My house, which was a labour of love for me to my family.  It's the best example of my work, mixing modern and traditional in unexpected ways.  My favorite view in the house is of the Old Master reproduction over the kitchen mantel, with my Pelle chandelier (made in Brooklyn) in the foreground.  An L.A. based graffiti artist did the dining room wall (and my son's bedroom), which makes an interesting match with my late and beloved grandmother's mid century danish rosewood furniture.  The last highlight to note is our master suite upstairs, the look for which was inspired by the handmade Morrocan fish scale tiles on the shower wall.  It is a beautiful, serene adult space to start and end the day in.  

(Photos:  Jillian McAlley Photography)

This Rye residence was the result of the first collaboration between Gillian and Paudie Hanley, of Hanley Group Inc.  Their company, Cygnet Design and Build, designed and constructed this beautiful brick Colonial and did the majority of the interior work for the client.  The circular staircase and large foyer set a gracious tone which extends into the large family area at the back of the house, with a large kitchen, informal eating area beside floor to ceiling patio doors and a comfortable family room with a wood burning fireplace.  Gillian decorated the main floor with a mix of existing client furniture and new modern major pieces to set a very contemporary tone.  The beautiful artwork in these photographs was provided by Kenise Barnes Fine Art in Larchmont, NY.  

As the kids went off to school, this comfortable family home was transformed in a modern and airy empty nest.  Of particular note is the beautiful living room, overlooking the garden, with high ceilings and a beautiful palette of greys, metallics and pops of pink.  

This lovely house in the Larchmont Manor underwent a full facelift designed by local architect Lewis and Lewis.   Gillian provided guidance to the homeowners on details such as color palettes, structural design elements, lighting, hardware etc.   In the end though, it was the little details that contributed to making the end result so special, from a custom colour pink door, to the hanging swings filled with a medley of fun outdoor pillows that contributed to the "waste" of plenty of lazy sunny afternoons by this normally energetic family. 

Cygnet Design and Build's third project on a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of Larchmont was a modern farmhouse with clean lines and an urban feel.  The center of the house featured a huge light well from skylights above, around which the loft style first floor curved around.    The living space was designed to be flexible, and could adapt as well to an older couple focused on entertaining, as it could for the young family from California that bought it.  

Decor and fixtures were kept modern and clean with a Scandinavian color palette for the buyers who love modern design.  The custom, origami-inspired chandelier that hangs in the light well, the glass banisters and oak railings, and the Danish oak pendants in the kitchen are a few highlights.  

This lovely family home on a cosy dead end street near Chatsworth School underwent a remarkable transformation from tired to special over the course of a frenetic month.  All walls (of course) were given a good white washing and we used accents to provide the bright pops of color that further brightened the space.   Comfort and usability were key as the family is young and growing and budget was used carefully as the house will undergo a full renovation in the not too distant future.  I think we achieved a great mix of cosy and bright and modern at the same time - it's really a beautiful space to visit in.  

(Photos:  Justine Knight Photography)

This Scarsdale Residence, at 241 Rock Creek Lane, will be the third project for Cygnet Design and Build.  Set at the end of a quiet street, and extending into the White Plains/Scarsdale greenbelt, the one acre lot has a stream running at the end of the property and a forest on three sides.    The house was designed by Gillian and Robert Keller of Keller Eaton Architects to take maximum advantage of it's beautiful property with a major investment in floor to ceiling oversized windows which will allow maximum light and the beautiful view in.  The ground floor is New York loft like - with adaptable spaces flexible for how the family wants to live.  At the end of the long space, past a clean-lined kitchen, will be a beautiful modern glass room and a large fireplace.   The upstairs space has been divided into two by the use of a discrete pocket door.  One end a kid's paradise; three bedrooms, all with walk in closets and en suites and a central hang out area.  And at the either, the master suit, with a fireplace, sitting room, dressing room, and a beautifully large bathroom, all framed by a view of the forest and stream.  

Light-filled living and dining rooms in this beautiful Orienta house were modernized with pops of colour, bold art and balanced symmetry.   

A recently renovated and expanded Vermont chalet was given an update of style without sacrificing the coziness the owners wanted.  A limited color palette highlighted the different textures used throughout.  Highlights include the hanging chair in the great room (a staple in all Wondernose projects, for good reason), creative use of accessories (bike baskets fill in as bedside tables for the bunk beds and a lighted Christmas decoration was used for a bedside lamp), and fun plays on traditional chalet decor (animal heads galore, but not of the usual variety).  The overall look is sophisticated but very family friendly, with great sense of humour.