Thom Filicia

Manhattan - International Tastemaker

An international tastemaker with frequent appearances on rosters of A-list and Top 100 designers, Thom Filicia is known worldwide for his superb taste and skill in interior and product design. His project list includes high-end residential and commercial work with the likes of Tina Fey, Jennifer Lopez, and Delta Air Lines among many others. Filicia starred in the original hit TV show, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, as well as Dress My Nest, Tacky House and, most recently, Get A Room with Carson & Thom. He has been a featured guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Ellen, and many more. He is also the driving force behind the Thom Filicia Home Collection, which includes furniture, artwork, bedding, textiles, wallcovering and more, and has a flagship showroom, called Sedgwick & Brattle, at The New York Design Center. Calling New York City Home, Filicia enjoys rides on his Chris-Craft boat with his friends and dogs, and, of course, continuing his interior design practice.

Q&A:

Hometown?

Syracuse, NY.

Place you call home now (neighborhood etc)?

New York City and Skaneateles, NY.

Any notes on your education?

Got a degree in Interior Design from Syracuse University.

Favorite sport to watch?

Downhill skiing.

Favorite sport to play?

Downhill skiing.

Best vacation ever?

Maldives.

Dream trip destination?

Iceland.

Favorite dinner?

New England Clam Bake.

Favorite dessert?

Key lime pie.

Dish you’re best at cooking?

Poached eggs.

Favorite TV show as a kid?

Cheers, Heart to Heart.

Favorite movies?

Grand Budapest Hotel by Wes Anderson, On Golden Pond, The Big Chill.

Favorite actress and/or actor?

Meryl Streep.

Car you drive now?

A classic Jaguar convertible XJS and Diesel BMW X5.

Car you’d like to drive?

Aston Martin.

Best car you’ve owned?

I loved my Range Rover but definitely prefer traveling by my Speedster Chris-Craft boat when possible!

Motorcycle?

I’ve been a passenger on one but never owned one; maybe that’s for the next chapter in my life?

Wear a watch?

Yes, a Yacht Master Rolex with navy blue face, red second hand and platinum bezel.

Summer drink of choice?

“Skaneateles High Ball” = mint & cucumber infused Ketel One Vodka with a splash of lemon Pellegrino.

Winter drink of choice?

Vodka Martini with olives and a twist.

Cologne?

Acqua Di Colonia Ginestra.

Go-to red on a wine list?

Barolo.

Go-to white?

Sancerre.

Favorite beach?

Harbor Island.

On a Saturday, your favorite errand to run is?

Getting gas for the boat.

Best work advice you ever got?

Take what you do seriously but don’t take yourself too seriously.

Best thing about your career?

The diversity of what I’ve been able to do in the field of design, from television to product and high-end design and everything in between.

Philanthropic interests?

I am a big supporter of the ASPCA (I have two rescue dogs), the Sustainable Furnishings Council, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (I have chaired and been involved with many events, including Holiday House and Paddle & Party for Pink) and Gift for Life.