This summer, the 2023 Hampton Designer Showhouse presented by HC&G opened its doors from late July to Labor Day, and it did not disappoint. A 9,000-square-foot new build by Cavallo Building was transformed by 26 design professionals to inspire and excite all who came through. Now that the home is for sale with Thomas Cavallo of Douglas Elliman, the first homeowner can relish in all the hard work and ingenuity that went into this prestigious event.
Now, with the holiday season of turkeys roasting and bar carts bustling upon us, we’re diving into the Showhouse’s most vibrant spaces for entertaining: The retro-chic kitchen and the glitzy butler’s pantry.
Decked out in the high-performance, boundary-pushing appliances JennAir is famous for, sourced through P.C. Richard & Son, the Southampton house has everything one could want or need for the ultimate holiday party.
The first step? The heart of the home, of course. Gary Ciuffo, founder of Ciuffo Cabinetry, and designer Michelle Gerson teamed up to craft the tailored, retro-inspired kitchen. While it feels fresh and like a completely new take on East End elegance, you can’t help but feel at home with dashes of nostalgia from the quirky shapes and colors utilized.
Ciuffo reflects, “I really love the way this kitchen comes together with mixed finishes and contrasting textures. Each detail stands out on its own, but when you take a step back, it all coalesces into a well-balanced space brimming with visual interest.”
While many may look to the hardware or materials for style inspo, you may be surprised to find that the captivating JennAir appliances provide immense design intrigue. Forging the future of luxury with their visceral designs, JennAir offers two unapologetic design expressions for discerning customers. Their robust RISE™ Design Expression was chosen for the Showhouse for its indulgent mix of metals. Steel, distinct brass-inspired finishes, and bold textures such as the custom-knurled handles make a statement whether you’re using the 48” range, microwave drawer, built-in coffee maker, or bold, sleek column refrigeration with daring obsidian interiors.
Ciuffo asserts, “The RISE™ Design Expression was a great choice for our kitchen–the modern style really complements our space, and the touches of brass in the range blend beautifully with our brass hardware and bronze hood.”
The refrigerator is an absolute showpiece as well. Dramatically illuminated by Ecliptic Lighting, the obsidian interiors defy the plain vanilla-white interiors homeowners have grown accustomed to. Just because it’s standard, doesn’t mean it can’t be improved upon, which is exactly what JennAir ceaselessly seeks to do with their provocative, design-forward products. They work flawlessly in this space, which pushes the bounds of kitchen design as well.
Designer Michelle Gerson was inspired by “Jean Prouvé and his porthole doors from the 1950s, brought up to date with a more modern materials palette of lacquer, bronze, and walnut.” Further design choices that contribute to the space’s unique atmosphere include the fully custom cabinetry, built by Ciuffo Cabinetry and designed with Michelle Gerson Interiors. Collaborating seamlessly, Gerson and Ciuffo together selected the Dekton (by Cosentino) countertops and backsplash, Buster & Punch brass pulls and T-bar pulls, Studio Van Den Akker pendant lights, and Kohler kitchen sinks.
Planned by the home’s builder Doug Cavallo for an effortless flow, the butler’s pantry sits just across from the kitchen. Cami Weinstein of Cami Weinstein Designs, LLC was tasked with giving this small but mighty part of any luxury residence an impactful look that is both utilitarian and showstopping. Neither the fashionable nor functional elements outshine each other for a striking space that can be used for any occasion.
Weinstein reflects, “The style for the Butler’s Pantry was Casual Glamour–you would feel comfortable entertaining in the Butler’s Pantry barefoot and in a pair of jeans or dressed up for a formal dinner party.”
First and foremost inspired by the idea of hosting dazzling dinner parties, Weinstein chose details that amplify a sense of flair. There’s metallic deep gray lacquer on the custom-made cabinetry by Ciuffo Cabinetry and a white oak tambour for the backsplash. The countertops are Dekton’s Trance from Cosentino. The hardware is made up of quartz and brass from Matthew Studios, sourced from Katonah hardware, while the fuscia wallpaper comes from Sarah Von Dreele’s line Marie Therese. Finally, a custom floor rug detailed with a contrast trim from Sacco finishes the space with earthy warmth that enhances the livability.
The dreamy beverage center from JennAir‘s bold RISE™ Design Expression ensures the space will see lots of foot traffic at parties. Come Thanksgiving, it’s easy to imagine checking the turkey and sides roasting in the kitchen’s gorgeous JennAir range before heading to the butler’s pantry to decant a favorite bottle of wine. As guests arrive, dishes can stay bubbling in the warming drawer as you mingle before retiring to the dining room for the splendid feast.
While the 2023 Hamptons Showhouse gave this new build tons of new twists, the groundwork for exceptional beauty was laid before designers even stepped through the door. Doug Cavallo of Cavallo Building was busy constructing the modern farmhouse when he was approached by the Showhouse and he fully embraced the opportunity.
“The project was a design/build/sell endeavor,” the builder shares. “We selected this site because it has a very private and quiet location; the two-acre property is surrounded by woods and supports a house, pool, and tennis court. From the beginning, I felt a modern farmhouse design would work well and fit in with the other surrounding homes. I wanted the design to be comfortable on the inside with plenty of outdoor entertaining space. Outside, we have large patios, an outdoor kitchen with a fire pit and bar, a large pool with an integrated spa, and room for a tennis court.”
It was finished just in time for the Showhouse to open, which was all part of the excitement of the highly-anticipated Hamptons event. With an airy open floor plan and verdant grounds setting a luxurious tone, the creativity of the Showhouse designers could soar. And, bringing in only the best high-end brands was a must.
Cavallo asserts, “JennAir is great. This is the second Showhouse I’ve done with them and they have a superior product that rivals any competitors. Aside from the Showhouse, I have been using JennAir for our other spec homes, custom homes, and at my own house. I am very happy with the product design and reliability.”
In the end, the Showhouse became exactly what the name describes: A peek at design perfection. It would have been impossible to do this without the extraordinary products from JennAir, a brand hell-bent on progress and driving a revolution in luxury.
To learn more about JennAir and incorporate their unabashed, distinctive appliances into your next project, schedule an in-person or virtual appointment at https://www.jennair.com/showrooms.html#flagship-form or contact Rachelle_Louis@jennair.com. For all your appliance needs, contact P.C. Richard & Son at builders@pcrichard.com.
