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north fork interior design

Fresh flowers kept the design lively. (Credit: Heidi’s Bridge photography)

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Let’s face it — high design can be tricky. We all have a vision in our heads of what our homes could look like, but translating that mental image into a tangible space is often more challenging than meets the eye.

These designers were up to the task, helping homeowners realize their décor dreams. Take some inspiration from these dreamy spaces on the North Fork and Shelter Island.

Fisherman’s cottage on Shelter Island

north fork interior design
SchappacherWhite Architecture D.P.C maximized the space in the small kitchen by placing the washer and dryer behind cabinet doors. (Courtesy: SchappacherWhite Architecture D.P.C.)

Architect Steve Schappacher and interior designer Rhea White of Shelter Island-based SchappacherWhite Architecture D.P.C. had their work cut out for them when they took over this 1900s fisherman’s cottage. The historic 1,150-square-foot Shelter Island home was on its last legs when the renovations began.

Their goal: Transform the house into a home to enjoy with friends and family visiting from the city. The entire first floor was a gut job and the second floor wasn’t far behind. The overhaul included additions to accommodate more people.  A bathroom was installed on the first floor and the garage was reimagined into a pool house with extra sleeping quarters. They even added a pool and a pergola with a freestanding exterior fireplace beneath to balance the overall composition of structures.

“We are very interested in the connection of inside and outside, how there are many areas of use inside and outside of the home and ways to enjoy them,” Schappacher said. “The house did not use the yard. We looked at ways to utilize it and connect to the interior.”

Every inch in the small space was considered during the design. The small kitchen island was customized with a soapstone counter and sink, accessible from both sides and deep enough for a lobster pot. Still, there was room for décor that goes beyond function.

“The use of the chalkboard paint allowed an additional layer of history,” Schappacher said. “Guests would leave notes … then every New Year’s Day we would start fresh.”

north fork interior design
Black and white is graphic and holds the rooms together through contrast. (Courtesy: SchappacherWhite Architecture D.P.C.)
North fork interior design
The dining room. (Courtesy: SchappacherWhite Architecture D.P.C.)
north fork interior design
The pergola was added to bring balance to the structures. (Courtesy: SchappacherWhite Architecture D.P.C.)

Farmhouse chic in Riverhead

north fork interior design
Exposed beams inspired the design. (Credit: Heidi’s Bridge photography)

There was a lot to do in this waterfront Riverhead home when design duo Tara Mangini and Percy Bright of Jersey Ice Cream Co. signed on to help the homeowners transform the cavernous 4,000-square-foot interior into an intimate oasis with plenty of character.

“We tried to be inspired by the few things we did like and go from there,” Mangini said. “Gorgeous sea views and wood beams galore were the guiding force for this house, which was in need of a serious character injection.”

To help make the four-bedroom and three-bathroom home feel cozier, the designers incorporated a mix of different textures and materials.

“The house was really huge, so wall finishes like plaster, wallpaper and wood really helped us bring a lot of texture to the space without it being too overwhelming,” said the designers, who opted to layer rugs and incorporate extra throw pillows for added warmth.

Mangini and Bright also added unexpected pops that stand out against the natural accents for a greater visual dynamic. One example is the Linen Edlyn Sectional in Petal from Anthropologie.

“We kept looking at fabric swatches and leaning toward grays and beiges, but they just felt so bland,” Tara said. “We came across the pink and were like, YES.”

north fork interior design
Pops of color were added through the furnishings. (Credit: Heidi’s Bridge photography)
north fork interior design
Fresh flowers kept the design lively. (Credit: Heidi’s Bridge photography)
north fork interior design
Nautical flags helped bring in the water views. (Credit: Heidi’s Bridge photography)
north fork interior design
The tent added some fun for the kids in the house. (Credit: Heidi’s Bridge photography)

Beachy retreat in Jamesport

north fork dream decor
The bedroom is a quiet retreat for the homeowners. (Courtesy: Renee’s Mattituck)

Who says a child-friendly home has to lack sophistication? Not Debra Gildersleeve. The interior designer and owner of Renee’s Mattituck gave these Jamesport homeowners a chic retreat their young children could enjoy as much as the adults.

“The goal was to make it beautiful and functional,” Gildersleeve said. “[It’s] a space where they could relax and enjoy time as a family that also had a thoughtfully designed aesthetic.”

The North Fork beach house vibe is thoroughly modern with clean lines throughout. Gildersleeve selected neutral backdrops with shades of gray and cream on the walls and furniture paired with coastal hues in accent pieces to bring color and texture to the spaces. Accessories in shades of sea glass and sand, with different levels of lighting, also helped to create warmth and glow.

The family room in particular showcases her highly functional high design.

“It is a cozy space with a lot of storage in the form of a tall chest, side table and coffee table to hide away knickknacks, toys, etc. when having guests over,” she said.

For the master bedroom, Gildersleeve continued with the sophisticated beach aesthetic, mixing styles that were not necessarily matching, but complemented one another.

“It is its own little oasis that is warm, inviting and elegant,” Gildersleeve said. “That theme that continues throughout the home from one room to the next.”

north fork interior design
The bedroom nook is a peaceful spot for reading and unwinding. (Courtesy: Renee’s Mattituck)
north fork interior design
Designer Debra Gildersleeve used colorful accents against neutral backdrops. (Courtesy: Renee’s Mattituck)
north fork interior design
The family room has extra storage. (Courtesy: Renee’s Mattituck)

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