Working with architect Gene Leedy, a frequent collaborator, Mrs. Gillett devised an extensive millwork program based on one-in.-thick Honduras mahogany.

Together, architect and designer created baseboards, crown moldings-portions of them incorporating wood-fronted ductwork-and built-ins to accommodate books and audio/visual apparatus. Also added were a fireplace treatment of granite, flanked by full-height mahogany pilasters and window enclosures. The latter incorporate white-painted shutters paired in French door styling and introduce a classical cap that calls to mind Greek key design without being a literal interpretation of the motif. This element is also used to bridge the bookshelf units flanking the opening to the garden room as well as top this room's windows that front the water.

Now the background was right for furnishings. In went the leather upholstered Landeau seating and Colonnato marble cocktail table, both designed by Mario Bellini, Veranda seating by Vico Magistretti, Eileen Gray's cigarette table and the pair of table up-lights, Taccia, by Achille and Piero Castiglioni.

But not all is new. The dining table, a signed Lois XVI piece, has been in Mrs. Gillerr's possession for years as has a pair of signed armchairs of the same period.

A 19th century French occasional table of fruitwood with ormolu trimming, vintage Oriental rugs on restored oak flooring plus artwork and accessories - indicative of personal tastes - complete the scheme.