When interior designer Elizabeth Lawrence of Williams Lawrence first stepped into her client’s East Hampton cottage, she was immediately struck by its charm. The space, though not historically significant, had an undeniable coziness. The client, a discerning art collector with a penchant for feminine, floral fabrics, had purchased the cottage as a year-round retreat. “This was a space for her to really escape from the city,” says Lawrence. The client’s goal was to create a space that captured the relaxed elegance of the Hamptons, but with her own unique twist.
Throughout the home, Lawrence masterfully blended the client’s love of chintz with more modern, sculptural elements. Dark wood tones and a brick fireplace were painted or whitewashed with a soft neutral color. “It just immediately lightened up the whole space,” says Lawrence. A pair of custom bookcases in the living room—inspired by pieces in Lawrence’s own office library, where she works alongside her colleague Bunny Williams—provided ample storage for the homeowner’s extensive book collection while also lending architectural interest to the space. The neutral sofa, chairs with a charming chintz, and Moroccan rug take center stage, creating a comfortable place to gather amongst a mix of plush pillows upholstered in ikat and other patterns.
In the foyer, oil-on-canvas pieces by William Brice hang above an antique bench from John Rosselli & Associates.
In the living room, an antique bowl from Hunting House Antiques rests below an antique oak desk from John Rosselli & Associates. The planters are from Bunny Williams Home, and the lamps are from Christopher Spitzmiller.
In the living room, the custom sofa is by Schneller Inc. The ottoman is from Bunny Williams Home, and is anchored by a rug from Doris Leslie Blau.
A decorative woven chair adds texture to the space.
Artwork by Donald Sultan is displayed on an easel.
Custom bookcases were fabricated by Morgik Metal Design.
A vibrant custom bed covering from Casa Del Bianco in a guest bedroom harmonizes with a wallcovering from Zimmer + Rohde. The bed is from Oly Studio, and the sconces are from Vaughan.
In the primary bedroom, the valance fabric is by Scalamandré. Curtain panels and walls are in a Peter Fasano design. The antique writing table is from John Rosselli & Associates.
A sofa from Schneller Inc. is covered in a Pierre Frey fabric. The bed covering is from Casa Del Bianco, and the bed is from Max & Company.
The primary bedroom, one of Lawrence’s favorite spaces, showcased the client’s cherished chintz fabric in a thoughtful, tailored way. Rather than covering every surface, she strategically used the pattern on the curtains, bed skirt, and accent pillows, balancing it with a more modern four-poster bed and other soothing tones. In the cheerful guest room, a bold pop of yellow created an unexpected, joyful atmosphere. “She really let me have free rein in that space,” Lawrence says, “and I think the result is just so happy and welcoming.”
Throughout the home, Lawrence’s keen eye for scale and proportion is evident. “It was all about finding that perfect balance,” she explains. “We wanted to honor the client’s love of pattern and color, but also make sure the spaces felt open and inviting, not overwhelming.” The result is a true Hamptons retreat—a cozy, charming haven that seamlessly blends the past and present, formal and casual. It’s a place where the client can entertain with ease or simply enjoy the serenity of her own private oasis.