Designer Jennifer Post merges new and old in this relaxing, yet vibrant Hamptons retreat for family and friends — featuring custom rugs from Doris Leslie Blau!
A beach retreat in the Hamptons might conjure images of casual nautical stripes, nubby sisals and seashells more than slick leather, glossy white aluminum and neon artwork. However, New York-based designer Jennifer Post’s latest project in the Hamptons hamlet of Water Mill astutely mixes traditional with contemporary. Nicknamed by Architectural Digest as “The White Tornado” for her pared-down, largely white spaces, Post designed the Shingle-style vacation home for no-fuss family time and high-charged entertainment. Post’s white backdrop was an opportunity to pay homage to the home’s Shingle-Style architecture and ocean views, but also showcase the client’s contemporary art collection. She infused bursts of the homeowner’s favorite colors, mainly blues, oranges and purples, through her selection of sophisticated, modern furnishings.
In the foyer, a custom forty-seven-foot long rust and white hall runner from Doris Leslie Blau abstractly references beach pebbles. Made from silk and wool, the rug is much softer underfoot than a rocky shoreline.
A cerulean blue custom hand-knotted area rug from Doris Leslie Blau grounds the lounge in a white leather-trimmed pool of blue. The rug’s cut pile catches the light, seemingly adding layers of watery depth.
Although the color hit of the room, the rug highlights the form of the shapely walnut and white leather rocking chairs, bespoke enamel table sculpture, custom tiered table, and Artemide light fixture. Defying conventional furniture placement, Post’s choice of four front-facing rocking chairs invites social engagement.
“I Followed You to the Sun”, written in neon by artist Tracey Emin adds some light-hearted humor above the masonry fireplace, seen above on the left.
An open kitchen and dining area make casual entertaining seamless for both the hosts and guests. Brilliant blue metal framed outdoor chairs extend the blue color theme woven throughout the home.
Orange is the predominant hue in the octagonally-shaped sunroom. The room’s bold, sparse decor allows the decorative detailing on the bay windows to shine.
Two lounge chairs are finished off in faux leather and one in a punchy tropical fabric from Brunschwig & Fils. Post designed the orange-trimmed woven cotton rug with Shyam Ahuja.
Pops of orange in the sunroom at the rear are duplicated here in the living room in Merete Rasmussen’s serpentine ceramic sculpture. Post custom designed the trapezoid table.
The white lacquer cantilevered floor lamp is from Leucos, and Post jokingly referred it as a “praying mantis” in a Luxe Interiors + Design article. The white looped area rug by Doris Leslie Blau adds subtle texture to temper the sleeker finishes.
The blue thread continues in the master bedroom with a simple, but sophisticated hand-knotted rug in watery hues, also from Doris Leslie Blau.
Post paired it with an oversized sculptural light fixture a fetching purple chaise fabric. The master bedroom, like the rest of this Hamptons home, is a colorful sanctuary perfect for relaxing and entertaining friends and family.