The Design Team Behind Cape Collection

Once upon a time, wife and husband Kelly Lavorgna and Andrew Bares had careers on Wall Street. As the current owners of Evan James Interiors, a design team that’s appeared on HGTV’s Flea Market Flip, those finance days—of which they spent nearly a collective five decades—are long behind them.

These days, instead of finding themselves amidst the high-pressure world of Wall Street, they’ve transitioned into not just designers, but owners of the Cape Collection, a group of boutique B&Bs, hotels, and fine dining experiences that include The Harrison, Pharos at The Harrison, Casablanca, The Peninsula, Provence at the Peninsula, and the Ashley Rose.

“We had both been involved in renovating homes on the side and loved it,” says Lavorgna. “I had gone to college for architecture, so it had always been my dream job. After we sold our businesses in the city, we started buying and flipping full-time.”

Of course, with multiple flipping projects, Lavorgna and Bares quickly recognized the constant need for furnishings, so began heading to auctions, antique stores, and thrift shops. One thing led to another, and an interior design business was born.

“We became obsessed with hunting for great pieces,” says Lavorgna. “Three months later, we were setting up and selling furniture and accessories in markets and set up tents all over New York City.”

While they enjoyed the hunt, they also developed a philosophy for their interior design business. “We have always had to design on a budget so our philosophy is that you can create amazing spaces that are also affordable,” says Lavorgna. “Conversely, we always tell our clients that if you’re going to do a project, do it right or wait until you can. Design is a balance, and designing within budgetary constraints can be a very rewarding challenge.”

Another thing the couple stresses is thoughtfulness, especially as they design properties that are often visited by people with history and traditions tied to Cape May.

The Harrison & Pharos at The Harrison

Designed with Victorian elegance in mind, The Harrison, formerly The Summer Cottage, was the first Cape May property for Lavorgna and Bares.

“Since The Harrison was our first introduction to Cape May, we didn’t want to completely deviate from what Cape May was known for at that time,” says Lavorgna. “We introduced modern materials with traditional patterns and modern lighting with traditional crystal while keeping most of the period furniture. It really was an experiment to see what the response would be.”

That experiment included more modern wallpaper, lighting, and accessories, while also incorporating intricate patterns reminiscent of the Victorian Era. Wallpapers were carefully selected with nods to flowers, birds, and foliage, all of which loosely emulated the symbolism of the period. And while the duo can recall one guest who was a repeat visitor when the building was The Summer Cottage who preferred the older, dated design, within the first year they started getting a more diverse clientele that loved the renovations.

“When we purchased Pharos, we decided to push the envelope a bit more and used fabrics and papers that were less traditional, and for the most part, added new furniture that had a bit of a French influence,” says Lavorgna. “Since much of the original Victorian architecture had French influence, it afforded us the liberty to stray a bit.”

The Casablanca

Instead of sticking with a Victorian aesthetic, Lavorgna and Bares decided to push the design in their next venture, confident they wouldn’t alienate their clientele. With an eclectic, glamorous, design, the Casablanca—formerly The Cliveden—is a ten-bedroom boutique B&B that’s meant to visually captivate its guests, and it succeeds.

“If you were blindfolded and dropped into the entrance of Casablanca, you would be hard pressed to say you are in Cape May,” says Lavorgna. “The eclectic design is meant to make one feel as if they’re in an exotic location while also feeling a sense of ease and comfort.” 

Think panoramic living room wallpaper that boasts tropical patterns and bold colors; an eclectic mix of French upholstered furniture; a live edge table made from a monkey pod tree in Costa Rica; glamorous and oversized light fixtures; gold accents; custom made monkey pod vanities; and bamboo table bases — all pulled together to provide an intentionally whimsical design experience.

“When you’re designing a space with an eclectic palette, you always have to consider how far you can go before it loses cohesiveness,” says Lavorgna. “To seamlessly incorporate eclectic elements, you need to find connection, whether that comes from color, texture, scale or materials.”

The Peninsula and Avignon

Though Lavorgna and Bares passed The Doctor’s Inn in Cape May Court House each day on their way to work, and though they admired the mansion and its grounds, they had no intention of purchasing another B&B. Until they visited.

“From the moment the front door opened, we knew we would be making an offer that day,” says Lavorgna.

Reminiscent of a manor in the French countryside, the detail both inside and outside the property were stunning, and just waiting for Lavorgna and Bares to bring everything to life—including beautiful built-ins located throughout the mansion.

“We spent months with our team, hand sanding and sandblasting all of the moldings, furniture and built-ins to lighten the spaces,” says Lavorgna. “We added French furniture, gold accessories, and panoramic wallpapers in what is now the dining room for our French restaurant, Provence. And we added oversized lighting and twinkling lights to enhance the beautiful branches from twisted fig trees, adding to the ethereal feel of the space.”

The grounds of the building are equally impressive, with mature trees, beautiful gardens, a koi pond, and a period gazebo. The addition of a European-style heated pool surrounded by lounge chairs and outdoor cabanas has resulted in a luxurious outdoor place where one can find guests lingering for hours.

The Ashley Rose

A rental property rather than a B&B, the Ashley Rose is a mansion with separate cottages, and the design behind it was slightly different from the other local properties owned by Lavorgna and Bares.

“As a rental and not a B&B, we were thoughtful in selecting furnishings that were visually appealing yet comfortable,” says Lavorgna. “The dining room table is original, and we have added crystal chandeliers and gold accents which are balanced by the coastal blues and white palette.” 

And of course, there’s a swoon-worthy outdoor space. “Sitting on the grand front porch in one of the rocking chairs is like going back to a much simpler time.”

Regardless of which Cape Collection property guests choose to visit, they’re in for a unique visit with unforgettable design.

“As far as design style,” says Lavorgna,” I think we will always have an eclectic palette that incorporates harmony, connection, and a bit of whimsy.”