Despite East Hampton, Southhampton and even Montauk having over the years decisively become the full-throttle summertime getaways for the NYC culturati, Amagansett has managed to retain much of its more laidback, rural charm. So when employed to envision the interiors for this client’s ground up, 6000 square foot new home, the imperative was to forego the glitz and glamour for a more rustic, cosseting notion of luxury.

Yet the clients were also enthusiastic art collectors and entertainers. So we envisaged something of a hybrid between traditional white barn and bold gallery space, where their unique collection could be showcased in a way that was at once attention-getting, but also natural and not at all contrived.

It was especially exciting to have the opportunity to work with the award-winning Bates Masi + Architects, as we have been long time admirers of their work.

Since this was a beach house, functional but good-looking furniture was key, nothing too precious. We wanted the kids to come in from the beach and just plop down comfortably - but also for dinner guests to feel they were in a relaxed atmosphere.

A nice touch are the exposed seashells flanking the glass staircase walls, a reminder that the house is close to the ocean.

“This was a truly successful collaboration between client, designer and architect.”