Michelle r. smith's westchester home: a masterclass in effortless style

Michelle R. Smith's Westchester County estate exudes effortless elegance, a testament to the seasoned decorator's intuitive approach to interior design. The property, comprising four structures that once served as outbuildings on a larger estate, presented a unique challenge for Smith. Rather than embarking on a comprehensive renovation, she opted for a 'chill' approach, preserving the original layout while thoughtfully updating surfaces and incorporating her beloved, well-traveled furnishings.

Smith's signature style

Throughout the home, Smith's keen eye for detail and her ability to strike a balance between old and new are on full display. In the entryway, custom millwork accents the original masonry walls, while a vintage pendant lamp and terracotta floors add warmth and character. The living room features a plush sofa in a luxurious Loro Piana fabric, paired with a sleek cocktail table and a stunning ceiling pendant, all of which work in harmony to create a sophisticated, inviting space.

A home built on familiar favorites

Rather than a shopping spree, Smith's move to Westchester was an opportunity to repurpose and reimagine the pieces she's collected over the years. The dining table, an antique find in Louisiana, sits atop a pair of slipcovered chairs that were initially rejected by a client for being too 'granny.' In the office, an industrial pendant light originally installed in her Long Island kitchen now illuminates her desk, crafted from an antique Charles Dudouyt table. Even the primary bath's vintage vanity, topped with a custom marble countertop, was sourced from Smith's own inventory.

Effortless elegance

Smith's commitment to her signature style shines through in every room. In the kitchen, she replaced modern cabinetry with custom lower units featuring profiles on top and bottom, rather than all four sides. Above, a subtle grid of scullery tile with a blue stripe adds visual interest. The powder room showcases a one-of-a-kind vanity crafted from two antique filing cabinets, while the guest room is enveloped in bold stripes and the nursery features a whimsical craft paper-lined wall.

A home for the ages

Smith's Westchester estate is a love letter to her eclectic taste and her ability to make the unfamiliar feel like home. As she contemplates future moves, she's confident that her design philosophy will endure. 'It all had to feel breezy, nothing too cottage-core, no plaids,' she explains. 'It will all follow me wherever I go – unless of course, it doesn't. Maybe I'll have to mix it up.'