How Jill Rae Designs Created a Connecticut Home Defined by Contrast

Every designer has projects that perfectly capture their approach, and this Ridgefield, Connecticut home is one of them for Daniel House Club members Jill Rae and Mariah Murphy of Jill Rae Designs. We recently toured the project with Jill and Mariah to see how they transformed the home into a series of spaces that feel distinct, yet completely connected, and we got the inside scoop on all of the furniture, lighting, and custom pieces they sourced through Daniel House Club.

What makes the project so compelling isn't a single statement piece, but the intentional use of contrast. The front of the home leans moody and intimate, with color-drenched walls, layered wallpaper, and spaces designed for lingering over dinner. Toward the back, the palette opens up with natural light, organic materials, and expansive views that create a relaxed, California-inspired feel. It's a reminder that a home doesn't have to feel the same from room to room. In fact, the best ones rarely do.

Throughout the project, Jill Rae Designs balanced thoughtful architectural updates with furnishings selected for the way the family actually lives. Performance fabrics, custom upholstery, natural stone, and carefully considered millwork all work together to create spaces that feel elevated without feeling precious.

As Jill and Mariah shared during the tour, having access to a broad network of vendors, and receiving fabric samples quickly through Daniel House Club helps streamline the sourcing process and keeps projects moving. It's a good reminder that the right trade partner doesn't just provide products; it helps designers spend more time designing and less time chasing down the details.