WELCOME to Nest by Tamara blog

WELCOME to Nest by Tamara blog
Hi- It's Tamara. I'm happy you've stopped by, and since 2010 I've been sharing my passion for interior design, history, art, entertaining, travel & fashion. I am an interior designer, textile designer and writer living and working in New York City and East Hampton, Long Island. My musings have taken me to international design, art, antique and epicurean events and I have lots to share. I'm grateful to have been listed as the #1 top design blog, blogs to watch, top design blogs and named and awarded Rising Star of Design by the IFDA NY industry organization. Please feel free to reach out to our team for an interior design consultation at NestbyTamara.com -Tamara

behind historic doors in the Hamptons for Christmas, Part 1: a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home with a modernist view


Nest by Tamara's holiday decorating series: 
behind historic doors in the Hamptons during Christmas
thanks to the East Hampton Historic Society
Part 1, a Japanese-inspired oasis in East Hampton
While growing up, one of our favorite holiday past times was to drive around the neighborhoods and check out the lights, beautiful decorations and architecture.  It was magical to see these historic homes all lit up in the North Shore of Long Island, while catching the "holiday spirit". One of the aspects to the "the Hamptons" I love is the eclectic nature of the people and homes in the area.  From newfangled, modern salt box architecture to gambrel shingle traditional homes, there seems no one way to live in this community. Both the architecture and interiors range, but a similar thread in the design seems to be great thought going into our homes while bringing in high style deeply rooted with nods to the history of the area including the farmland, the beaches and the original whaling community.    
What is "the Hamptons"?
"The Hamptons are a string of old whaling villages that dot the southern coast of the eastern end of Long Island. Technically, there are only two Hampton towns, East Hampton and Southampton, but thanks to the vagaries of New York zoning, these are divided into the villages of East Hampton, Southampton, Westhampton Beach, Bridgehampton and Hampton Bays, plus the non-Hampton Hamptons of Sag Harbor, Montauk, Water Mill, Amagansett, Sagaponack, Wainscott and Quogue."
philly.com via Jody Kaladzy
Thanks to the East Hampton Historical Society, we have the opportunity to tour the inside of many historic homes in the East End over Thanksgiving weekend each year.  
The house and garden tour is proudly sponsored by HC&G magazine.  First on the tour today is the Monica Graham House in East Hampton.  The home reflects the owner's desire to live close to nature and within the landscape (a hallmark of Frank Lloyd Wright's philosophy).  There is a main house, a guest cottage, a media barn and a greenhouse, which together creates a compound that feels cozy and nestled within a Koi pond and meandering natural plantings.  Christian Ricci designed the home in collaboration with interior designer Robert Kirkland.  Liz Curtin of Iron & Ivy designed the landscape which feels both natural and soothing while giving the space varying nooks and crannies and areas to convene with private gardens, walkways and terraces throughout the property.
The main house is decorated with Japanese inspired design and influences from Frank Lloyd Wright's sensibilities with chunky furniture, muted tones, and natural elements in the fabrics and adornments.  The guest cottage and barn share a wooded garden and walkway.  
The Barn:
acts as an extra space for entertaining. 
With a fire blazing in the fireplace and a dining table nestled above the landing,
this cozy barn would make a perfect place for a Christmas eve celebration
The Guest Cottage:
allows guests to have their very own space overlooking the pool
and across the property.  The main house, barn and guest cottage create a perfect triangular distance apart, with gardens and walkways bringing them together.



Stop back for more 
glimpses behind the doors of historic homes this season
Happy Nesting 
XO Tamara