“There were several spaces to consider when looking at the exterior. Since we had this upside-down living on the interior, the exterior was meant to have the same effect,” says Fisher. “Focusing on the view on the second floor, everything faces the ocean. On the first floor, it’s a more intimate gathering experience where we designed the spaces to feel more conversational.”
All eyes are on the Atlantic at this recent redesign by Nicole R. Fisher, the renowned principal and founder of BNR Interiors.
Floor-to-ceiling windows illuminate the kitchen’s Bradley stools, Brizo fixtures, custom cabinetry and eye-catching light fixture from Tech Lighting
THE CLIENT
As many Hamptons homeowners will tell you, it’s all about the view. And the mantra most definitely rings true for this young newlywed couple reconstructing their ultimate beach house on an existing lot. Once construction was underway, the couple searched for an artistic interior designer who could effortlessly fuse character and warmth into the property’s overall aesthetic. Cue principal and founder of BNR Interiors, Nicole Fisher. “We typically like to get involved on our projects as early as possible,” says Fisher. “Since they already had their builder and architect on board, we jumped in as the second-story living spaces were sorted out. Although the rooms are vast, we like to consider how a family would enjoy moving about the space, how they entertain, how they enjoy their meals and how they like to relax.” She continues, “We went through many iterations of the open-concept kitchen area until it felt perfect. All signs pointed to the ocean, so that was where we always had to work toward.”
BNR Interiors principal and founder Nicole Fisher.
THE PRIORITY
For the couple, East End business owners, the goal was not to create a whimsical weekend retreat but rather a warm and inviting space for year-round use. “The clients wanted to create something modern, yet unlike what you see in a traditional Hamptons home,” Fisher shares. “The growing family needed space for larger gatherings that could be used throughout the seasons.”
In the living room, the curved Interlude sofa mingles with the RH travertine coffee table and Arteriors side table
THE CHALLENGE
When it came to the project’s priorities, there were two particularly prickly challenges at the forefront: maximizing water views and creating a space that is dazzling yet durable. With the help of some design heavy hitters (think architect Jessica Durham-Twiggs from Durham Twiggs Studio and A. P. Tuff & Co.’s Alfred Tuff ), the team was able to lay out an innovative approach to the layout before diving into the aesthetic. “The key was that the best views in the home sat on the second story of the structure, so an unconventional floor plan allowed the primary bedroom, family room and kitchen to be upstairs with exceptional water views,” Fisher explains. “Our strategy was to create two living areas that were cohesive but functioned differently, one for upstairs and one for downstairs. The upstairs served as your daytime retreat that focused on the crashing waves and natural light. Downstairs served as a workspace and a destination for cocktails at the end of the day.”
the entry welcomes guests in with an expansive Global Views mirror, Made Goods console and Palecek stools.
THE DESIGN
“Our initial jumping-off points were bush tones, black and white, and brass for the color palette,” says Fisher. “We dubbed this project ‘Glamour by the Sea.’” Its minimal mindset yet opulent aesthetic runs throughout each space: Clean lines and natural design details ebb and fl ow together to create a soft and subtle space that allows the outdoors to do the talking. And, with an emphasis on entertaining, the home is adorned with masterfully executed conversation spots fit for the whole family—with extra room for a handful of friends. Take, for example, the dining area (complete with an expansive RH rectangular table) that effortlessly leads to the open-concept living room, which features a Palecek rope sofa, Kim Salmela swivel chairs and an Arteriors rattan side table.
THE DETAILS
When talking about standout spaces, the kitchen raises the bar—picture matching marble backsplash and island, plush bar stools and light wooden cabinetry that adorn the space. “My favorite design feature of the home is the hidden jewel-box pantry,” Fisher gushes. “We designed the cabinets to look like large doors on both sides of the stove. One side opens to traditional storage, and the other side opens to this glimmering bonus space. Since this space became such a special feature of the house, we went bold on the interior wallpaper, dark cabinets, tortoise handles and gold mirrored backsplash. A nod to the jewel-box pantry is complete with a necklace-style kitchen light that drapes over the island.”
Perfect for large gatherings, the family room features three ultraluxe seating options: a Palecek rope sofa, a Mitchell Gold Bob Williams sofa and Kim Salmela swivel chairs.
THE OUTCOME
How to describe the finished product? “A contemporary yet warm family home that is cozy enough for this growing family, yet vast enough to host everyone during the holidays,” says Fisher. “Nothing is too precious or delicate, even with a touch of glamour; everything is meant to be enjoyed. These clients graciously allowed us to create a different take on the traditional Hamptons home, and the end result is exactly what we hoped for.”
“Nothing is too precious or delicate, even with a touch of glamour; everything is meant to be enjoyed.” –NICOLE FISHER
DESIGN DETAILS
TYPE
Single-family home
INTERIOR DESIGNER
BNR Interiors
ARCHITECT
Durham Twiggs Studio
BUILDER
A.P. Tuff & Co.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Michelle Madonna Design
RESOURCES
Kanter’s Carpet & Home
Rugs and carpet throughout
RH
Dining room table and living room
coffee table
PALECEK
Dining room chairs and family room rope sofa
Arteriors
Living room side tables and family room side table
Buster + Punch
Kitchen hardware
Thayer’s Hardware & Patio
Outdoor furniture
Photography by: PHOTOGRAPHED BY TIM HILL
PORTRAIT BY SPENCER HOUSE STUDIO
