They say when you know you know, and it only took a few Instagram posts for the owner of this Quogue residence to know who she wanted to decorate her newly built weekend retreat. Enter Marie Flanigan Interiors, the Houston-based firm that hopped on the job when the construction of the 13,000-square-foot 10-bedroom shingle-style house was about 70 percent complete. “The owners had started the process of selecting finishes, and we jumped in to help flesh out the remainder of the design in terms of architectural details including additional millwork and built-ins, cabinetry, plumbing, and furnishings,” explains the firm’s Melanie Hamel, the lead designer on the project.
The family of six was coming from a smaller beach house nearby, so the most pressing directive for this project was enough seating for large family gatherings of 20 to 25 people. “The clients love cooking, hosting, and just being at home with their family,” says Hamel. “They like spending time by the pool, having big dinners outside on the patio, and comfortable sofas to sink into to watch television together. The house is spacious, but everyone gathers in the kitchen and family room.” Luckily, there are plenty of spots for hunkering down in and around the kitchen, which features both bar seating and a breakfast nook. Open to the kitchen is the family room, an airy vaulted space with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. And on the opposite end of the kitchen, a light-blue built-in bar area leads to the great room, where various seating areas can accommodate a myriad of activities at once—whether it’s playing a game at the corner table and banquette, lounging on the sectional, or having a dinner party at the large dining table. Meanwhile, the formal dining room—enveloped in a customized de Gournay wallpaper that recalls the reeds growing in the coves nearby—is actually a more intimate space meant for smaller gatherings. Moreover, several porches offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor meals and activities.
The great room’s sofa is upholstered in a Perennials Performance textured linen. The rug is from Carol Piper Rugs, and the antique armchair is from Obsolete.
The custom kitchen is by Joe Spano of JP Spano Building Corp. The bar stools are from The Bright Group.
A glass-front cabinet displays beautiful collections.
McGuire chairs surround a custom table by Segreto Finishes in the breakfast area.
In the dining room, chairs by Quintus surround a table by Keith Fritz. The John Pomp chandlier is from The Bright Group. A de Gournay wallpaper recalls the reeds growing in nearby coves.
In the office, a sofa from A. Rudin is covered in a fabric from de Le Cuona.
In a child’s room, the bed covering is from is from Back Row Home, and the bed frame is from Serena & Lily.
The primary bath offers views of the property’s ever-changing landscape.
A throw from Annie Selke complements a coffee table and armchairs from RH.
In addition to the main entertaining areas, there are more private spaces to accommodate work and quiet activities. The husband’s office, for example, is a serene, inviting room with blue millwork and a wood ceiling that’s complete with its own sitting area and bath. “The office is off the great room, so he can be near the family and then shut the door when he requires privacy,” says Hamel. In the hallway near the office, a curved turquoise banquette was crafted to fit perfectly into a window nook and serves as another spot to relax, read, or play a game.
“There is a lot of contrast between bright, open spaces and those that are dark and cozy,” continues Hamel. “For the palette, we were influenced by the sea and sand as the clients wanted it to feel like a beach house. We selected neutrals, soft grays, and blues. The wife specifically requested a white primary suite, so we brought in textured fabrics and items with an organic quality to help bring dimension to the room.” In the same vein, there’s also a soft, restrained powder room featuring an MJ Atelier wall covering with subtle white plaster appliqué. “The clients wanted a beautiful, calm retreat,” says Marie Flanigan. “My favorite thing about the residence is its interesting architectural angles. There are porches and quiet moments outside that allow for different vistas, making the rooms feel intimate and cozy. This house is full of character and charm.”
