If you were to envision a typical Hamptons home, certainly extravagancies like a plywood-clad powder room and hand-carved ceilings flown in directly from Holland might not spring to mind. However, these were precisely the unique features that were incorporated into a design venture undertaken by renowned firm Fox-Nahem, when they were tasked with the challenge of creating an unorthodox summer retreat in Sagaponack, New York. The client, a couple, wanted to steer clear from the conventional Shingle Style architecture frequently seen in the Hamptons. They didn’t want to settle with marble countertops or wicker chairs or an overdose of “white on white”. Instead, they desired a distinct getaway that would resonate with their character and lifestyle.
Joe Nahem, the principal architect, initially planned to only work on the primary bathrooms, but the synergistic vision of the clients and the Fox-Nahem team led to an evolution of the project: decorating the entire home. The clients made it abundantly clear that their home must be appreciatively practical, yet aesthetically appealing. They wanted to create an environment that was casual and comfortable, one where their guests and grandkids could lounge around freely.
Another essential factor that played a central role during the design and decoration process was the couple’s art collection. It predominantly featured pieces by BIPOC and women artists, including the likes of Mie Yim and Shara Hughes. Nahem had to strike a delicate balance between showcasing the art and ensuring the interior lured attention towards it, without being monotonously “beige” and inadvertently boring.
Nahem superbly demonstrated this harmony, with prime examples being the living and dining rooms. Adopting a neutral color palette, he played around with textures and shapes to complement an REM Atelier sculpture and an Esteban Jefferson painting. To mark the culmination of the living and dining rooms, textile artist Windy Chien stepped in. Along with her team, she spent three days braiding Sunbrella cords into intricate knots on a frame that stood as a unique room divider. Inspired by Chien’s work, Nahem arranged for a blue limestone fireplace to beautifully mirror the bespoke installation by Marble & Stone Creations.
Demonstrating his penchant for the extraordinary, Nahem opted for artist Sasha Sykes to design the his-and-hers vanities for the primary bathrooms. Working with her signature material, resin, Sykes trapped local flora and fauna in the resin, giving them an illusion of being frozen in time. These vanities emerged as attention-grabbing highlights of the project.
Other distinct features included a powder room with plywood-clad walls matching the sinuous maple sink. The ceiling’s vintage wallpaper and pendant light from Tiffany added old-world charm. Always appreciating a departure from the conventional, Nahem strived to create something unique and unanticipated in each corner of the home.
As with any Hamptons home, the exterior could not be overlooked. The outdoor space includes a pool and a poolhouse, which were meticulously designed in collaboration with Joseph Tyree, a frequent collaborator with Fox-Nahem. The homes valuable art and furniture pieces were paired harmoniously with the refreshing seaside ambiance, creating the perfect setting for the indulgent Hamptons lifestyle; set against the backdrop of an innovative, untraditionally Hamptons’ home.
