additionally, she is always available for a quick phone call and consultation. We still have a few more rooms to go, and Mary lets us move at our own pace and within our own budget - we are getting there! A true testimony to Mary is that everyone who visits us just raves about the beautiful colors and the new "look." A big thank you Mary!”

    Carol and Dennis Forseca, Sandwich, MA

  • “Working with Mary was a delight. Her design instincts are wonderful, but she does not impose her plans on the client. Throughout the process of work in both our primary residence and our summer home, Mary took the time to determine our family's style. Her suggestions were insightful and her sense of color and proportion is wonderful. She was careful about working within our budget and was a great help in working with our builder. I'm so pleased with the finished product and look forward to working with her again.”

    Cathy Smyth, Harwichport and Milton, MA

  • “I want to thank you again for all your great ideas and hard work you did on both of our houses. With your imagination and great staging, we managed to sell our house at probably the worst time in recent history at an excellent price. I really appreciated that you worked with what I had, and minimized the buying of new furniture. You have now done the same magic to our new house. I didn't think it could be done, but each room has come together and the new house, which I thought was a big mistake, looks great. When we get Tom's office space remodeled, we hope you will come and do your magic on it also.”

    Cindy Goldman, Washington, DC

  • “I have had the pleasure of working with Mary on two projects. First, she helped to prepare my home to put on the market. By rearranging furniture and adding some accessories, my home was ready to show. We were thrilled when it sold within two weeks! She recently selected paint colors (one of her specialties) for my new house, keeping in mind my furnishings,as well as listening to my thoughts and ideas. The colors ‘fit’ my new house perfectly and have given our home a whole new personality! I would recommend Mary without reservation.”

    Julie Bennett, The Pinehills, Plymouth, MA

  • “WOW! So often the first word expressed as people enter my home. Thanks to you for transforming my dated, sad rooms into beautiful, classic spaces so easy to relax and entertain in. With your creative talent, perceptive vision, and congenial personality, working and playing with you to create 'my little palace' was truly an unexpected delightful experience.”

    Marion Ferragamo, West Dennis, MA

  • “When I decided to renovate my 1950’s ranch into a 21st century home, I felt I could handle most everything about the construction except I was petrified and overwhelmed by the “finishing touches”; wall colors, furniture placement, upholstery fabrics, window treatments, etc. However, thanks to Mary Sliney, my fears were unfounded. Her exquisite taste, sense of style and professional expertise made the whole experience an exciting and rewarding one. Unlike some decorators who try to get you to buy all new furniture, Mary tries to work with existing furnishings. Her creative suggestions were just that, suggestions. She never tried to impose her ideas on me, but rather she opened my eyes to possibilities I would never have seen without her guidance. She gave me the courage to go with what I liked. She taught me to trust myself. What could have been a stressful and painful experience was a sheer delight. Mary’s joy and excitement for her work is contagious. I truly could not have done it without her.”

    Mary Beth Folsom, West Dennis, MA

  • “Mary has been a tremendous asset in helping me to turn my house into a home. She has a unique eye for color and a flair for taking existing lost treasures throughout the house and incorporating them into a room design sometimes to the point that nothing new has to be purchased! Mary also has a talent in helping create my outdoor space to a peaceful area to enjoy. Its such a pleasure to work with someone who has patience when I stress with change, and who listens to my thoughts and desires for a design that suits my family needs. Its such a joy to work with her and to sit back with a cup of tea at the end of the project and laugh at the adventure we have shared. Thank You Mary!”

    JoAnn Gallant, Byfield, MA

  • “We recently downsized from a large house to our summer house on Cape Cod. With furniture and accessories from two houses we had a very eclectic decor! We did our best to blend everything, yet it lacked a complete look. Mary Sliney saved us! By moving and arranging the items in our living room and hallway, she gave it flow and style I could not have imagined. She has an eye that can see the right mix, color, and dimension needed to make a statement. When she left, I felt as though I had moved into a decorator's house. I stood in the room and just enjoyed looking at the mantle, entertainment unit and new seating area. The most amazing part is she used everything I already had. Nothing new had to be added. My husband liked that part the best!”

    Mary Lou & Tom Deehan, Dennisport, MA

  • “I had always thought that having a "clean slate" to begin a decorating project would be fun and exciting. Well, after moving into our brand new house I realized that that "clean slate" can be overwhelming and intimidating! Mary's help and advice have been invaluable every step of the way. She has gently guided my decisions always keeping in mind not only my style, likes and dislikes but more importantly, what will work best for my family too. Her ideas are wonderful yet simple and practical. And that is the key - to make a home beautiful while making it livable. Mary can do it. I find collaborating with Mary on the decorating of my home has been more like working with a girlfriend on a project we both really enjoy; laughter and tea-time included!”

    Mary Gallante, Harwich, MA

  • “Whether decorating a room from scratch or working with existing pieces, Mary has the ability to understand personal style. Whenever I work with Mary her friendly and easy to get along with character shows bright. Since decorating can be a costly undertaking, her talented expertise helps to give me peace of mind. Mary has the ability to turn a unique decorating idea into reality.”

