#CIRCAROADTRIP
Design Detour: Alexa Hampton
She may be heir to a decorating dynasty, but Alexa Hampton is a breath of fresh air in her own right. While her city aesthetic is classical and deeply sophisticated, her home in “the country,” as she calls it, is a place of coziness and repose —think bamboo shades and apple matting, sailcloth slipcovers and painted floors. Still, all is not lost. “My particular design style is less formal here, and frequently focuses on fresh colors and patterns. However, I can’t totally help myself,” Hampton says with a laugh. “My designs are all pretty composed.”
Photography by Victoria Stephens
RSVP
Sant Ambroeus is our family favorite. My husband likes to go in the morning for his espresso and to talk soccer with the Italian staff, and my children and I adore their food and their gelato in particular. I’d love to dine there with friends as well: David Kleinberg, Jean Liu, Scott Sanders and Mary McDonald, to name a few.
STOP IN
Katie Leede's shop in Sag Harbor is definitely a place to stop in. She describes her style as free-spirited, worldly and inherited—and that is exactly what her shop is all about. You can always find a really great mix of vintage and antique pieces and fun pillows that pull a space together. Mecox Gardens is another favorite. As long as it has been open, it has contributed to what Hamptons style means.
BRIGHT IDEA
My approach to lighting is driven by the function of each space. In a work space such as a kitchen, have at it: recessed lighting, under-cabinet lighting, pendants, flush mounts, sconces, etc. But in an entertaining space, like a living room or dining room, make the light intimate and flattering by creating ambient light with sconces, table lamps, bookcase and art lighting and floor lamps. Create various levels of light, but keep it lower so you avoid unflattering shadows. In a dining room, make your chandelier dimmable! Flexibility is key—you want to be able to adjust your light at different times of day. The Bantry Lantern in Dutch Blue is a perfect lantern for the “country.” Its organic ornamentation speaks to the nature outside.
HOT TIP
Melinda Hackett is an all-time favorite artist. Not only is she a lifetime Hamptonite, but she is someone we love to use in the city and abroad. Her work brings to mind Hieronymus Bosch...minus hell and the devil.
TRY THIS
When I think of summer in the Hamptons, I think of white slipcovers, classic blue and white stripes, wicker furniture, cheese plates and margaritas. Kravet’s Granby fabric in Lake is the quintessential stripe. I would use this on anything—pillows, upholstery, window treatments, you name it!
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Named after Mario Buatta and designed by dear friend, Christopher Spitzmiller, Buatta Large Table Lamp is a ceramic lover's dream, and in blue and white splatterwear, it’s a perfect table accessory for the Hamptons.
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Everyone should want a piece of Reese! The Reese Pendant is perfect for an entryway or over a kitchen island or breakfast table.
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The Gene Swing Arm sconces are at my bedside in the Hamptons. The Verdura inspired backplate nods to trellis work, a very Hamptons embellishment.
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The Dean 12" Picture Light is a true workhorse and an absolute favorite from my own collection. Dean is great for bookcases and bathrooms, in hallways and over artwork—he comes as a plug-in and can be hardwired, too.
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The Tribeca Floor Lamp is the perfect floor lamp for next to that super comfortable chair where you finish up your beach reads with a glass of wine. On the modern side, this gal is going to be a great way to add simple modern lines to a traditional space. Also, it’s perfect for those smaller Hamptons rooms.