Designer Clive Lonstein wanted to break away from the norm when designing a recent expansion project in Southampton, New York. Instead of creating a typical Hamptons-style McMansion, Lonstein drew inspiration from the grand Gilded Age weekend homes that were popular during the turn of the century. The client, a New York-based journalist, wholeheartedly embraced this vision.
Originally a one-bedroom cottage that had been on the property for over 20 years, the house needed to accommodate the client’s three grown sons and visiting family friends without causing any disruptions. Lonstein’s solution was to extend the existing cottage laterally, creating a row of bedrooms that can be accessed directly from outside, eliminating the need to go through the main house.
The design of the kitchen was a collaborative effort between Lonstein and the client’s sons, who are avid cooking enthusiasts. Instead of a separate dining room, they wanted the cooking and eating areas to be integrated for easy entertainment. Lonstein introduced a long central farmhouse table, accompanied by Børge Mogensen oak chairs from 1947, creating a functional and stylish space. Above the table, a Poul Henningsen Artichoke lamp adds an elegant touch.
To ensure longevity and simplicity, Lonstein selected durable materials with natural patina that will age beautifully. Textured area rugs were chosen to withstand the high-traffic nature of the home. The kitchen features sturdy granite countertops and forgoes the typical kitchen island in favor of the farmhouse table, which serves as a versatile surface for baking and kitchen prep.
Lonstein successfully transformed the quaint cottage into a spacious and practical home that pays homage to the elegance of the past while meeting the needs of a modern family. This unique approach to Hamptons home design showcases the creativity and versatility of Lonstein’s vision.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What was the inspiration behind the design of the recent expansion project in Southampton, New York?
The design was inspired by the grand Gilded Age weekend homes that were popular during the turn of the century.
2. What was the initial state of the house before the expansion?
The house was originally a one-bedroom cottage that had been on the property for over 20 years.
3. How did the designer accommodate the client’s need for more bedrooms?
The designer extended the existing cottage laterally, creating a row of bedrooms that can be accessed directly from outside, eliminating the need to go through the main house.
4. How was the design of the kitchen approached?
The design of the kitchen was a collaborative effort between the designer and the client’s sons, who are avid cooking enthusiasts. They wanted the cooking and eating areas to be integrated for easy entertainment.
5. What materials were selected for the project?
Durable materials with natural patina that will age beautifully were selected to ensure longevity and simplicity.
6. What features were chosen for the kitchen?
The kitchen features sturdy granite countertops and a farmhouse table that serves as a versatile surface for baking and kitchen prep. There is no typical kitchen island.
7. How would you describe the overall transformation of the cottage?
The cottage was successfully transformed into a spacious and practical home that pays homage to the elegance of the past while meeting the needs of a modern family.
Definitions:
– McMansion: A pejorative term for a large, ostentatious house that lacks architectural integrity and is designed solely for a large-scale, mass-market appeal.
– Gilded Age: A period in American history (late 19th century) characterized by rapid economic growth, industrialization, and luxurious lifestyles among the wealthy elite.
Suggested Related Links:
– Hamptons
– Gilded Age