    Kathy Maguire, Reading, MA

  • "When inquiring about an interior designer to use during the construction of our new home, Mary Sliney was highly recommended by several friends. Mary’s input was invaluable throughout the entire process and we are so pleased with the results. Even my husband, who was initially a bit skeptical about hiring a designer, almost immediately recognized her merit. She is extremely skilled, fun to work with, able to quickly make decisions, and very responsive. Mary’s sense of color is extraordinary. She was able to select paint colors for our entire house that look gorgeous with our existing furnishings and blend seamlessly from room to room. And to make the entire process fun. This talent was evident in the tile selection as well. All my bathrooms are beautiful and they coordinate so well with the adjacent spaces. Mary is very conscious of her client’s budget and fine with getting involved as much or as little as you wish. I searched for my countertops independently of Mary and then confirmed my choices with her. And although I asked Mary to accompany me to the lighting store, after a short time she commented that the lighting designer seemed very competent and it didn’t really make sense to be paying Mary to be there too. Mary was readily available throughout the entire process and extremely responsive when the inevitable last minute decisions were required. And she also independently offered suggestions for areas of the house we weren’t even officially working on. She once sent a picture of Ipe/Ironwood and asked what we’re considering for the screened in porch. I hadn’t even been thinking of the porch at that time, but it was the most beautiful decking material I had ever seen and we used it for both the porch and small deck for the outdoor shower. The house isn’t quite finished, and we are still unpacking, but when we are a little more settled, I am looking forward to having a Mary help me with the interior!"

    Barbara Cano, East Dennis, MA

  • "When my husband and I bought our home in West Harwich in May of 2000, the first morning we discovered outside our door a wrapped loaf of warm soda bread along with a note on a pretty card. It read, “Welcome to North Road. Your neighbors, Mary and Bill Sliney.” Over the course of our 18-year friendship with Mary and Bill, I’ve realized that that first glimpse of them is a metaphor of who they are as people and of who Mary is as a decorator: thoughtful, tasteful, warm— and also loads of fun. We decided to sacrifice the attached garage in order to create a new kitchen. Mary invited us over to see their kitchen which had just been remodeled and which she had designed. At the same time, she showed us the rest of their gorgeous home. It was comfortable yet visually stunning, (rather like Mary whose personal style is subtle but completely put together). We realized immediately we would seek her input. Room by room, project by project, over the first decade of our home’s transformations, Mary was our impetus. She has looked at what we enjoy, discerned what colors and styles appeal to us, then helped us heighten their impact, be it wall and ceiling paint, fabric, or rearranging furniture and art. When I was overhauling my writing studio, in a stroke of what I consider brilliance, Mary suggested we flip the vertical window into a horizontal position. Suddenly, the view was of treetops not the porch roof, and there was space with natural light for my desk. In recent years, we still solicit her advice as we let go of certain rugs or sofas or want a shift in color. It’s still such fun to have her help. Allegedly, there’s wizardry in the number three, and Mary has worked her magic utilizing it: three armchairs cuddled near a sunny window; three pewter pitchers nestled on the pantry counter; three wild bird paintings echoing the marsh view beyond. Sitting on the dining room floor with Mary as she slowly spreads out paint samples is akin to meditation. How can seven variations of grey with such infinitesimal differences be discerned or preferred? I stare, silent, the only sounds our breathing and the papers’ faint rustle. Then, one sample begins to glow; it rises a few inches off of the maple planks. Well, no, that didn’t actually occur... but there’s an intuitive awareness in Mary that suggests something far deeper than decorative theory is at work. Mary is an artist, an open- hearted one, a guide rather than a judge. We’re lucky that our house resides in a pristine natural environment. Visitors usually remark when they arrive for the first time, “What a great setting.” And then they come inside. “Oh,” they say, “oh my. What a beautiful home.” And many repeat it each time they enter, year after year. We, too, still find our home beautiful, in a discrete yet to us a deeply appealing way."

    Dee & Jack Harrison, West Harwich, MA

  • “Mary has great taste, lots of fantasy and vision. Her decorating genius lies in the fact that she can imagine colors and ensembles in rooms that people actually live in. She's great with colors. She can recommend soft colors, bold trendy colors, and flowing ensembles of colors that invite you to move like a wave from one room to the next. She makes rooms "invite you in" through their warmth and charm. Her personal genius lies in the fact that she is careful to integrate her client's wishes, their possessions and their pocketbooks into her plan. She listens to what you love, what you hate, what you need, what you can afford,what your husband thinks, where your kids play - and takes all these factors into consideration - coming up with unique practical solutions that fit your world. She's the decorator who really loves to make her clients happy. I fall into the category of someone who really couldn't make many new purchases. I inherited a house full of old furniture and knick knacks - none of which appealed to me. It seemed like a great big "junk heep" of assorted things that were boring and uninteresting. Mary looked and said simply - This place is really nice - make a few changes in the color schemes and things will start to fall into place. After we changed the tone of house to light colors, she carefully rearranged some furniture, but not all the furniture. The result was remarkable. The "junk heep" had suddenly become interesting and inviting. The few purchases I made to complete the new look were a minimal investment. Basically she gave me my house back, and I certainly enjoy the compliments I got on the way it looks.”

    Donna Giormini, Winthrop, MA

  • “Mary has helped us with our house from the time of purchase. We began by picking paints for over fifteen rooms. I never appreciated how hard it is to find the right paint until I attempted it without Mary’s help. Her natural ability to pick the right tone and warmth is amazing. We loved every choice. Next, we moved to finishing rooms with the furniture and accessories I had bought, accumulated and inherited throughout the years. The problem is that we had many rooms and styles that needed to flow and I did not want to make many, if any, new purchases. Mary is great at using what you own and making it fit and, more importantly, be beautiful and be comfortable. She is superb at finding the perfect spot for everything. She also gives suggestions or “homework” on things that enhance room that you may need to make or purchase. However, she is not selling, so her interests are aligned to make the most of a room without spending huge amounts of money. We love our place after Mary’s help – we could not have done it without her.”

    Sheila and Bill Matthews, Westwood, MA

Let's create together

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Let's create together ✵