In the dining room, chairs from Gubi surround a custom table. The wall covering is by Emma Hayes.
In the living room, the curtain fabric is by Rogers & Goffigon. Sculptural Pierre Augustin Rose sofas are from Studio Twenty Seven.
A custom sofa covered in a Holly Hunt fabric complements a cashmere bed blanket from Alicia Adams Alpaca in the primary bedroom.
In the pool area, seating is from Harbour Outdoor, and the ombré pool tiling is from Artistic Tile.
In the sunroom, chairs are from ABC Carpet & Home, and the wallcovering is from Sarza.
What was the theme or inspiration behind the design of your Rye home?
Ania Dunlop: The overarching theme was to “de-mansion the mansion.” I wanted to take a grand but outdated Mediterranean house and infuse it with a contemporary, livable feel—something bright, open, and serene. I was inspired by European contemporary aesthetics—clean lines, collected pieces, and subtle elegance. My goal was to create a sophisticated but comfortable space that would feel like a true sanctuary, filled with furniture, art, and objects that mean something to me.
What was it like designing your own home, and how was it different from working with clients?
Designing my own home was actually a dream. I’m decisive and had a clear vision from the beginning, so the renovation process went quickly and smoothly. I had a great contractor who was open to new ideas—which makes all the difference—and I partnered with Häcker Kitchens for the kitchen and butler’s pantry, which was seamless as always. I selected all the stone in one visit (after visiting several suppliers that didn’t have what I wanted). Where things slowed down a bit was furniture—when you’re a designer, you see so much and need to sit with the choices. I sometimes let inspiration come on its own schedule. For example, the design for the dining room literally came to me in a dream; I dreamt of the amethyst glass Gabriel Scott chandelier and how beautifully it would pair with a hint of purple in the dining chairs. Good design needs room to breathe.
The living room has a tranquil and airy feel. What was the key to its design?
I wanted the living room to feel more like a cocktail lounge than a traditional sitting room—a place for conversation and champagne with friends. When I saw the Pierre Augustin Rose curved sofas in a NYC showroom, I couldn’t stop thinking about them. They set the tone for the whole space—two curved sofas of different sizes and an ottoman arranged in a circle that invites you to stay and linger. I like to say Audrey Hepburn (via the artwork) looks down on us approvingly. The room is anchored by collectible pieces from artists and artisans. I’ve always believed in the philosophy of “buy well once.” Furniture should be like art—something you invest in and keep forever. We’ve been conditioned to see things as disposable, and I want to shift that narrative for my clients.
How did you choose the wallcovering in the dining room?
“I wanted to shift the mood in the dining room and introduce something darker and more dramatic. The billowing, cloud-like wallpaper felt dreamy and moody—perfect for hosting dinner parties in a space that contrasts with the lightness of the kitchen and family room. The transition feels natural but intentional, allowing the dining room to stand on its own while still being part of the larger visual narrative.”
How did you come up with the design for the primary bedroom?
I wanted the bedroom to be a true sanctuary. I was lucky enough to find two vintage Jean Royère Polar Bear chairs in a shop in L.A. and they were the jumping-off point for the space. I wrapped the room in a textured wallpaper to create a cocoon-like feel—something I always recommend for bedrooms. The art adds a layer of depth and texture. I especially love the Rosalind Tallmadge piece made from mica stones—it’s richly textured but also light and ephemeral, a beautiful counterpoint to the simplicity of the fireplace. The Gwen Hardie paintings, all about light and color, add a romantic softness that I adore. The soft rug and hint of mauve in the cashmere blanket create the soft romantic vibe I was after.
How did you choose the wall material for the vanity in the primary bath?
I used quite a bit of marble downstairs and wanted to bring in something different for the bath. When I found the Arctic Black calcite, I immediately fell in love with its crystallized texture. You can see the crystals throughout the surface—it’s subtle but striking. It paired beautifully with the bleached white oak floating vanity, creating a spa-like atmosphere that still feels warm and organic.
There’s an unexpected pop of color in the sunroom—what inspired that space?
I don’t love New York winters, so I wanted to create my own little tropical escape. I found the green foliage wallpaper at Sarza, and it instantly made me happy. Adding the gold velvet chairs was a bold move, but they played so well off the greens and really elevated the room. We also built a Miele coffee and tea station here, so it’s become a little family destination for slow mornings and quiet moments. I also treat the room as my “greenhouse”—a place to test plants and see which ones survive!