A Traditional Sag Harbour Cottage

Mention the Hamptons to a designer and it not only identifies an area it conjures up an image of a specific style of decorating that has become extremely popular throughout the world. 

My home is worlds away from the Hamptons, in fact it's located in a suburb of Auckland, However, due to its proximity to our harbour, I have adopted the popular Hamptons style which totally suits my relaxed way of living. "Relaxed living" is the first words that spring to mind when I think of Hamptons, other descriptive words would be "light filled spaces and white walls". Within the foundation of Hamptons one can add colour, a popular combination being blue and white. Touches of green also work well and if you want to play it safe, soft greys and beige tones are fitting, especially if you include subtle pattern and texture. 

Hamptons style can be traditional or modern but today's home is most definitely traditional in style. This small, original two story cottage located in popular Sag Harbour has a re-invented interior by Lee H. Skolnick Architecture & Design Partnership. The cottage is typical of its period with sash windows and a pillared portico, a popular architectural feature of its time. Most of the original architecture both inside and out of this charming home has been retained. Downstairs the original floorboards have been restored with a patina that reproduction floorboards could never achieve. Upstairs, however, narrower boards are painted white, lightening up the smaller spaces. The colour palette throughout is light and neutral, the perfect foil for antique pieces. This home is full of character, from the moment you step through the split, stable door to the second you walk into the master bedroom. Everything works wonderfully together and although it has been brought into the millennium it exudes so much original charm.

Above: Rustic, original floorboards greet you at the entrance. An antique or reproduction bamboo desk works wonderfully as a hall table

Above: Shaker style balustrade's on the staircase have been picked out in black. The little decorative panels on the stairwell have been retained

Above: A small pair of artworks depicting the ocean work perfectly on an end wall. A cross between traditional and modern lighting has been used in this space. A pair of chairs form a symmetrical entrance to another space

Above: I am unsure if the beams are original in the kitchen, however they could easily be mistaken for original

Above: A contemporary artwork livens up this space with its colour

Above: Laden bookshelves make the dining room feel homely and interesting. Another modern artwork features above the fireplace

Above: White painted floorboards lighten the upstairs bedroom which has a simple four poster bed. I truly love everything about this room

Above: A freestanding bath in a traditional style works perfectly in the bathroom

Above: An antique bureau is the perfect base for a vanity

I do hope you have enjoyed this gorgeous cottage and now filled with ideas for a makeover of your own. 

Wherever you are in the world, have a wonderful week.