Ny35 designhamptons

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DESIGN HAMPTONS

Though famous for its glamorous summer season, the Hamptons doesn’t come to a halt after Labor Day. In the spring, the East End is full of budding blooms, changing aerial palettes and residential preparations. From architects and interior designers, to builders and craftsmen, local professionals spend the off-season in creation and anticipation. Read on, and discover the work of these industry luminaries, from Quogue to Sag Harbor.

Ocean Blu Designs

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Ciuffo Cabinetry 95 Brook Avenue, Deer Park, New York 631.586.5976 | ciuffocabinetry.com

LOCAL PERSPECTIVE: Q+A WITH GARY CIUFFO

According to Gary Ciuffo, spring in the Hamptons is exciting, inviting and fresh. It signals a renewal of the natural world and inspires a desire to reinvigorate the home.

It also heralds the coming of summer. While Ciuffo and his team at Ciuffo Cabinetry work in the Hamptons year-round, they note the change of pace the region’s famed season brings. “We prepare for summer by focusing on delivery dates and our clients’ needs,” Ciuffo

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How do you view the Hamptons changing over the next decade?

As with any beautiful location, it must adapt while preserving the integrity and charm of the present and past. This will remain a challenge for the community.

says. “Proactive is the word. Whatever the need, Ciuffo Cabinetry wants to take care of it before you arrive for the summer.” Specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, libraries, wine cellars and closets, the firm has produced and installed stunning designs throughout New York—and beyond. Soon, Ciuffo’s work will span the East Coast. Having recently opened a new showroom in Southampton, he has another in progress for South Florida.

DESIGN HAMPTONS: SPRING

Describe the culture in the Hamptons and its evolution over time.

As the Hamptons is the home of cuttingedge sophistication in so many worlds, it’s a wonderful place to be inspired and translate trends into our product. We are constantly tuned into the latest in entertaining, cooking and design.

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1. Ciuffo designed and built this cohesive, transitional kitchen. 2. Nestled within the Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse, this kitchen displays the best of technology and design, in tandem. It was designed and built by Ciuffo. 3. Light and bright, this open-concept space was designed by Ocean Blu Designs and built by Ciuffo.

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James Merrell Architects 66 Main Street, Post Office Box 210, Sag Harbor, New York 631.725.9842 | jamesmerrellarchitects.com

THE HAMPTONS EBB + FLOW

In spring, optimism abounds and the possibilities seem endless. To hear James Merrell tell it, these bright perspectives lead Hamptons homeowners to daydream about the coming of summer, and beyond. “On the East End, every person’s dream house conjures images of an ideal life,” says Merrell, the principal behind James Merrell Architects.

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“Growing families, gathering friends and even future generations are seen playing in the sunshine.” It comes as no surprise, then, to learn that as the days get longer, Merrell and his team are busy and bustling. “In spring, we are always racing to complete our houses for Memorial Day, managing final approvals and the excitement of our clients. But it is worth it all to see their dreams realized and fully occupied by the summer.”

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“In recent years, the open land here has mostly been developed, but that will not stop Hamptons residents from continuing to reimagine their houses,” Merrell says. “It just means they will be going up in the older neighborhoods, which have a real sense of community to offer. These new houses may challenge the architectural status quo, but as baby boomers retire and take up year-round residence here, their designs will speak to more than just summer days. The resulting architecture will be more subtle and engaging.”

1. The best Hamptons houses are tucked behind hedges, like this new cottage in the Amagansett Lanes neighborhood. 2. White oak girders support dormers high above a cathedral ceiling in the living room, letting in sunlight from the north and south. 3. White oak ceiling beams run from the kitchen to porch, connecting the inside to outside on a summer’s afternoon.

All photography by Matthew Carbone

DESIGN HAMPTONS: SPRING

amagansett lanes

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John David Rose Architect 596 Hampton Road, Southampton, New York 631.283.2051 | johndavidrosearchitect.com

TODAY’S EAST END

Although it has long been glamorized for its summer society, the Hamptons is evolving into a year-round destination for homeowners and visitors alike. As local architect John David Rose says, “Businesses no longer ‘roll up the sidewalks’ after Labor Day.” The increase of off-season customers has brought a new level of talent to all industries, as evidenced by Rose and the team at his namesake firm, John David Rose Architect. “Because the Hamptons

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has become multiseasonal, our business sees very little downtime,” he says. “This has provided employment opportunities that would not normally be available, and, in turn, allows us to offer a full-service experience and uncompromised quality.” He goes on to note that while many homeowners still spend spring in preparation for high season, their mindsets lean toward perennial living.

Three words. The feeling is hopeful, exuberant and new.

Renewed appreciation. A fresh energy arrives with spring, which further highlights the countless opportunities the Hamptons has to offer. Thoughtful intentions. Over the past few years, an acute awareness of the environment has built, and homeowners and professionals alike continue to support protections for it.

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1. In this traditional Shingle-style home, all the amenities of modern living are wrapped in the spacious style of the Gilded Age. 2. Open and refreshing, the interior of this barn invites conversation and participation while paying respect to the structure’s 19th-century roots. 3. With stark contrasts in both material and positioning, a creative approach was taken to form a unified front on this Water Mill compound.

DESIGN HAMPTONS: SPRING

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Ocean Blu Designs 71 Mineola Avenue, Roslyn Heights, New York 516.277.2780 | oceanbludesigns.com

HIGH SEASON: A LOCAL ENDEAVOR

After a long winter in the city, Amy Kang loves nothing more than to drive back into the Hamptons and return to her favorite beach.

When she’s not taking in the sand and surf, Kang can be found at the helm of her firm, which is aptly named Ocean Blu Designs. As principal designer, Kang leads her team, which includes associate designer Kevin Kim, in

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creating an enjoyable experience for her clients.

Whether working with an architect to build the home, installing lighting and entertainment systems, or designing every inch of the interior and outdoor living space, Ocean Blu offers the comprehensive package for which the Hamptons’ elite clientele is searching. “We truly wish to build each person’s dream home,” she says. “We pride ourselves on being able to add the personality of the homeowners into our designs, marrying their style with our sleek and modern coastal aesthetic.”

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1. This home’s sleek, modern take on the classic Hamptons style begins at the front entrance. Ocean Blu designed and built it, from concept to completion. 2. Ocean Blu designed and built this impressive Manhasset home. In the bedroom space, the team added coastal accents in crisp white, inspired by the Hamptons’ beaches. 3. In this Old Brookville home, Ocean Blu was responsible for the interior design. It boasts minimal, modern touches, and a color palette and decor inspired by the natural landscape.

All photography by Kihoon Oh

DESIGN HAMPTONS: SPRING

“Beyond the homes and properties transforming around us, new local businesses are popping up to serve the amazing worldwide audience which builds up the Hamptons,” Kang says. “During the high season, it’s sometimes hard to stop and see that our local residents have spent the rest of the year diligently preparing and improving the area. They are talented, hardworking and resilient, and we are proud to work alongside them throughout the year.”