Where Art Lives

Stephanie Rapp Interiors Designs a Westport Home Around a Collector’s Eye

When a well-traveled couple returned to Connecticut after years abroad, they weren’t looking simply to renovate a home—they wanted to create a place where their life’s collection of art could truly live. The result is Gallery Chic, a striking 10,000-square-foot Westport residence reimagined by Stephanie Rapp Interiors as both a sophisticated home and an immersive backdrop for an extraordinary collection. 

Rather than treating the house like a traditional gallery, designer Stephanie Rapp approached the project with a more nuanced vision: to design a warm, livable environment where art and daily life coexist naturally. The challenge was balance—allowing the clients’ extensive collection of paintings and sculpture to take center stage without making the space feel formal or museum-like. 

To achieve this, Rapp began by rethinking the architectural canvas itself. The home was completely resurfaced, with new hardwood flooring installed throughout along with updated wall and ceiling treatments that subtly define each space while maintaining visual flow. Custom built-ins and refined millwork unify the interiors, while updated hardware adds a layer of quiet sophistication. 

With the architecture refreshed, the interiors were designed almost like a curated exhibition—yet one that feels effortlessly livable. Sight lines and viewing angles were carefully planned so artwork reveals itself gradually as you move through the house. A neutral palette of warm tones and tactile materials creates a calm, textured backdrop that allows each piece in the collection to shine. 

In the entry, guests are greeted by a dramatic suede chandelier from Ngala, its cascading leather strands echoing the textures found throughout the home’s artwork and sculpture. The statement piece immediately sets the tone for a house where artistry is woven into every detail. 

In the living room, a striking Julian Opie mosaic anchors the space and visually connects adjoining rooms, acting as both focal point and bridge within the home’s open layout. Throughout the residence, thoughtful lighting and layered materials—from textiles to wood finishes—ensure the interiors feel inviting rather than austere. 

The result is a home that celebrates art without ever feeling like a gallery. Instead, it feels personal, expressive, and deeply considered—a place where every piece tells a story, and where design quietly supports the collection it was built to honor. 

For Rapp, that harmony between architecture, interiors, and art is what defines the project. Gallery Chic proves that when a home is designed around the things its owners truly love, beauty isn’t just displayed—it becomes part of everyday life.

stephanierappinteriors.com