This Tranquil Hamptons Home Is Basically a “Summer House” Mood Board
According to Jess and Jonathan Nahon, their New York City-based client wanted to build a seasonal residence in the Hamptons but had one fear: What if the house felt cookie-cutter? In an area where exterior design rules are strict, the cofounders of Sugarhouse Design & Architecture were tasked with creating an 8,000-square-foot retreat "that felt like it had evolved over generations, not appeared overnight," Jess says.
For permitting purposes, the husband-and-wife team had to finalize the classic, cedar-shingle exterior nearly a year before fully designing the six-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom home's interior. During the wait for town board approval, the homeowners had a baby, and the designers produced an interior design—one that changed several times before the exterior was okayed, so that the final version didn't quite fit the outer shell. "This led to some quirky spatial conditions," Jess says. "The ceiling dips too low in the guest bathroom; many windows are not aligned. We came to embrace those eccentricities as adding to the charm."
From there, the Nahons leaned into salvaged materials, antiques, and custom creations to lend a sense of history to the new structure. They created a separation between the kitchen and family room by installing a wooden fretwork transom that they saved from an old mansion after driving by mid-demolition. The kitchen holds a custom, 14-foot island with a Calacatta Turquoise marble counter that offers integrated power and storage for appliances but is designed “to feel like something out of a 19th-century kitchen,” Jess says. Other counters are topped in buttery soapstone, adding another layer of natural materials.
To remain true to the home’s surroundings, the design duo leaned into a soft color palette. The open-concept living and dining area is mostly neutral, allowing the lush garden beyond the French doors and tall windows to stand out. Across the way, green kitchen cabinetry creates a rich, earthy impact. “No decision was made lightly, and that is felt the moment you walk in,” Jess says. “We love how imperfectly perfect it came out—that couldn’t be re-created if we tried.”
Location: Amagansett, New York
The Space: A six-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom home spanning over 8,000 square feet
ENTRY
Neutral tones ensure a warm welcome.
entryway
With walls awash in off-white and plenty of blonde wood, the summer home's entrance is like a much-needed embrace.
LIVING ROOM
Where intimate gatherings are cozy day to night.
The fireplace mantel once graced a room in the famed Waldorf-Astoria, but now brings charm, history, and patina to this space. Floor-to-ceiling French doors and paned windows allow light to stream into the space, embracing the home's summer-ready ethos.
DINING ROOM
Intentionally mismatched seating sings in the simple setting.
“They really wanted a room that was not stuffy,” Jess says of the home's casual dining space. A trestle-leg table from a local flea market and vintage chairs complement the reclaimed oak floor by Walsh Flooring.
KITCHEN
A double-wide custom island is the star of the show.
Inspired by early 20th-century prep tables, the Nahons created a 14-foot island made of solid oak to anchor the kitchen. Despite the vastness of the piece, the rest of the space remains light and airy, thanks to verdant base cabinetry and tall ceilings.
BREAKFAST AREA
A personalized nook makes mornings sweet.
Casual meals feel special thanks to a banquette by Kelly Wearstler in Kravet fabric and a custom table by Walsh Flooring. The chicken wire glass on the upper cabinets is a junkyard find.
FAMILY ROOM
The olive green sofa evokes nature while providing ample seating.
Locally made rosettes adorn the strap ceiling, adding a sense of place and tradition. A sprawling sightline into the kitchen and dining nook keeps the home feeling modern and airy, while cased openings ensure every room has its moment.
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Splurge-worthy lighting hangs in the serene retreat.
bedroom
With so much square footage to work with, the design duo had to be mindful of the budget. But one splurge they made was on a Jean Royere chandelier, which they describe as a work of art that hangs beautifully in the primary bedroom.PRIMARY BATHROOM
Soft curves encourage tranquility.
bathroom
Fluting surrounds the built-in bathtub, which is topped with an ocean-inspired blue-gray stone, creating a true spa-like environment.GUEST BATHROOM
Where vintage hardware continues to work hard.
Sconces: Felix Lighting Specialists. Wall tiles: Original Style. Sink: Custom. Fixtures: Waterworks. Trim and door paint: Skimming Stone, Farrow & Ball. Rug: Fine Linens.
In the guest bedroom, a custom oak storage bin, adorned with a vintage cross-shaped knob, is secured to the brass stand with brackets.
About the Designers
Jess and Jonathan Nahon cofounded the New York City-based firm Sugarhouse Design & Architecture in 2016. With every project the husband-and-wife team tackles, they take a holistic approach, giving equal attention to the architecture, interiors, and landscape design. Whether it's a private residence, fashion house, or exclusive hotel, the Sugarhouse team's variety of projects spans across the country and internationally.
