The Art Behind Artfully Modern Designer Enclave
Years in the making, Rachel’s home design reveal was a standout moment of 2024. This month, we’re diving deeper into the story behind the art in her Artfully Modern Designer Enclave as Rachel shares the inspiration and decisions that shaped her space.
After collaborating with so many artists on our residential and hotel projects, narrowing down the favorite pieces for her own home was no easy feat. From sculpture and resin artist Amy Marcy to her ongoing partnership with Jules Place, Rachel’s careful consideration of each piece brought character and visual interest to her family home.
Keep reading as we dive into her inspiration behind the Artfully Modern Designer Enclave project.
How has your personal connection to art influenced the design of your home?
I've always had a love for art. My parents dragged me to galleries at an early age, as they were very much into art. As a result, it has always been an integral part of my life, and I wanted that to be a meaningful layer in the house. Some pieces were chosen early on, while others came later, but each piece felt essential to the space. For instance, the wood veneer piece above the dining room fireplace, designed by Elisa Strozyk for Salon Design, was something I’d loved for years, and I knew it would be perfect in that traditional space. The modern art contrasts beautifully with the traditional wood paneling, creating an interesting juxtaposition. It’s pretty exciting because the piece was specifically designed for that space. I sent the artist all the fabrics that were in the room, and she pulled out the colors based on that.
How do you approach mixing different types of artwork and mediums?
I love collecting art across different mediums. It’s not just about framed artwork on the walls — it’s about creating a dynamic mix. In the living room, the pastel pieces above the sofa were something I saw early on that I knew I wanted in the space. I feel like they really brought the design in that room together. Many of these pieces I have admired from afar for a while, like glass vessels from Jules Place that are in the living room. I've used them in other projects, and they've always been something that I really liked. It’s about finding pieces that speak to me and create balance in the space.
How does discovering and supporting small artists play a role in the design process for your home?
It was so much fun discovering new artists and incorporating their work into my home. For example, the ceramic domes in my bedroom were made by a small artist, Sam Mayell, whom I found on Instagram. I love exploring different mediums and supporting emerging artists. It gives me a space to experiment with new ideas while still using things I’ve loved for a while. It’s a way to bring fresh, unique pieces into the design.
What are some of your favorite pieces in your home, and how do they reflect both your personal connection to design and your career?
One of my favorite pieces is the Fornasetti plates in the foyer. I love how they create a playful contrast between the traditional wood paneling and the modern graphic design of the plates. They’re also deeply personal to me—my dad gave me the first plate as a gift, and now, every year on my birthday, he adds three more to the collection. Another piece I adore is the tile in the kitchen. I’ve admired it for nearly a decade, but I never got the chance to use it in any of my client projects. So, when it came time to design my own home, it was a must-have. Many of the pieces in my house are things I’ve long loved and admired—my home truly feels like a love letter to my favorite designs.
With all the different pieces in your home, do you feel completely done with the design?
I don’t think you can ever truly be “done” with a home, especially one as personal as this. There are always areas to evolve, like the sun porch and third floor, which still need work. But creatively, I feel like I’ve reached a good point. I’ve been in the design industry for over 20 years, and this house feels like a culmination of my favorite things, from the tile in the kitchen to the art pieces I've admired for years. Right now, I’m taking a pause, but I’ll always be open to adding new touches.
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Live well,
