One of the best parts of our work at Dennis Miller is collaborating with designers whose spaces make you stop, feel, and connect. Rose Praino, Co/Founder & Creative Director of YDC Design, is one of those rare creatives. Her rooms aren’t just beautiful, they’re alive. They welcome you in, wrap around you, and quietly say, “Stay awhile.”
When Rose told us about her latest project, an approximately 30,000-square-foot dream home overlooking the Long Island Sound, including the main house, pool house, carriage house, and key exterior living spaces, we knew it would be something special. Designed for a longtime client (their fifth home together), Rose called it “the one where all the dreams came together.” This home wasn’t just about finishes or furniture. It was about how a family lives, entertains, and creates memories.
From the very first conversation, it was clear that this project would showcase YDC Design’s signature philosophy, rooted in their proprietary NeuroSensory Design™ method, which considers not only how a space looks but also how it feels and functions at every level.
The Pieces That Helped Shape the Story
Every key piece Rose chose for this home came through Dennis Miller, and hearing her explain why she selected each one gave me a deeper appreciation for the intentionality of her process.
In the kitchen, she went with our Lineground 2 Stools, which she swears by after testing (in her words) “more stools than I can count.” What sold her? “They’re light, sturdy, and easy to pull in and out. Plus, the walnut finish is just stunning.”
Downstairs, the home turns into what Rose affectionately calls “the club” — a full bar, a DJ setup, you name it. For that space, she needed something that wasn’t just stylish but could handle the energy of a packed house. Enter the Nobi Swivel Bar Stools — solid metal, upholstered in beautiful leather, and as much a design statement as they are a seat. “They have this artistic presence,” Rose said. “When you stand back and see the nickel and leather shimmering against the bar, it’s just stunning.”
For the office, she brought in the Wishbone Executive Desk — a sculptural anchor that adds warmth without overwhelming the space. And in the dining room? That’s where the Duette Butterfly Table comes in, a live-edge walnut slab with nickel inlays. “You can feel the energy of the artisan who made it,” Rose reflected. “It’s timeless — something the family will treasure for generations.
More Than Just Beautiful Things
What I admire most about Rose’s work is how it’s never just about how things look. It’s about how they function and feel. She thinks through how rooms will evolve as kids grow up, how lighting needs to shift from morning to night, how materials can invite touch, and how even a space's acoustics shape the experience. One of my favorite things Rose said was this: “When you walk into a space, your mind craves interaction. You want to touch, feel, and experience. That’s what great design does — it invites you in.
Advice Worth Sharing
When I asked Rose what advice she’d give to younger designers, she didn’t hesitate. “Listen to your clients. But also know who you are. Define your philosophy, and let that guide you.”
It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Rose on this project, and I’m so grateful she trusted us to help bring her vision to life. Projects like this remind me why I love what I do — and why great design will always be about more than just the things we put in a room.
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All Photographer By: Mike Van Tassell