Hampton Designer Showhouse 2017, Highlights and Stellar Design

Nest by Tamara's 

Favorite Interior Design 

at the 2017 Hampton Designer Showhouse

Greg McKenzie's gorgeous foyer!

interior designer Ron Marvin walking the staircase during press day and pointing out the oversized nail head detailing on the carpet by Greg McKenzie Designs

our press visit at the showhouse

first we spent a few minutes with interior designer Libby Langdon at her beautifully set outdoor table on the pool terrace.  Libby showcases her new furniture and accessory indoor/outdoor collections with Bradburn Home, KAS Rugs and NorthCape.

Each year I visit the Hampton Designer Showhouse at least once while it's still in the throes of installation, and I like to go early so I can capture the excitement of all the details coming together just days before the gala.  Then, a few days later the cocktail party feels even more special seeing it all come together, sometimes at the very last minute.  It's important for me to capture those "behind the scenes" moments to show my readers who appreciate the entire design process from beginning to end.  

This year was special because I led a group of designers, style makers and writers on a press junket throughout the house.  We stopped into a press preview at the showhouse then later we attended the gala for the opening of the 17th annual Hampton Designer Showhouse 2017. The folks at the showhouse allowed me to bring these talents in as part of a new annual tour I will be giving, an insider's design & antiques exploration of the Hamptons.  This is my Hamptons, the area I have lived in for most of my life, and it is filled with artists, history, hand crafted wares and lots of antiques and shopping.  My good friend Toma Clark Haines the owner of the Antiques Diva, (the largest antiques sourcing company in the world) built her company by taking mostly Americans to Europe to hunt for and purchase antiques, then she helps them get those wares home.  Now she is expanding to the United States, and asked me to curate this annual two-day tour for the Hamptons as one of our very first tours in the States together.  I immediately knew I would begin our two days together behind the scenes at the showhouse.  Through my local lens, I think we had a wonderful and rich experience.  Take a look at some of our favorite designs at the showhouse this year, however, there are several more we love so please stop back for part 2 in a few days. You can follow our musings on social media by checking out our posts on hashtag #AntiquesDivaUSA.

I like that there are two homes showcased for the 2017 event, brand new construction and set side by side in this newly formed Southampton neighborhood.  Hosting two homes gives the opportunity for over 30 of the industry's top designers and artists to showcase their talent. I was happy to note that interior designer Greg McKenzie fully specified all the kitchens and bathroom appointments for all the houses on the new complex, and they are beautifully detailed. In addition, he did a fabulous job with the entry foyer & downstairs powder room.  

the color trend for this year's showhouse:
As in most years, there is much to muse about at the showhouse as designers work hard to inspire creative interior design.  We expect to see some new ideas, current percolating trends and ideas that may encourage us to add something new to our homes and the homes of our clients.  This year, I noted a few growing movement that I wrote about last January upon my return from Germany's Ambiente and Paris' Maison Objet and Deco Off.  I also gave a trend talk at the opening of NYNOW in January, where I showcased a few interesting and growing ideas.  One that most resonated most with me now six months ago, and seems to be staying with our community in a celebrated manner, is a layered, nuanced design using vibrant colors as well as unusual color combinations and textures.  I am happy to note that colorful trend is in full force this summer at the Hampton Designer Showhouse.  Take a look at more of our favorites that show lots of color...

Gregory Shano for East Hampton Gardens

covered porch & terrace
Gregory Shano and Michael Giannelli are a dynamic duo, and the proud new owners of East Hampton Gardens.  One part garden shop, other part design studio, they have transformed this local garden store into a stylish, design oasis where they offer everything from chic tabletop decor to pillows to full service landscaping.  For this expansive covered porch and back patio, they created a blue and white respite where guests instantly feel welcome while being lulled by all the beauty that abounds. Working with Brown Jordan furniture, Stark Carpet, Thibaut and a gorgeous combination of blue and white porcelain, as well as wares from their shop, we are smitten.

Eddie Ross

Master Bedroom

Utilizing Duralee, Thibaut, Fine Paints of Europe and Stark, Eddie Ross captures the design spirit of the Hamptons.  It is a tad over the top (in a good way) with varying color running through the entire space and juxtaposing hues, yet it works.  It is vibrant with little vignettes and stories that unfold about the culture here in the East End.  The star of the room is certainly the oversized layered bed, setting the tone for the rest of the design.  

Rajni Alex Design

Bedroom 3

Infused with rich lacquered painted walls in a gorgeous blue/green, this bedroom is the perfect example of using rich color, well.  Calcutta-born designer Rajni Alex brings both old and new together in a way that is fresh yet sophisticated.  She creates a jewel box bedroom in a relatively small space by combining luxe products including Gabriel Scott's Harlow chandelier, pillows by Dedar and Lee Jofa, and cream-colored Moroccan rugs by J.D. Staron.  I especially love the hand painted agate accent wall created by Caroline Lizarraga. Rajni's inspiration for the room was a "modern swan" which represents to her a strong and intelligent young woman who is stylish, discerning and fearless.  

  photo via Newsday.com

photo via Newsday.com

Lisa Mende Design For Woodard Furniture

Covered Porch

North Carolina interior designer Lisa Mende shows that infusing color is always in style.  The designer utilizes Woodard Furniture, Dash & Albert rug and gorgeous lighting by artist Louise Gaskill (with seashells dripping from the chandelier) to create a lovely oasis overlooking the pool.

sponsors and chairs for the 2017 Showhouse

national magazine sponsor: Traditional Home 

real estate sponsor: Saunders & Associates.

regional magazine sponsor: Hamptons Purist 

design sponsor: Kohler Co.

honorary showhouse chairman:  Mario Buatta

honorary design co-chairmen: Jamie Drake & Alexa Hampton

The Hampton Designer Showhouse

July 23 until Monday, September 4 Labor Day

Monday-Sunday 11 am - 5 pm

82 & 79 Rosko Lane Southampton

Proceeds benefit Southampton Hospital

hamptondesignershowhouse.com 

Happy Nesting

XO Tamara