Summertime: "Southampton Summers"

The magical design partnership of architect Alan Wanzenberg and interior designer Jed Johnson abruptly ended when Johnson was killed in the crash of TWA Flight 800 in 1996.  This Shingle style turn of the century house in Southampton, New York, was photographed by Scott Frances and published posthumously by Architectural Digest, and 15+ years later these images are still fresh and serenely beautiful.

Overlooking Lake Agawam, with views of the Atlantic Ocean, this majestic retreat was landscaped by Edwina vonGal who noted "'The feeling is all about lawn and trees.'"

The mood is unpretentious with sisal carpeting and comfortable slip-covered upholstery.  To enhance the light-washed quality of the rooms, Johnson chose many Swedish painted pieces such as this cabinet in the living room.  The rope covered tables are by Christian Astuguevielle.

A pair of slip-covered chaises in the living room are inviting for an afternoon nap.  The demi-lune tables are Swedish. 

The design of the new dining room chairs was taken from an antique Swedish chair.   

On another wall in the dining room is this graceful console, which appears to have a slate or bluestone top.  The house, and this room in particular, radiates a simple, elegant informality.  

The master bedroom looks cozy but cooly serene at the same time.  The faux bamboo pieces, some of them 19th century,  contribute to this.  

In another area of the light-filled master bedroom, a pair of slip-covered club chairs and ottoman are perfect with the faux bamboo. 

One of the guest bedrooms features an antique metal bed and lots of jaunty stripes.

Wicker rules on this heavenly porch!

There's a lot to take away from these rooms: great architectural details and comfortable, well-edited furnishings.  There's an ease and confidence here that comes from a successful designer/client collaboration. This is country living at its best.  

Thanks for reading, everyone!