A Mark Saltz painting hangs above a couch in the living room opposite a colorful rectangular series by Spencer Finch. George Brewster adds life to the dining room and Anna Stump does the same to the bedroom. Black and white photos, mostly of Rostagno’s daughter Maya, are placed throughout. In the backyard is a piece by Connecticut–based artist Mark Mennin, a sculpture of a bed that sinks gently into the green lawn. The floor in the living room is covered in Kelly Wearstler and in the dining room a large rustic iron table from Soho’s Interieur holds court, surrounded by orange-hued leather chairs from Lungarno. In the bedroom, white side tables found at Homenature, the smart Southampton emporium, and lamps from the equally unique Jarlath in Amagansett reveal her love of shopping locally. A fabulous vintage chandelier perfectly lights the Anna Stump work on the back wall. The most compelling pieces, however, are the petrified wood tables that flank each couch in the living room, part of Rostagno’s former line of furniture and home goods started a few years back. Rostagno’s studio demonstrates further creativity: The remnants of Reliquary, a show she just finished in Toronto, lie scattered about. Her work in sculpture has not taken a back seat to all else that she is doing. Reliquary was first shown in the fall of 2011 in the Meatpacking District. Another signature piece, Shelter, was on display in October 2012 at an event to celebrate the opening of the Madison Avenue store. Despite working in a very competitive industry, Rostagno learned the art of delicately weaving together business and craft, to build a global brand. At the moment there is a single store on Madison Avenue but there are plans to open five new stores in the Middle East over the next year, the next being in Abu Dhabi. “The commercial aspect is challenging,” she states. “You have to ask yourself if what you’re doing is relevant, but people need the promise of fulfilled desire. If you can look at it that way, it will continue to evolve.” With her ever-expanding brand, Rostagno really values her time to reflect and relax, and the peaceful existence in Springs provides a much needed retreat for this busy designer. ✦
86 | AVENUE ON THE BEACH • JUNE 2013