Summertime: "Shingle Chic"

The noted architecture critic Paul Goldberger dislikes the label, "The Hamptons."  He says that each of these towns, strung like a strand of pearls along the South Fork of New York's Long Island, is different.  He's right.  And one of these, Hampton Bays, is at the low key end of the spectrum and also the location for this week's featured post.

It was photographed about 10 years ago by Pieter Estersoh for Elle Decor.  It was a new house given "'patina, texture and pattern'" by the talented design team of Joe Nahem and the late Tom Fox, who died in a plane crash in 2003.  This was a house designed for a lively family who shunned formality.  The designers and clients developed the concept of a fishing lodge as an inspiration for furnishing the house.

The wonderful octagonal screened porch with its mitered mahogany ceiling has chairs from Sutherland and a circa 1900 lantern from Ann Morris Antiques.

 The shots of the living room (above and the two below) show the designers' nimble mixing of periods, all relaxed and comfortable.  The strongly iconic French oak wing chairs are 1940s.  The split-reed sofa and chair (seen below) are 1920s.

The fireplace surround is faced in handmade Portuguese tiles from Country Floors. Its proportions hint at Arts and Crafts.  The Saarinen side table adds a modern zing.  

Even the throw pillows are askew on the sofa...part of the casual charm.  Fox-Nahem installed the wooden tongue and groove ceiling.

In the dining area, an antique stained glass oculus was installed between rooms.  The vintage brass lantern makes a strong statement.

The kitchen island includes a wine cooler.  Notice the barn-style sliding door, which became a depository for snapshots...hey, beats a refrigerator!

The library has a nautical searchlight from Ann Morris mounted on a tripod.

The guest bedroom bed is from Maine Cottage.

Another guest bedroom also has bright, fun colors.

Hard to believe that summer is more than half way over...we have more to explore.  Thanks for reading, everyone!