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Designing a home is no easy feat—designing one that spans 12,000 square feet, seemingly impossible. But this was the challenge interior designer Tamara Magel faced from a recent client. Situated in Sagaponack, a beachfront village in New York’s Hamptons, the home encompasses 10 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, and a landscaped exterior complete with a pool and tennis court. We caught up with Magel—who was approached by a developer to design and furnish the home—to get the lowdown on decorating on such a large scale.
The goal here was to create a space that would emulate a cozy, farmhouse feel. How did you go about designing on such a grand scale while maintaining that “quaint” aesthetic?
It was all about bringing together great materials and making them look sophisticated. The square footage of the home, as well as the land, attributed to the luxurious feel, while the decorative textures and colors instilled a warm and cozy vibe.
What is your favorite spot in the home?
Art (right) by Mel Bochner
How did you source inspiration for the decor?
The inspiration for this home was cozy, farmhouse chic, a look I’ve long admired. I used inspiration that I had collected throughout the years, from various European homes. For this project, it was all about editing down the rustic aesthetic and imparting the look with an updated feel. We wanted to the home to feel quaint yet complement its luxurious finish.
Take for example, the ceiling in the kitchen, which featured oak, a detail common in most European farmhouses. The result was a refreshed take which really complemented the open and light-filled kitchen.
A rare burst of color, in the form of the wall art, transforms the otherwise monochromatic decor of the study.
The spacious living room (right) comes with a custom fireplace, vintage shearling chairs, a wood table, and wool rug, along with gold arrow Apparatus fixtures.
In the bedroom, further proof that rattan is back. A bulky, knitted throw emulates the natural materials of the furniture.
What were some challenges involved with this project?
Timing definitely made things difficult. I had to design 12 bathrooms in four months, and give each one an identity of its own. Even things like picking the floor tiles before knowing what the vanity was going to look like, was a challenge. I had to really rely on the neutral tiles and incredible textures, which I could later build on.
A gorgeous custom vanity with statuario slabs, custom steel black doors, a lush soaking tub, polished nickel faucets black windows, and wood accents.
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