The overall design was envisioned to provide a perfect respite from city life. Its primary function was to entertain the family and their guests, and incorporate outdoor living areas, as the residence is used primarily during the warmer months of the year.

Cox explains: “Foley & Cox was there from the initial concept phase, collaborating with the architect and client on the style of the home, layout, interior architecture
and materials. The same architect and contractor built the existing home across the street so there was already a great working relationship in place. We were involved in selecting every detail of the interior, from the bathroom tiles, flooring, faucets and decorative hardware right down to the bar accessories as well as the outdoor areas [created in collaboration with the landscape architect].”

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Given the home’s proximity to the sea, the team naturally drew inspiration from the ocean and beach life—a plethora of nautical details and various blue tones can be found throughout the interior. Lively patterns are interspersed between these serene hues to energise the spaces. “We didn’t shy away from patterns, which are found on many of the drapery fabrics, accent pillows and rugs,” adds Cox.

To create a timeless yet durable space for a family with a growing brood of grandchildren, the firm selected high-performance fabrics and engineered stone. The team paired these hardy materials with wood, glass, metal, rope, plasterwork and embroidery to create a layered look. All of the cabinetry is custom made in a variety of exotic woods in laquered finishes, and a mix of metal combinations.

The green hedges in the front yard add a verdant layer to the home and provide a sense of privacy for the family. Past the front door, guests are welcomed by the sight
of a spacious foyer, which features a wooden ceiling crafted with custom-milled cedar tongue and groove boards. To the left of the foyer is the living area; to its right is the dining room, which connects to the kitchen that leads out to an outdoor dining area and the backyard.

Highlights on the first floor include the oversized Ingo Maurer pendant lamp in the dining room, which features a lampshade interior in a vivid Yves Klein Blue. In the living room, an Aramis rattan pendant lamp from French studio Atelier Vime conveys the coastal charm of the abode.

The basement, in comparison, is all about “fun and games”, quips Cox. “There is a large family room for watching movies, a kids’ play area with a foosball table and bar, as well as a billiards room, gym and even a massage room. The lower level also includes two bedrooms for additional guests.”

The main staircase leads up to four guest rooms on the second floor, each of which features its own ensuite bathroom; all of the spaces look out to wonderful views of the sea. A long corridor separates the two rooms intended for the adults, while the children’s bedrooms are at the opposite end of the house. A secondary staircase beside the kids’ bedrooms connects to the mudroom, dining area and kitchen.

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The designers playfully referenced the different neighbourhoods within the Hamptons in each of the rooms, giving every space a unique identity. “The guest bedrooms
all relate to a specific town. There is the Amagansett room, which references the dunes in that area. The Bridgehampton room has a blue-and-white striped rug that is a nod to the [landmark diner] Bridgehampton Candy Kitchen,” says Cox.

No detail, no matter how small, was glossed over. Even utility areas such as the laundry room are a visual treat—the entire space, including the millwork and ceiling, was painted blue and matched with ceramic hardware with surfboard-inspired motifs. The gym room also transcends its functional elements by featuring a custom hand-painted mural on the windows that loosely takes inspiration from the work of French artist Henri Matisse.

A wide variety of art catches the eye throughout the home. These range from nautical-themed beach photos and a ship model to animal illustrations and abstract works; all of which were hand-picked by Foley & Cox. “We tend to gather artworks throughout the entire process of a project, sourcing at our favourite galleries, pulling from pieces we carry at our store, Foley & Cox Home, and picking up pieces along our travels.”

While the three-year construction and renovation process was slowed down by the pandemic in 2020, the team quickl adapted to the delays by re-selecting materials
and items as necessary. Working closely with an understanding former colleague certainly made the process easier. “The clients trusted her to bring the family’s wishes to life and her input helped guide our creative process,” adds Cox.

And the effort clearly paid off, as evident at the final reveal of the completed project. The clients were thrilled by what they saw as they began to explore their new home, enthused and surprised by every nook and corner. In the time since, the social zones have been well used by the family, fulfilling the goal of designing a place made for gatherings. “It is a delight to see the clients walk through a space for the first time and discover special moments throughout the house. Even afterwards, we received compliments on all the small, thoughtful details,” says Cox with pride.

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