Project Details
Location: 12 Manor Pond Ln, Irvington (off-market)
Specs: 5 beds, 4 baths
A home refresh is a quick fix—redesigning is a whole different story. Gianna Marzella, interior designer and founder of Gia Mar Interiors, beautifully designed a Colonial-inspired 4,448-square-foot-home for a young family of four. Since starting her boutique design firm in 2014, Marzella has been committed to designing livable and luxurious homes in Westchester and the greater New York City area.
One of her projects that was completed in 2023 in Irvington worked with a blend of neutral hues as well as many shades of blue for a timeless yet contemporary feel. After making the move from Manhattan to Westchester a few years ago and after renting in Tarrytown, the homeowners had their eyes set on the family-friendly Irvington home and teamed up with Gia Mar Interiors for a one-of-kind redesign project.
Inside the Project
This project renovated all spaces in the home, including the kitchen, bathrooms, dining room, and bedrooms. To ensure that the homeowners were on board with the design process from start to finish, Marzella made collaboration a key component (and it helps that it’s her favorite part).
“Before diving in, I spend a lot of time exploring with them — understanding how they see the world, their hopes and dreams for the space, how they live now, and how they imagine living in five or ten years,” Marzella says. No two projects are the same, either. “I approach each project as its own unique story when it comes to the look and feel of the space,” she adds.
The shades of blue around the home are more than just a color. They evoke feeling, convey emotion, and tell a story. The clients for this redesign opted for blue to incorporate neutral tones with the primary hue for a rich color pattern throughout the home. The kitchen includes classic white Shaker kitchen cabinets that offer plenty of storage with a midnight blue island for dramatic flair. Made from quartz, the counters complement the light-gray herringbone backsplash.
“Blue evokes a timeless and calming feeling. This property is also what they would probably call their forever home, and we wanted to ensure that the color palette would have longevity,” Marzella explains.
For hints of personality, the bathroom includes customized bathroom wallpaper in a continuous pattern that helps seal the room. Every room is designed with careful attention to detail, ensuring that nothing in the home goes unnoticed. To add in a little dramatic effect, the clients chose a mid-toned blue for the upper portion of the walls in the dining room.
The Makings of Gia Mar Interiors
Marzella’s passion for design dates to her time working at Rockwell Group, one of the largest architectural firms in Manhattan, while working on projects in the hospitality industry. “The work that came out of there was hyper-creative and original. They instilled in me the philosophy that every project is a distinct narrative — an opportunity to thoughtfully weave together the client’s perspective with our own design sensibility, resulting in a space that feels both deeply personal and artfully curated,” she reflects.
Marzella holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a bachelor’s degree in interior design. After her first child was born, she wanted to take the next step in her venture, which marked the turning point in her career transition.
“I was ready for a new rhythm — one that allowed me to take everything I had learned, both in school and in those early years of practice, and begin shaping a design journey that was entirely my own,” she expresses, adding that she’s passionate about working on both residential and commercial projects. “I have a deep passion for both residential and commercial work, and I’m at my most fulfilled when I can strike a balance between the two,” she adds.
Marzella’s projects are always focused on the client. To understand her clients’ visions, she begins with a discovery call, then creates a mood board to match the clients’ wishes. Finally, she meets with her clients to go over the imagery. She also asks her clients what their goals are in addition to their budget to develop a design and direction. After that, the process moves to finding a contractor.
On top of designing, she assists with any construction administration, which involves regular site meetings and visits with the contractors and their teams. If the clients choose to handle the construction, she makes sure to stay connected during the process to answer any questions. She also assists with interior decor, from the furniture down to the styling of the throw pillows, on top of design.
“True cohesion is about attention to the details. I have had projects where I am even selecting flatware and serving ware. It all depends on the client’s wishes,” she notes. For more information about her full-service interior design firm, visit giamarinteriors.com and follow her on Instagram.
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