High-profile event producer Michelle Rago is sometimes called the ‘Queen of Luxury Weddings. She is the mind behind the Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham nuptials, and parties at iconic venues like the Vatican and Belmond Resorts. Thus, when it came time to design her own home in Lambertville, New Jersey, of course, hospitality became the center.
The brief was lofty: to transform Rago’s 1924 Craftsman-era Sears, Roebuck & Co. kit house into a space that both preserved architectural character and introduced a strong dose of personality while prioritizing hosting. Michelle tells Homes & Gardens. ‘Think luxurious London townhouse meets historic river town tucked in the garden of Eden.’
Naturally, Bryan O’Sullivan was the only person for the job. After a kismet meeting through (where else?) Claridge’s, the duo set about infusing the home with a combination of her lifetime of travel and her passion for hosting and entertaining. ‘We made the perfect partners, as Bryan O’Sullivan Studio understands my passion for entertaining and hospitality while not sacrificing beauty for function,’ says Michelle.
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Michelle on the front porch of ‘Chez Rago’
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
Ultimately, the ideas behind the gorgeous final product were simple.
Michelle explains: ‘I am a beauty-chaser in all that I do. I view beauty and hospitality as something tangible and indulgent achieved with the best materials, a solid through-line of comfort and of course delight.’
This philosophy led to a home that feels deeply layered, intentional, and warm. From the entryway, guests feel like they are stepping into Michelle’s world.
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
This balanced aesthetic came down to a careful conversation between the house itself and the decor.
‘We wanted the house to feel as though it had evolved naturally over time, rather than appearing as if it had been designed in a single moment,’ Bryan O’Sullivan tells Homes & Gardens. ‘The architecture gave us a wonderful framework, which we layered with bespoke furniture, contemporary craftsmanship and artistic moments that celebrate Michelle’s personality.’
He adds: ‘Throughout the home, we balanced historic references with bold colour, pattern and materiality, creating interiors that feel timeless but also spirited and full of life.’
The living room at Michelle’s home, which flows seamlessly into the kitchen
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
Though Michelle declares that the home is an ‘evolution’ of everything she loves, if she had to pick just one favorite room, it would be between her bedroom and the home library. One of her non-negotiables for the redesign, the space is a perfect, cozy alcove.
She explains: ‘My direction for the library was a jewel box of a room that houses all my treasures and my beloved cookbooks. I don’t have televisions in the house, so I wanted a year-round reading room and place to dream. I have found when my house guests get up before me, they are tucked in one of the big cozy chairs, coffee in hand waiting for the day to begin.’
Inside Michelle Rago’s library
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
Recreate The Library Look at Home
This classic boucle reading chair is sure stand the test of time with its nod to mid-century style, nubby textured upholstery and wide swivel base. It would work alone as well as in a pair.
House of Hampton® Graidy 8.45oz. Floral Teapot
A silver tea service is the perfect addition to make your library feel hospitable and collected over time. This floral set comes at a great price for such an intricate look.
Michelle’s silk pendant light makes the library, and this pretty tiered one from West Elm has a similar shape. I love the idea of pairing it with sconces that echo its look, as we see in this space.
Naturally, Michelle’s passion for hosting served as a major inspiration for the kitchen. Rather than aesthetics, the space was built around how the kitchen would be used.
She explains: ‘As an event producer, focusing on the flow of the “entertaining” spaces was a top priority. I shared specifics of what my usual intimate dinner parties entail to prioritize those details.’
The relatively open plan of the space leans into this functionality. Michelle says: ‘Socializing with the guests hanging around the kitchen island and being able to interact with guests in the lounge while finishing off a pasta dish was key.’
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
Thus, the kitchen is designed as a dinner party host’s dream. Michelle states: ‘I love to cook so the kitchen has all the whistles and bells with a grand island for food prep which doubles as a buffet for standing cocktail parties. It has a double oven, plate warmer and an absolute must was two dishwashers with one dedicated for glasses only!’
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
Of course, the most important areas are often the most contentious, and Michelle cites the kitchen island as the only point of disagreement between her and Bryan throughout the design process.
Michelle jokes: ‘I was dead set against it and made them redesign it an embarrassing number of times. Thankfully they persisted, and, of course, the island is the heart of the kitchen and the place where everyone gathers.’
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
One of the most unique features of the home is the navy scullery abutting the dining room. Rather than feeling old-fashioned, the addition is supremely charming, and rooted in Michelle’s hosting philosophy.
‘There are petite bars tucked through the spaces and freestanding champagne buckets allowing guests to help themselves to a refresh,’ she states. ‘During parties, the Scullery turns into a grand bar that feels like a speakeasy with a vaulted ceiling that has a mural fashioned after 1930s menu design.’
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
Michelle continues: ‘I want my guests to feel celebrated wherever they decide to linger throughout the house. Whether it’s a quiet coffee in the library where I collect cookbooks & my travel treasures or a gossip session in the scullery while making martinis or choosing the perfect champagne, for me hospitality should be relaxed, quiet and intentional.’
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
Bryan explains that decorating with antiques was fundamental to creating the sense that the house had been collected over many years.
He states: ‘We sourced pieces with character and provenance, from Regency furniture and mid-century Italian lighting to Art Deco tables, and layered them alongside Michelle’s own collections, travel mementos and family heirlooms. Every object has a story to tell, and together they create a home that feels deeply personal rather than overly decorated.’
‘It’s this dialogue between bespoke pieces, antiques and meaningful objects that gives the interiors their richness and authenticity.’
Faux tortoiseshell wallpaper gives this powder room a unique warmth
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
‘My bedroom is my sanctuary,’ says Michelle.
Rather than a muted white or gray color palette, it’s a much more cheerful butter yellow shade.
‘I moved the walls to expand the space and create the feeling of a one-bedroom suite, a true place to linger,’ Michelle tells Homes & Gardens. ‘The inspiration for my bathroom is Claridge’s of course, and it feels like a true destination. And finally, as I spend my life packing for trips, I needed the walk-in closet to be functional, but terribly chic!’
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
Recreate Michelle’s Cheery Bedroom at Home
Belgian Flax Linen Classic Pillowcases – Set of 2
I love the idea of yellow bedding as a way to bring sunshine into your life first thing in the morning. This sumptuous set is perfect for hot sleepers.
Snug Throw by Sarah Sherman Samuel
Upgrade the coziness of your bed with this dark yellow throw – a deeper alternative to the butter shade in Michelle’s space. The textural contrast and change in color will help to pull your room together.
As we see in Michelle’s living room, even a small pop of bright color can add unpredictable warmth to a room. This one has a gorgeous shape and comes at the right price.
The incredibly chic bathroom suite
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
Though Bryan finds it difficult to choose just one favorite room in Michelle’s home, he has particular affection for the whimsical study.
He explains: ‘With its leopard-print wallpaper, lacquered desk and chinoiserie details, it’s wonderfully expressive and unapologetically bold. It perfectly captures Michelle’s confidence, warmth and sense of fun, while also embodying the playful spirit that runs throughout the entire home. It’s a room that surprises people and always sparks conversation, which I think is exactly what great interiors should do.
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
However, the home is much more than one note.
‘Every space has its own distinct personality, from the vibrant blue scullery to the one-of-a-kind outdoor dining table, but together they create a cohesive journey that feels elegant, welcoming and comfortable to live in every day,’ says Bryan. ‘The house is designed to encourage conversation, gathering and memorable moments with family and friends.’
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
The outdoor ‘dance shack’ is a perfect example of this personality. The shed-like structure becomes a venue for late-night partying. It’s pure fun to complement the personality-filled interiors of the rest of the home.
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
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