For artists, there’s nothing quite like the moment when a blank canvas starts to take shape. The world is full of possibility, only limited by the constructs of the form and their own imaginations.
It’s the same feeling for designers when they are offered the opportunity to create from their own form of blank slate, such as at the third annual Holiday House Hamptons showhouse, which is on view at 100 Crescent Avenue in Water Mill through July 15, 2016. Whether it be a room, an outdoor space or a landscape, the participating designers say that they relish the freedom that comes with allowing their creativity to flow freely.
This year’s task for the 20 selected designers was to transform a modern 13,000-square-foot two-story mansion, sited on 2.1 acres and chosen by Holiday House Founder Iris Dankner and HC&G Editor in Chief Kendell Cronstrom, into a true Holiday House Hamptons.
The $17.9 million estate in Water Mill, listed for sale with Linda Haugevik of Douglas Elliman and Tim Davis of The Corcoran Group, presented an array of possibilities, including design around the Hamptons’ only rooftop tennis court, an infinity pool, more than 9,000-square-feet of outdoor decking and terraces, a private dock, home theatre, wine room, seven bedrooms and eight baths. Additionally, the showhouse features artwork by Alex Katz, Carroll Dunham, Andy Warhol, Monica Banks and Jack Ceglic.
Holiday House Hamptons is a benefit and its Opening Party and admission to the home raises money for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. Designers contributing include Elizabeth Dow Home; Jolie Korek & Company; KARA MANN; Mabley Handler Interior Design; West Chin Architects & Interior Designers; Unlimited Earth Care by Frederico Azevedo and others.
Tennis, anyone?
Starting with the most noteworthy space, the rooftop tennis court and lounge area was envisioned by world tennis superstar Venus Williams and her V Starr brand. Her take on “Olympics in Rio” involves inspiration from materials used both from her interior design line and her athletic apparel line, EleVen, which she will wear during her upcoming U.S. Open and Olympic competitive appearances. In the lounge, pillows pop with her colorful florals and the stairwell leading up to the court is graced by a version of this year’s Olympic Banner Dress.
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Design by Venus Williams and her V Starr brand. Photo by Dawn Watson.
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“With the Olympics happening in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, we wanted to draw off the vibrancy of the Brazilian culture,” stated Williams. “The ‘Olympics in Rio’ roof deck will feature bright pops of colors reminiscent to the city. We drew inspiration for this from a colorful pattern in my athletic apparel line, EleVen.”
EleVen’s Chief Operating Officer Ilana Rosen said that not only is the Hamptons Holiday House the perfect place to premier the fabrics from the clothing line, it’s also giving the EleVen team the opportunity to give back, with commemorative and signed versions of Venus Williams’ U.S. red, white and blue Banner Dress Olympic tennis togs. “The Olympic dress is available in a limited edition and comes with authentication, a hand-signed note and a pretty gold medallion,” she said.
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Design by Venus Williams and her V Starr brand. Photo by Dawn Watson.
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Organics & Beach Glam
Melanie Roy Design’s interpretation of “Earth Day” for Bedroom #4 its accompanying Deck involves lots of organic materials, said Melanie Roy. The neutral palette is complemented by vibrant art and thoughtfully placed plantings.
“Stone and coral, concrete, quartz glass and feathers,” she said of the expansive bedroom suite and deck. “Of course with a beach glam accent.”
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Interior Design by Melanie Roy Design. Photo by Dawn Watson.
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Magical Midnight Swims
Bedroom #2 by Sasha Bikoff Design takes the typical beach vibe and flips it into “A Majestic Midnight Swim.” The navy blue wallpaper punctuated with gold leaf fish and complementing bedclothes are reminiscent of a “magical swim under a starry night,” said Sasha Bikoff.
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Interior Design by Sasha Bikoff Design. Photo by Dawn Watson.
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“The dark, moody, sexy room is another aspect of being at the beach,” she adds. “And it’s appropriate for the Hamptons as it evokes the true essence of summer nights which are so mysteriously magical.”
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Sasha Bikoff of Sasha Bikoff Design. Photo by Dawn Watson.
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Soothing Sensual Slumber
Bedroom #3, by Jolie Korek & Co., brings out the softer side of slumber. The designer says that she wanted to create a room with sensual finishes and subtle color.
“Feel this wall, touch it. It’s like glass,” said Korek of the five-coat lacquer. “Notice how it pops against the modern paneling and slight lavender I used to warm up the room?”
Incorporating some of her own furnishings from home, such as his-and-hers clocks that usually grace her own bedside tables, the designer reports that creating a soothing and hospitable environment was key for her.
“This room is all about the luxurious, languorous days surrounding the summer solstice,” said Korek. “With its elegant furnishings, mixed with gleaming surfaces and soft textiles, the bedroom is the perfect reflection of sandy beaches, long, warm afternoons, and romantic summer evenings.”
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Jolie Korek of Jolie Korek & Co. Photo by Dawn Watson.
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Low Key Family Fun
Fitting for the Father's Day Weekend opening of the Holiday House Hamptons showhouse was Timothy Brown Studio’s take on interiors for families. Pointing to the ping-pong table and large-screen television on the deck, Mr. Brown said he wanted to keep his rooms low-key and fun; a place for families to get together and relax.
“My design is inspired by my theme in the sense of a family gathering," said Timothy Brown. "It’s the Hamptons. It’s the summer. Let’s celebrate our dad. Getting together, putting down our phones to sit and have a conversation. Whether that’s face-to-face on chairs and a sofa or on the porch over a quick ping pong match.”
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Interior Design by Timothy Brown Studio. Photo by Dawn Watson.
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Interior Design by Timothy Brown Studio. Photo by Dawn Watson.
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Timothy Brown of Timothy Brown Studio.
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BASIC FACTS: Holiday House Hamptons is located at 100 Crescent Avenue in Water Mill and is open five days a week through July 26, 2016 (Closed Tuesday & Wednesday). Proceeds from all ticket sales will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. Learn more at www.holidayhousehamptons.com.
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