For Mary Sanders Ferriss Cavicchi, what began as an affinity for historic buildings morphed into an interior design career that spans the hospitality, retail, and residential sectors. The founder and creative director of Ferriss and Company in Jackson, MS, has developed an intuitive approach to deisgn, customizing her clients’ spaces with her signature eclectic elegance.
But that’s not all. She and her husband own several iconic Jackson eateries, too! Meet Mary Sanders Ferriss Cavicchi, our latest Interior Designer Crush!
What inspired your design career?
My design career was inspired by my fascination with old buildings and downtowns.
There’s a beauty in recreating and re-envisioning existing spaces, breathing new life into them while respecting their original character. My background in theater also plays a role, as it taught me how to set the stage and create an atmosphere that draws people in — merging the past with the present and crafting spaces that tell a story.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
My aesthetic leans towards eclectic, with a deep appreciation for history and a modern touch. I love incorporating unique, vintage elements in unexpected ways while maintaining a sense of warmth and comfort. It’s all about creating spaces that feel both timeless and fresh.
You’ve designed (and own!) quite a few restaurants. Can you tell us about them?
My husband and I bought Campbell’s Bakery, a 65-year-old bakery in Jackson, followed by Hal & Mal’s (40 years old) — both local icons. These projects were perfect for my love of creating spaces that reflect the city’s unique culture. We [also opened] a new one — The Walk-In, a cocktail lounge with a cozy and eclectic feel and a great courtyard — in a section of the Hal & Mal’s building. We both love the history of these and being the people to continue the traditions while introducing our own flair.
What is your favorite project to date?
That’s really a hard one. I can’t choose, but probably the most defining project was Babalu — a local Jackson concept that was a multi-unit restaurant in the Southeast. That was where I cut my teeth in the restaurant world and really built the foundation for everything I do today. As far as favorites go, any project that creates a unique experience for Jacksonians means the most to me.
What is your favorite facet of Mississippi architecture?
I love Mississippi downtowns. While this isn’t unique to the state, there’s something special about the charm and character of Mississippi’s downtown areas that continues to inspire me. I’ve always been drawn to town squares and vibrant districts — places that seamlessly mix commerce with everyday life, where communities come together and local culture thrives.
What piece of design advice can you offer us to elevate our homes?
Buy real art. It doesn’t matter if it is a $100 piece you pick up at a local market or a $10,000 piece from a famous gallery. Buying art that you love and supporting an artist is one of the best ways to make your home truly yours, unique, and fresh.
What is your favorite space or design element in your own home, and why?
I feel like I am never at home anymore, but we have a really small living room/study space that we painted black, and it has a fireplace, a small sofa, and two chairs. It is the center of the house, and we love how cozy the space is. I always think small spaces feel bigger if they are color-drenched in one tone.
If you could collaborate with (or design a house for) anyone in the world, who would it be?
She passed away this year, but Iris Apfel’s fashion style is very much how I approach interiors. I would have loved to collaborate with her on a project.
What’s on the horizon?
I am really focused on doing great work at home. I have a few out-of-state projects, but I have found my passions lie in the Jackson community, and I want to spend most of my time on those projects, whether they are new business ventures or inspiring projects that we want to be a part of.
What colors, fabrics, or design inspirations follow you from project to project?
Green has always followed me. My staff is making fun of me because I have a new-found love for brown, which wasn’t allowed in the office for years. I have always loved patterns and textures and am excited that the market is coming back to color and pattern.
What’s one thing we would be surprised to find out about you?
I gave up design to sell wholesale children’s toys and gifts for about a year-and-a-half in my 20s and then went on to sales in the wholesale design world. I didn’t get back into design full-time for about five or six years. I was burned out and thought I had made the wrong career decision. It took me a while to realize that I had to find the right niche to fit into.
What’s something you wish more people knew about interior design?
There is a difference between designing and decorating. One is not better than the other, but there are skills required for each. And while some overlap, they don’t all. Design fully incorporates architectural details and space. Also, I think the best design projects also incorporate a brand or a story. That’s easy in a business, but in a home, it’s important for the space to reflect the family’s personality.
This article was made possible by Visit Mississippi.
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