Step inside these North Fork homes with dream décor

Fresh flowers kept the design lively in this Riverhead home. (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

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.”