Her son Joe’s bedroom (above).
The “Mob Wives” star is handy around the house with help from Barbara K (above).
Carla Facciolo is no ordinary mob wife. Though she has a starring role on the VH1 hit reality show “Mob Wives,” Facciolo prides herself on being an “average neighborhood girl” from Brooklyn. And she’s quite capable around the house — something she proved by whipping me up a light but luxurious lunch of grilled chicken with mozzarella and peppers all while looking stunning in a body-hugging red dress.
There, however, is nothing “average” about Facciolo’s Staten Island home. It’s a sprawling, 3,500-square-foot brick Colonial, with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, 14-foot ceilings in the entry hall and a winding staircase to the second floor. Outside, there’s an in-ground pool on the quiet cul-de-sac lot.
The outspoken but down-to-earth reality star dishes on everything, from entertaining at home to why she doesn’t envy the living situation of any of her co-stars.
What do you like about your neighborhood and living in Staten Island? How has it changed since Hurricane Sandy?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, so Staten Island is a place I’m still trying to get used to. I’ve been in this house for 10 years, which I bought with my ex-husband when I was 6 months pregnant. It’s devastating to see families affected by Hurricane Sandy because so many destroyed homes are still in a shambles. I was one of the lucky ones.
What do you think is tacky about the other Mob Wives homes?
I have this very “Italian”-looking chandelier in my dining room. It’s very gaudy, but I love it. I wouldn’t really say any of the other girls’ homes are tacky. Just because I don’t like a particular design doesn’t mean it’s tacky.
How crazy are the cast members?
I think they are all nuts and are scorned women in so many ways! Listen, every one of us has been through a lot of tough times in our lives, but even so, that doesn’t excuse their bad behavior.
Do you feel competitive about your home versus the homes of the other “Mob Wives”?
No, because I own my home. Drita [D’Avanzo] and I are the only ones who do. All the others rent their homes. Not that their homes aren’t nice, but owning is just different. I put my heart and soul into everything I do in my home, so I’m really noncompetitive.
What did you think about the New York Post’s At Home With Big Ang story?
Decorating is in Ang’s blood — she’s always decorating everything and anything. She’s very creative, has a great eye and loves to entertain. If you think my cooking is good, wait until you try hers. She’s the hostess with the mostess.
How do you keep things organized?
I love fashion and all kinds of clothing. I’m very organized and I like everything compartmentalized, so I made sure there is a place for everything in my house. Even my dog has his own little toy chest for his things.
Do you like to entertain? What is your favorite food to make?
I love to have close friends over and throw parties. I like to cook my own food because I want to make sure it’s healthy, and all my friends yell at me for not serving Italian bread. But it’s not healthy. That’s why I’m in the process of writing a cookbook on healthy Italian eating that’s quick and simple. I love to make fish, and I’m a big vegetable eater. I love making healthy soups — luckily my daughter loves soup.
What can’t you live without in your home?
I love my bar for champagne and drinks with friends, and my sofa by the window that’s at the front of my house where Elvis, my Jack Russell, follows me.
Did you do any recent renovations on your home?
I just bought a few new pieces of furniture and a painting. I absolutely love the painting in my bedroom. It’s of an elegant woman in a beautiful dress standing at a bar. Her back is exposed, and you can tell she looks very toned and calm. It reminds me of myself.
Do you have a tool kit and do you do your own repairs?
I can hang pictures and tighten screws on my kitchen cabinets thanks to your Barbara K tool kit. After lunch, maybe you can help me measure my counters because I’d like to replace them.
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