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

Galerie House of Art & Design, The First Interior Design Showhouse of the Hamptons for Summer 2021

 

Galerie House of Art & Design Showhouse
August 7-September 2021
located on 772 Middle Line Highway in Sag Harbor
to visit the house purchase tickets here

Proceeds benefit the construction of Stony Brook Southampton Hospital's East Hampton Emergency Department

The Badilla Paint team with designer Rio Hamilton
landscape design by Michael Derrig of Landscape Details

There is something special about visiting a newly minted home when the paint is still drying on the walls and the last nails have been hammered into the wall to hang the art collection.  Designer showhouses offer a unique experience from this lens while seeing ways to live in the space from different perspectives, each room designed by a different artist or interior designer.  This can be inspiring and yet at times daunting.  I have visited hundreds of interior design showhouses over the years and each one (although they are all different) has the same impression on me.  I like to take lots of photographs, leave, then if I am able, come back and look at it again. No matter how edited, a designer showhouse offers a plethora of detailing, and sometimes it's best to take a minute to process all that wonderfulness.  

So, for this special showhouse (the first one in the East End in person since 2019) I attended the press event and opening gala then returned the very next day to take in the house and all the elements of design again.  I'd like to share with you my favorite moments that would be fantastic to "live in"- these include corners and vignettes that were especially inspiring. I will leave the big photography of sweeping rooms to the experts (I am not a professional photographer), but what I am good at with my honed, stylish eye is to see the genius in design.  At this showhouse there are some fantastic beginnings- one being the stellar landscape design by Michael Derrig.  In my opinion, landscape design should feel natural and like it's been there forever yet manicured (in a natural way) but all without feeling like a hotel courtyard.  The trees lining the outside patio, the tall white cone hydrangeas under the kitchen windows and the quiet moments with lots of small spaces where one can spend time throughout the property, gave this home extra curb appeal.  First impressions matter so walking up to the home which had been beautifully landscaped was a refreshing experience.

art vignette in Richard Mishaan's bedroom

a favorite art vignette by Richard Mishaan

Secondly, the emphasis on art throughout the home brings something special.  Unique, curated art was in every room elevating the interior design and again bringing special meaning and authenticity.  Although the home is over 12,000 square foot (I think we can all agree this falls into mansion territory) this now decorated space feels, well, cozy.  Art for Change (fine art for the socially conscious collector) had many pieces in the downstairs gallery. 

Thirdly, the color palette is unexpected (but in a good way) throughout the entire home.  As a textile designer and manufacturer, color is my obsession.  I love almost every color and combination in the rainbow but I admit sheepishly I am partial to blues and greens.  I love living by the sea here in the Hamptons, and when I can mirror what is outside my window inside my home, well, it makes me happy.   However, expanding our color palette can open up great opportunities in our homes, colors like ochre and brick other hues not always associated with the hedge-lined avenues here is aspirational.  Seeing that designers think outside the box when visiting a designer showhouse is what makes the experience rewarding.  I love to come home after seeing all this incredible design together under one roof and think of fresh ways to incorporate these elements into my own home and the home of my clients.  I hope you enjoy these glimpses of special moments in the house.

Happy Nesting
XO Tamara

MAIN FLOOR FAVORITES

the flat and glass-front cerulean blue cabinetry and the wave-like counter marble tops from Cambria give a welcoming and breathtaking first impression! Those incredible appliances by Fisher & Paykel give it a luxurious kitchen for all seasons. 
KITCHEN, Bob Bakes of Bakes & Kropp 
COUNTER, @cambriasurfaces
LIGHTING, @circalighting
APPLIANCES, @fisherpaykel 

 

It can be difficult to design a large room that has many doors- Mark did this well with neutral furniture, calming designs yet stunning lines and subtle coloring.  
LIVINGROOM, Mark Cunningham

For the art collector, this library is the perfect fiery backdrop in red Fromental wallpaper.  The artisan furniture and unique water-like lighting sets a dreamy tone. 
LIBRARY, Sara Story Design
LIGHT, Jorge Pardo
A welcome surprise this
 gorgeous mudroom is filled with my kind of detailing- shells, jute and linen, plates, unique floral wallpaper and a gorgeous rug.  
MUDROOM, Katie Leede & Company
Wallpaper, Fromental

LOWER/GARDEN LEVEL FAVORITES

 

Channeling the sunset hues, Elena created a stunning place for cocktails on the patio.  The indoor/outdoor fabric, color and textures are divine.  INDOOR/OUTDOOR LOUNGE, Elena Frampton
@Frampton_Co
Immediately transported to a state of relaxation, this west meets east living room is the perfect place to dream in the Hamptons
DOWNSTAIRS LIVINGROOM, Billy Cotton
@BillyCotton

another art favorite- Jayson Musson Gouache and coffee on paper (left)
Leyden and his team created a few areas downstairs packed with lots of art and genius design.  He utilized all women-created art throughout his space bringing artists and artisans together and welcome the indoor/outdoor lifestyle here in the Hamptons.
POOL HOUSE RETREAT, DOWNSTAIRS KITCHEN, Leyden Lewis 
Lighting, Circa

As acting Design Chair, Nicole must have had to wear many hats.  Her downstairs salon is stunning- the bed she designed with Savoir Beds is the prefect respite.
SALON & GYM by Nicole Fuller
BED @SavoirBeds

UPSTAIR FAVORITES

My favorite art on right; two David Hockney's iPad drawings, 
countryside scenes set against the blue and white fabric- perfection!
This  large bedroom feels somehow cozy draped in this beautiful blue floral fabric.  My favorite art in the house with blue green dreamy pieces. BEDROOM, Richard Mishaan
another art favorite on the right below from the new Nara Roesler gallery
Channeling an Italian 18th century aesthetic, Geoffrey created a sophisticated bedroom with a modern feel.  The painted walls are rich and the art is incredibly unique, a collection of old and new. 
BEDROOM, Geoffrey De Sousa


Many corners to obsess over in Rayman's room.  His love of color is obvious- the scarf wallpapered bathroom feels like you've stepped into a jewel box and there are lovely vignettes throughout the space but the closet is my favorite!
BEDROOM, Rayman Boozer of Apartment 48


This soothing, well edited and curated bedroom is a Hamptons dream- the boucle bed by Bradley sets the tone, the art brings it up a notch and Andre creatively adds lots of textured details (the subtle blue wallpaper by Fromental is perfect) 
BEDROOM, Andre Jordan Hilton
LIGHT: Brightbound
this octagonal salon offers a dreamy, yet quiet place to read and refresh.  It is perfection from the gorgeous sconces to the mill work and wallpaper with a perfect tree growing in the center that accentuates the oudoors.
GARDEN ROOM, Ike Kligerman Barkley
The geometric tile, the neutral textured bathtub, the chicken-wired front cabinetry is all rich in deatil yet not overwhelming, and all surrounded by beautiful Fromental wallpaper.  
BATHROOM, Josh Green Design