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Open Studio

In need of a dance studio, Mayer came across this 15,900-square-foot Pawtucket mill building for sale six years ago. Seduced by the incredible light and never-ending space, she snapped it up. “It was a daring move,” Mayer remembers. The first level became the studio without much ado. Upstairs, Providence-based architect Nicola Cavalieri De Pace, principal of Ad Hoc/Architecture, devised a scheme to provide Mayer a kitchen/dining/living area, two bedrooms, a bath and, most important, a workroom. A fabulous cook—did we mention she also caters any number of frequent events held at the studio?—Mayer has a pro-level galley (above) that features restaurant equipment, plenty of stainless and a hefty butcher-block table. 

Space Exploration

“Before” photos of the dramatic transformation depict Mayer’s grown son and his friends dutifully scraping the fourteen-foot ceilings. But why dwell in the past? Today, the 2,700-square-foot haven is sun-washed and user-friendly. The open plan allows traffic to circulate from the main living/dining area (preceding page and right) into the kitchen and back to Mayer’s private bed and bath domain. The decor is what you’d expect of someone who dances to their own tune—an energized mix of colors (Andy Warhol’s iconic cow makes good company), styles and periods. With room to spare, Mayer made sure the ebonized plywood cabinet where she houses supplies was larger than life. Antique marble tops a table she recruits for parties.  

Creative Energy

When Mayer (right) isn’t on the dance floor, she’s here creating. “I don’t start with any particular idea. My work varies a lot and it’s not traditional,” she says (see some of the results at Studio Hop, Providence). Unlike the rest of the loft, this small beehive of activity conjures a cozier vibe. Industrial metal shelving and baskets take care of organization. And a lively wall montage helps ignite the muses. The choice urn painting was a $30 find years ago.