Image: Mathieu Paris and Razid Kalfane’s London apartment photographed by Harry Mitchell
I'm over the moon that my twin sister Kathryn and her husband recently purchased a home in the same Long Island beach town where we renovated a 1924 cedar shingle cottage. Not only because it means our kids can have constant sleepovers and bike between houses, or that they're no longer occupying our guest room (kidding), but also because there's nothing I love more than top layering. The house is an 1857 Greek Revival, which Peter and I actually toured before settling on our home in 2018. Last occupied by a notable designer, the house was move-in ready for sis, with a gorgeous, fully renovated kitchen and fabulous original features like molding, mantles, and wide wood plank floors. BUT, it was completely unfurnished, meaning there was a lot of work (for me) to do. Anyone who knows Kathryn & me, knows that I'm the shopper of the two of us. If not for my barrage of links, pins, LiveAuctioneers alerts, and texts about successful purchases and LUGG-er updates, this house would be practically empty. I'm not complaining though! It's very fun to shop with someone else's budget, especially when they've given you carte blanche with the vision. The vibe is more stately and refined than my own house (this place is ellllllegant), but with reminders that you're still at the beach.
Here, a look at some of the inspo and finds for this classy, slightly coastal, and very comfortable home. Thanks for having me sis!
An early addition to the pinboard: I love the refined – almost masculine elegance – of Mathieu Paris & Razid Kalfane’s London apartment. The house is so stately, I didn’t want our decor to get overly feminine or precious.
Inspired by the two statement chairs, I found beautiful vintage Danish, teak mid-century slipper chairs with cream upholstery for the living room. They’re OAK, but lucky for you, saving good seating is second nature to me: These Magnus Olesen armchairs are similar to what I purchased (and are relatively local for my NYC friends); a pair of Alfred Christensen armchairs from Hopp Home very similar to these beauties were a near purchase, and a friendlier-priced but still stunning bentwood option.
We paired the Danish chairs with a pale blue geometric rug that I designed for sis with a weaver in India; it’s similar to this one. I could also see going more tonal – I love this guy with the chairs.
I was trained by my designer bestie to forego overhead lighting for sconces and lamp light at! all! costs! Nothing kills a vibe like a harsh overhead. I love these Papel Wall Lights in Pale Forest.
The living room sofa is a Carl Malmsten Gustavianus that I got for a song, but that reminds me of this chic option from Soho Home.
I’d like to add one of Christina Lundsteen’s fabulous pillows to the couch.
Continuing the clean lines of the London apartment inspo: I love this spindle-leg Arthur Umanoff walnut side table. We collected lots of little side and drink tables (for the ends of sofas and in the corners of rooms for catch-alls or picture frames). This one in iron is so good (and it’s on sale for Memorial Day!).
Speaking of catch-alls: These kaleidoscope ceramic bowls from a Unesco world heritage site in Romania are the perfect blend of artisanal yet sophisticated – exactly what we were going for.
The stripe-y ceramic pattern reminds me of this necklace!
In the primary bedroom, the direction was calm and sand tones. The rug is one I’ve bought several times over (the price is great and it feels amazing underfoot).
Keeping with the palette, we went organic matte sateen bedding in lemon.
Add a little pop of print and color with a blanket at the foot of the bed. How good is this gorgeous Studio Ford quilt (which is stitched by hand using traditional techniques).
The bedroom has a beautiful mantle, and I keep thinking about hanging this over it. Anna Beurskens’ textural pieces are meditative and remind me of one of my all-time favorites, Agnes Martin.
We’ve also added a few small ceramics to said mantle; I adore this handmade vase and think it would work there perfectly – it gives me ocean vibes.
The primary bedroom’s closets consisted of underwhelming white laminate built-ins; we gave them an instant upgrade by covering them with Serena & Lily’s grasscloth in stone.
Then we added Tradition Hardware’s Butler pulls on top for the finishing touch.
The family room features an absolutely massive mid century cream sofa that I scored at a Wooster Street estate sale and paired with this Nordic Knots rug.
And a pair of safari chairs from a favorite spot, Shop Wilma, that are very similar to these.
We’re hunting for a vintage travertine coffee table, and once we have it I’ll add on some books and bowls (in particular, this one by Jess Hicks).
The coffee table positively needs some cheeky accents like a perching brass parrot (how can we resist?).
It’s a weekend house, so sustaining fresh flowers isn’t the easiest. Consider these paper marigolds in a big white vessel. The color stops me in my tracks.
One of the first things we purchased for sister’s kitchen were a pair of antique oyster plates (picked up from a beautiful little shop in Menorca). They are now hanging one above the other on the wall; you could do the same with this green pair.
And cutlery to match (we got the same style for sis in red to match her Menorcan oyster plates).
Now I think she needs this serving bowl for the center of her long vintage wood table.
You all have heard it before: I’m a big proponent of lamplight in the kitchen! Kathryn’s lucky to have ample counter space; this would look chic on top.
Everyday napkins for a beach house kitchen that are fun enough for an outdoor dinner party. I love mixing the colors at each place setting.
And glassware for said party.
Sis is fortunate to have a ton of outdoor space. I found these 1970s iron benches for her, which I just adore. Here’s a similar option.
We’ve been swatching cushion fabric so our favorite Vinny can make some bench cushions. I’m partial to this Lisa Corti floral pattern.
Kathryn’s taste leans simpler, and so she’s opting for these stripes.
For additional outdoor seating, I think this wicker lounge chair is pretty perfect.
I scored a vintage mosaic table from a local antique shop that complements the wicker perfectly. I think this one is fab, and here’s another for inspo!
We’ve been on the hunt for statement outdoor planters. How cool is this one (I’d plant it with a lime tree – hello margaritas!).
I also love these overflowing with ferns.
Ok, that’s just a taste of what’s happening over at sister’s house. Stay tuned for Part II!
xx,
Lizzie
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