To say that Cecily Strong has upgraded her living situation would be an understatement. In just two years, the Saturday Night Live star left behind her tiny studio after a decade, moved into a spacious Manhattan apartment with her significant other, and bought a stunning home upstate.
“I’ve never had this much space in my life,” she quips. The only downside? Pure interior design overwhelm. “I had no idea how to setup each space. I just don’t have that kind of brain, although I appreciate design so much!”
Naturally, she enlisted the expertise of Havenly lead designer Melissa Wagner to make each space feel like home. “Cecily has eclectic preferences — she loves mid-century pieces plus fun touches, like animal busts and her collection of colorful vintage Sevilla posters,” says Melissa. “Although very different, she wanted both spaces to feel like home and speak to each other from a design perspective.”
As seen in People, step inside both of Cecily’s Havenly-designed spaces to see how the comedian’s bold and vivacious personality comes home.
From Upstate New York...
A few hours north of the city, Cecily’s playful, modern design style is on full display. Classic mid-century modern furniture grounds the look, while quirky knick-knacks like a horse figurine lend signature personality and character. Vibrant pops of color ranging from forest green and aquamarine to punchy ochre liven up the otherwise neutral palette and punctuate each room.
“I love bright colors and basically anything involving animals in a whimsical way,” notes Cecily. “I have two dog busts from Anthropologie named Moz-bark and Shakespaniel, and they’re my favorite pieces of fine art,” she jokes.
For obvious reasons, the comedian especially loves the sunroom. “I couldn’t wait to call in the pros at Havenly to make this already beautiful space shine,” she explains. To balance form and function, Melissa created a cozy conversation nook complete with plush cognac accent chairs, a sculptural sofa, and a teal tiger rug designed by Justina Blakeney (a favorite piece of Cecily’s).
While she hopes to host friends for gatherings and dinner parties upstate, Cecily views the space as a “retreat” above all else. “I love the surrounding outdoors just as much as the interior,” she explains. “I enjoy seeing the greenery through the windows, and the fact that cell service is spotty up here — it gives me an excuse not to answer texts or calls right away.”
To Downtown Manhattan
In the city, Melissa channeled the upstate home through a similar jewel-toned color palette, mid-century modern furnishings, and hints of whismy, like a bulldog planter. But here, she was also tasked with combining Cecily’s tastes with those of her new live-in boyfriend.
“It’s my first time living with a romantic partner, so it was important to me that we both feel at home here,” notes the comedian. “While we have similar tastes big picture, we had to figure out how to make space for both of our treasures, including race car driver photos, vintage flamenco posters, tire tables, dog busts, and beyond.”
Thanks to Melissa’s thoughtful, considered approach towards the open-concept layout, hidden storage, and personal decor, the finished space feels cohesive, intentional, and fun. “Nothing is too precious or serious in Cecily’s spaces — she values comfort, ease, and color above all else,” Melissa adds.
Most importantly, Cecily feels perfectly at ease in her two new homes. “No matter what’s happening with work, my homes make me feel really happy,” she concludes. “I can show up to my home upstate or my city apartment, and each one looks and feels like me. I’m immediately comfortable.”
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