There is something special about visiting a newly minted home when the paint is still drying on the walls and the last nails have been hammered into the wall to hang the art collection.  Designer showhouses offer a unique experience from this lens while seeing ways to live in the space from different perspectives, each room designed by a different artist or interior designer.  This can be inspiring and yet at times daunting.  I have visited hundreds of interior design showhouses over the years and each one (although they are all different) has the same impression on me.  I like to take lots of photographs, leave, then if I am able, come back and look at it again. No matter how edited, a designer showhouse offers a plethora of detailing, and sometimes it's best to take a minute to process all that wonderfulness.  

So, for this special showhouse (the first one in the East End in person since 2019) I attended the press event and opening gala then returned the very next day to take in the house and all the elements of design again.  I'd like to share with you my favorite moments that would be fantastic to "live in"- these include corners and vignettes that were especially inspiring. I will leave the big photography of sweeping rooms to the experts (I am not a professional photographer), but what I am good at with my honed, stylish eye is to see the genius in design.  At this showhouse there are some fantastic beginnings- one being the stellar landscape design by Michael Derrig.  In my opinion, landscape design should feel natural and like it's been there forever yet manicured (in a natural way) but all without feeling like a hotel courtyard.  The trees lining the outside patio, the tall white cone hydrangeas under the kitchen windows and the quiet moments with lots of small spaces where one can spend time throughout the property, gave this home extra curb appeal.  First impressions matter so walking up to the home which had been beautifully landscaped was a refreshing experience.

a favorite art vignette by Richard Mishaan

Secondly, the emphasis on art throughout the home brings something special.  Unique, curated art was in every room elevating the interior design and again bringing special meaning and authenticity.  Although the home is over 12,000 square foot (I think we can all agree this falls into mansion territory) this now decorated space feels, well, cozy.  Art for Change (fine art for the socially conscious collector) had many pieces in the downstairs gallery. 

Thirdly, the color palette is unexpected (but in a good way) throughout the entire home.  As a textile designer and manufacturer, color is my obsession.  I love almost every color and combination in the rainbow but I admit sheepishly I am partial to blues and greens.  I love living by the sea here in the Hamptons, and when I can mirror what is outside my window inside my home, well, it makes me happy.   However, expanding our color palette can open up great opportunities in our homes, colors like ochre and brick other hues not always associated with the hedge-lined avenues here is aspirational.  Seeing that designers think outside the box when visiting a designer showhouse is what makes the experience rewarding.  I love to come home after seeing all this incredible design together under one roof and think of fresh ways to incorporate these elements into my own home and the home of my clients.  I hope you enjoy these glimpses of special moments in the house.

Happy Nesting

XO Tamara

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