Toledo Geller Designs The Ultimate Coastal Cool East Hampton Home

By Doreen Abril By Doreen Abril | August 14, 2024 | Home & Real Estate, Home & Real Estate Feature, Home & Real Estate,

Boutique design firm Todo Geller infuses a breezy coastal aesthetic into a classic East Hampton home.

“The clients purchased this home as both an investment and rental property, as well as a getaway from their primary residence,” says Toledo.

Toledo Geller added a modern stair runner and painted the spindles a dark hue in the foyer.

THE PROJECT

This traditional East Hampton home was purchased by an attorney and finance duo who had previously worked with design firm Toledo Geller on their primary residence. “We were originally told the project would be decorative only,” says Virginia Toledo of Toledo Geller Interiors. “Once we saw the home, we knew that a few small changes were needed to bring the home up to speed with the caliber of our clients’ tastes and expectations.” A lot of research on coastal Californian architecture went into the design of the space to align with the client’s vision.

A pair of custom pool float artworks by Brooke Lancaster add a touch of whimsy to the chic space.

THE CLIENT

The home is both an investment and rental property purchase, as well as a getaway for the family. “During and after COVID, our client had the desire for a second home not too far away from their primary residence,” adds Jessica Geller. “They have a lot of friends and family out east even though they live in North Jersey, so they wanted a place of their own after spending many summers vacationing in the Hamptons.” The house needed a great design with a manageable size while being as close to the water as possible. “We needed to address the architectural details that skewed too charming and traditional for the simpler modern aesthetic our client appreciates,” Geller says.

The clients wanted a home as close to the water as possible

THE PROCESS

With a tight time frame and knowing that the home would be rented out, the designers helped the clients decide where they should invest. “Custom items included those that don’t get used quite as much—the stools and benches, wall paneling and a built-in bar, and of course, window treatments,” says Geller. Although the general contractor on this project is based in Long Island, Toledo Geller put their trust in them after collaborating with them in the past. “It was a little bit of a schlep for his crew when we were in the throes of construction, so his workers actually slept in the house for a few weeks during construction,” adds Toledo.

Sconces from 1stDibs hang over a leather Universal Home bed.

THE DESIGN

“We encouraged them to replace the front door and the set of three exterior doors that lead to the deck,” says Geller. “Now you can see right through to the bay.” Th e doors were painted black, and the lock sets were polished chrome to add a rich touch. “Th e clients have an urban taste, so we incorporated this dark element so we don’t lose their personal taste,” Geller notes.

Because the den doesn’t have views of the water, the Toledo Geller team went with a moody aesthetic—juxtaposed with a cheerful popsicle work—so the clients can retreat to the space for a different experience

THE OUTCOME

“We really wanted the home to feel wonderful during all seasons. While it’s a vacation property with a beautiful view of the bay it will be used year-round, so it couldn’t feel too coastal and definitely not kitschy,” Toledo says. Th is mix of contemporary and classic elements resulted in furniture with soft lines and artwork to complement. Th e home came out with a unique yet livable style, and a perfect blend of high and low.

A built-in bar give the home a unique touch.