Q&A: Ryan Donnelly Design
I had the good fortune of meeting interior designer Ryan Donnelly at one of his recently wrapped projects in Kennebunkport just over a year ago. It was wonderful to have a chance to see firsthand all of the design elements Ryan meticulously selected for this project come together so perfectly. While I was there, I was also given a front row seat to witness the friendship that had formed between Ryan and his client during the renovation process. It became clear to me that Ryan pours his heart and soul into his work, giving his all to the lucky clients of Ryan Donnelly Design, and no doubt making lasting friendships with them along the way.
Ryan is a huge supporter of artists, so I am thrilled that he was able to share more about his work and his inspiration in this art-driven Q&A.
Read on for more from Ryan and shop his favorite works from The Willard Gallery’s artists Julia Jensen, Jessie Mackay, and Ariane Luckey.
A portrait of Ryan Donnelly on the left; Artwork on the right is by Kennebunk-based Deborah Randall.
Tell us a bit about yourself and Ryan Donnelly Design.
After 13 years as a competitive figure skater, and a few twists and turns, my design career started when I began working for a leading furniture manufacturer in Boston. This opportunity led me to Webster & Company at the Boston Design Center, where I worked as General Manager for six years, collaborating with the industry’s top designers, architects, and artisans. I joined Daher Interior Design in 2014 as Design Director, helping the firm grow and prosper while creating award-winning private residences across New England and beyond. In 2019, I launched my own firm – Ryan Donnelly Design – with projects in Maine, Massachusetts, and South Carolina. My husband and I split our time between Boston and Kennebunkport.
How do you describe your aesthetic?
Classic, yet eclectic, bridging traditional and modern to create timeless and curated interiors that speak to my clients’ personalities and lifestyles.
Artwork above the bed is by Carol Aronson-Shore.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Historically, most inspiration for my work has come from travel, though that has been less frequent in the last two years with the pandemic. I’ve always found inspiration from traveling to different parts of the country, different parts of Europe, and visiting hotels, restaurants, and museums. Beyond travel, I try to incorporate the surroundings and landscapes of my clients’ homes into their interiors. On Cape Cod or in Maine for instance, a lot of work is inspired by nature and the geography of the home and the property.
I’m also an Instagram junkie when I have the time to browse the platform and I love collecting interior design books. One I keep going back to is Interiors in Context by Shawn Henderson. His work is definitely eclectic and leaning more modern, but it is also layered, curated, and filled with amazing art.
What does your home say about you?
Our concept of home has shifted a bit since Covid. In the last two years, we’ve been spending more time at our home in Kennebunkport. Originally, the house was supposed to be a place where we could entertain our family and friends, but we always knew it would be our place of serenity, our restful space. The property abuts a beautiful, peaceful tidal salt pond. We tried to keep our interior more simple, highlighting our view and the landscape, while layering in some fun flea market finds.
Compared to a lot of my client work, our home is more neutral and speaks to a need for quiet and serenity. With my work as an interior designer, I’m surrounded by color, pattern, and texture, not to mention clients with a range different tastes and aesthetics. With our home in Maine, we sought to not only create a restful environment that celebrates the view, but one that is also a visually quiet space to relax and unwind.
The painting above the sofa is by Luc Leestemaker; photo taken by Eric Roth Photography.
In your view, what impact does art have on one’s home?
I’ve always felt that art is what gives a space soul and portrays a home owner’s personality and style.
What was your first memorable art purchase?
My husband and I bought a fairly contemporary home in Boston about fourteen and a half years ago and though my taste leans more traditional with an eclectic, modern mix, this space was a seemingly big, white box with large walls to fill. We were looking for a large contemporary abstract piece and ended up falling in love with a piece by Luc Leestemaker. It was a significant purchase for us at the time and something we thought a lot about before purchasing. It’s now been 12 years since we’ve owned it and we love it more with every day. It’s now moved to our Maine house and resides in our den.
Two works by Li Wang from Tao Water Art Gallery on the left; Painting by Luc Leestemaker on the right.
A dream piece of art you’d like to add to your collection someday?
Up until we bought our home in Maine, we’d spend a lot of time in the summers in Provincetown and have always been a fan of Anne Packard’s work. We’ve always dreamed of owning one of her paintings.
Describe your most prized work of art.
After my husband’s mother passed away, we knew we wanted to have something to remember her by, so we purchased a piece by Sandra Allen that had always captured our attention through the windows of a gallery in the SoWa Arts District. The piece is a graphite work on paper of a close cross section of a peeling birch tree. It’s a really beautiful work of art and one that is so special to us. Sandra is a well-regarded artist and has pieces in the MFA, so we are thrilled to own one of her works and have such a special connection to it in remembrance of my husband’s mother.
On the left, a custom house portrait by Nicholas Roes Ryan gifted to the client of this project; on the right, the Sandra Allen piece Ryan and his husband purchased in remembrance of Ryan’s mother-in-law.
What styles of art are you drawn to personally?
I would say all art! In the course of my design career, I’ve had the privilege of selling art to clients and helping them curate their collections. Since people’s taste in art varies greatly from person to person, my role has opened my eyes to a variety of styles and mediums, be it abstract, landscape, or figurative.
For one client’s living room, we purchased an abstract painting by Deborah Zlotsky that we paired alongside a very realist figure by Michael Zigmond (of a cupid sitting on the back of a sofa). The way these two pieces came together was really special. It’s always amazing to walk into a room with art of different styles and see how they can live together beautifully.
Tell us about an artist whose work should be on our radar.
I’m currently working on an oceanfront property south of Boston for which I recently shared an abstract piece by Ky Anderson with the client. Ky’s color palette is appropriate for an ocean residence and this client loves color - particularly all shades of blue and green, so we’re hoping to acquire a piece for the project.
Framed photograph by local photographer, Brad Maushart.
A favorite place to shop for the home?
As an interior designer, I have access to amazing designer showrooms and vendor collections all over the world, but I am also inspired by smaller antique stores and home goods shops. There’s one store - a combination of both antiques and home goods - called Casa Gusto in West Palm Beach with such a unique perspective. Their incredible showroom is run by a mother and her two sons. and they curate pieces from all over and have such a unique eye, the way they style the show room. They have a unique perspective.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
When my husband and I aren’t working, travel has always been something we’d prioritize. Right now during the pandemic, we go on long walks with our dog and we love to experience great food. Dining out together is one of our greatest joys.
A big thank you to Ryan for his insightful, inspiring answers. Be sure to keep up with Ryan Donnelly Design’s latest projects throughout New England and beyond by following Ryan on Instagram or Facebook.
See more of our art-focused Q&A features with other design industry professionals here.
