Home Tour: East Greenwich

Fred and Lori Magnanimi both grew up in East Greenwich and made many moves together connected to Fred’s job in investment banking. The couple lived in North Carolina, Dallas, and most recently Hoboken to be near New York City. When Fred lost his beloved brother Danny to cancer and his father passed soon after, the couple decided it was time to come home for Fred to take the helm of the family business. Fred grew up working summers at Mag Jewelry, one of many places that gave the state its moniker of “jewelry capital of the world”. Back in RI, Fred set his sights on two things: transforming the business (now Luca + Danni) and turning a diamond-in-the-rough lot that sat for sale for six years into a homestead for his family of five. Missions accomplished.

While the exterior of the newly constructed home is a board and batten Southern farmhouse style, the inside reflects inspiration from travels, living in different parts of the US, and a love for shiny objects that’s part of Fred’s DNA. Striking chandeliers, brass and gold fixtures, and statement wallpaper and checkered flooring abound. “There’s a heritage element to the state’s jewelry manufacturing history that I love!” says Fred, who notes that both the dining room and foyer console table were constructed from jewelry manufacturing foot press legs that belonged to his grandfather.

With three young children, Fred describes a life of happy chaos, with kids running in and out. Aside from open spaces and durable furnishings, this isn’t your ordinary neighborhood clubhouse. “We have always been drawn to open floor plans and with a growing family, we wanted the master bedroom on the main floor,” explains Lori of the unexpected choice. “We had a general sense of what we wanted, which always helps.” Among the standout features are black iron doors, cathedral ceilings, and a “bonus” room for the kids and their toys.

The main family room has modern and industrial accents highlighted by three black iron doors that were custom made for the space. Lighting is a big focal point for the Magnanimis and they aimed for fixtures that were both unique and reflective of their sensibilities. Mexican blue ceramic tile used on the staircase risers is a nod to a previous home in Texas. “It adds a pop of color and something very unique for this part of the country,” says Fred.

“Rhode Island is a great place to live, especially if you are raising a family. We love the summers here – the beach and ocean are by far my favorite part of the state – and having lived away for so many years, have a new appreciation for it all,” says Fred. “The best part is that we have eight kids under the age of 11 between the three houses on the cul-de-sac so the lifestyle and craziness of all those kids going back and forth is spot-on to what we wanted.”