Nancy Davilman is the founder of ND Interiors, a design firm celebrated for its thoughtful, highly personalized homes across Connecticut and New York. Drawing on her background in psychology and the decorative arts, Nancy approaches each project with fresh ideas informed by her clients’ needs — creating spaces that strike a harmonious balance between beauty, purpose, and how her clients truly want to live. She began her creative journey as an artist, working in stained glass, ceramics, and goldsmithing, before renovating her own 100-year-old home in Larchmont, an experience that ultimately inspired the launch of her firm in 2012. Today, her work is recognized for its warm sophistication, streamlined renovations and one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the personality and lifestyle of each client. Learn more about Nancy and her work in today’s Designer Friday.
Dimensional navy tile turns this bar wall into an architectural feature, giving the dining area a strong contemporary focal point.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Nancy Davilman: I’ve always been involved in art and design, but my love of home design was sparked during a 14-month, soup-to-nuts renovation of my own 100-year-old home. I worked closely with a very talented designer and soaked up everything she did related to the project. Being on site every day, I learned about the trades, the process, and the full arc of a large renovation — and I loved every minute of it.
When it was finished, my house was spectacular, and I had gained all sorts of knowledge I wanted to share. I started with small projects for friends, and my business quickly snowballed from there. Fourteen years later, I now work on a wide range of design and renovation projects throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties and across the region.
AJ: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
ND: Eclectic, chic and comfortable.
This workspace corner layers midcentury influence with tailored details, from the sculptural brass-and-black chandelier to the iconic orange task chair.
AJ: How do you approach a new design project?
ND: I start every project by getting to know my clients. I want to understand their dreams and expectations — how they live, whether they have children or pets to consider, what they don’t like about their current home, their favorite colors, and the colors they avoid. I also ask if there’s existing furniture or art that needs to be incorporated. The list goes on. At the same time, I’m processing that information and imagining how to weave all of those elements into the new design.
I approach every design with a fresh perspective. I don’t repeat designs — everything I do is client-specific, so no two projects are ever the same!
AJ: Can you describe a project that you’re particularly proud of?
ND: I am currently working on an amazing project on North Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I’m part of a team developing a waterfront community, and I’m responsible for the complete design of a four-bedroom, 4.5-bath waterfront villa. It has been both a dream job and a challenge, as the mechanics of working overseas can be tricky. Fortunately, my client has wonderful taste and has given me the freedom to be super creative in designing their dream island vacation home.
The view does a lot of the work, but the thoughtful mix of textiles and soft color makes the room feel complete.
AJ: What is your favorite type of lighting to use in your designs?
ND: I love finding unique, special lighting to use throughout my clients’ homes. This could be anything from a vintage piece to a new design from an emerging lighting artist. I prefer to design a room, much like putting together an outfit, and then select the perfect piece of jewelry to complete the look. The lighting is the jewelry!
AJ: What is the most important skill for a successful designer?
ND: While designers need many skills, I believe the most important is the ability to truly listen to clients. This comes through both verbal and nonverbal cues. It’s essential to understand who makes the decisions, who is more focused on the budget, and who is open to new ideas. When you gather this information, it becomes much easier to have productive conversations with your clients and to express your ideas clearly.
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