Text by Katie Ellis
While this charming upscale cottage may reside in the Hamptons area on Long Island, New York, it strays from the typical coastal aesthetic. The Bridgehampton neighborhood provides more of a luxurious countryside feel, so when it came time to redesign this 1990s build, designer Joshua Smith and his team crafted a personalized country-coastal escape for homeowners Doug Eichman and Michael Yount.
This spirited and stylish couple have been together for more than 40 years, and together, they built and decorated their home but never felt as though it was quite finished. “They were in desperate need of a full refresh to make this home a comfortable place that reflected their personal styles,” Joshua says. “Without compromising style, we decided to keep all of the clients’ original furniture to be more sustainable. The pieces were reupholstered and reimagined—from replacing legs to skirting chairs and more.” Reupholstering old furniture pieces with different fabrics can have a major impact on the mood of the room through color and pattern changes.
Doug and Michael’s main request was to avoid plain, unadorned walls by making some bold statements, as well as incorporating wallpapers and patterns, while maintaining a timeless feel where they and their guests can relax and be themselves in this space. Joshua found inspiration in his garden, and delicate florals became the muse of this cottage refresh. “I became enamored with peonies. Their gentle, beautiful vibrancy spoke to me, and I’ve been waiting for the chance to incorporate that into one of my designs,” he says. “Luckily, this project provided the perfect chance to bring that natural beauty indoors in a unique way.”
The primary color thread throughout the first floor is a striking magenta—or “peony pink” as Joshua calls it. “It started with the wall covering from Phillip Jeffries in the powder room, which is always the perfect place to go bold,” he says. “Then, we chose to carry that buzzing energy into the back of bookcases with the shade Peony by Benjamin Moore—it couldn’t be more perfect.” And the Turkish rug for the foyer had amazing magenta and earth tones to round out the palette.
As you step inside the gracious entryway, the newly added millwork creates architectural interest without breaking the bank. Joshua shares, “There was way too much plain Sheetrock, and the simple addition of the wood detail up-leveled this space big time.”
A charming vestibule connecting the foyer to the formal living room becomes a statement that draws guests further inside thanks to the creative usage of a Schumacher grass cloth wall covering. “I wanted it to feel like a decorated tunnel, and when you got to the other side, you get the big reveal,” Joshua says. “It’s an unexpected surprise.”
The formal living room is an ideal place to enjoy morning coffee or a late afternoon cocktail hour, especially when guests are visiting. A personal charm is found amongst the homeowners’ collections, and the warmth of the fireside is highlighted with playful design elements and vibrant hues. “The personality you’re surrounded with in the bookcases makes the space playful and fun,” Joshua says. “The clients love color, but I was careful not to overdose on it, as you might get sick of it in two years.”
The open-concept living and dining rooms flow seamlessly together along the back of the house. The use of drapery fabric from Kravet helps maintain a visual connection and provides just the right dressiness needed to keep the magenta thread running throughout the space. Both areas have French doors opening out to the back porch boasting lush, verdant views of the pool just beyond.
The cozy living area is thoughtfully designed for comfort without compromising on style. Joshua incorporated plush furnishings so Doug and Michael can easily relax and enjoy watching television, while a Louis Vuitton trunk serves as a coffee table adding an unexpected, upscale edge to the décor.
The lively couple entertains often, so Joshua helped them create a dining area that feels casual and comfortable for guests. “We wanted to keep things light,” he says, noting they didn’t want it to feel overly formal. Old furnishings found a fresh life thanks to new fabric choices, and a merry mix of antiques gives the rooms a storied interest. “I love mixing vintage and antique with new because of its sustainability and stylishness,” Joshua says. “The thrill of combining these items is incorporating modern pieces into more traditional spaces or vice versa. It provides a stunning juxtaposition that veers you away from a ‘catalog look,’ creating a more livable interior. It’s a chance to incorporate one’s unique personality into the space.”
The cottage kitchen received a face-lift with painted blue cabinets and a new glass tile backsplash, which has a green undertone to it that helps bring the outdoors in. “It really gave this room personality and charm; it now feels like it has a quiet confidence,” Joshua says. “My first job before going out on my own was for Steven Gambrel, and he once said, ‘Throw in just a little clash, and you’ll make the room more interesting,’ so that’s what I did here! It’s a good way to avoid a very ‘matchy-matchy’ look.”
The four bedrooms allow for easy hosting with ample space for guests. “It’s the perfect weekend getaway from the hectic city of New York,” Joshua says. “You really do want to kick off your shoes, grab a book, and just settle in. Each bedroom has its own personality, so guests feel like they are in a five-star bed-and-breakfast.”
The design goal for the primary bedroom was complexity without sacrificing serenity. By keeping the tones muted, nothing is overpowering, even though there is abundant visual interest. “Harmony is crafted by mixing various pattern sizes and textures,” Joshua says. The en suite bath is decked in cottage charm. Between the pin-striped wall covering and the creamy beaded board—this space is full of thoughtful details. Considering the space’s smaller footprint, Joshua and his team elevated the experience with the touch of striped wallpaper, which makes the ceiling appear higher. And again, Michael and Doug’s desire to eliminate the look of plain drywall throughout their home allowed for another opportunity to use all sorts of fun wallpapers. The color and texture continue in the other three guest rooms, which each have their own unique character yet feel connected to the home’s overall design.
The coastal cottage’s Cape-style architecture, with its cedar shingles and gorgeous turret, feels like the home has been there for ages even though it was built in the ’90s. “I always love to give new homes instant personality and wisdom from perceived age,” Joshua says. “When designing, I strive for livable beauty—meaning you’re surrounded by beauty, but nothing is ornate, too precious, or opulent. My clients want homes where guests come in and feel comfortable, can sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass of wine without having to be overly concerned with the delicateness of everything.” And it’s clear that in this dreamy Hamptons retreat, he’s achieved exactly that.
