Designer Sara Gilbane recently completed a Southampton home for longtime friends who became first-time clients. The project began during the COVID-19 pandemic, which influenced both the timeline and the collaborative process. The original house was a dilapidated early-1900s beach cottage, described as a “rabbit warren” of small rooms, lacking air conditioning and in need of significant updates. The clients, a family with three children, wanted a summer retreat that could also host extended family and friends year-round, but they were keen to preserve the home’s original façade.
“It looks like a little cottage from the front—they wanted it to look like it hadn’t been touched—and then it kind of unfolds as you go in,” says Gilbane. A renovation included a new basement with a bedroom, bunk room, and rec room for kids, while the first floor was reimagined as a series of interconnected, casual spaces centered around a welcoming entry with a fireplace. The dining room became a focal point, featuring a hidden bar concealed by patterned wallpaper, creating a lively atmosphere for entertaining. The living room, with its blue and white fireplace and multiple seating areas, was designed for both large gatherings and quiet relaxation, including a built-in daybed for naps.
The kitchen/family room posed a design challenge due to its L-shaped layout, but ultimately became a cozy hub with a fireplace, banquette seating, and a blend of upholstered furniture, making it ideal for family life and entertaining. The kitchen features a creamy white palette with blue accents, including a blue island and a striking tile backsplash. “They wanted that kind of creamy white kitchen, like a Nancy Meyers kitchen,” says Gilbane. “She loves blue and white. The key is layering all those different shades of blue and white and ivory to warm it up so it’s not too stark.”
Chairs from Palecek surround a custom table by RT Facts in the kitchen dining area.
A hidden custom bar is set for entertaining.
In the kitchen, a custom sofa by J. Edlin Interiors is covered in a fabric by Lisa Fine Textiles. Pendants from The Urban Electric Company hang above a custom island.
In the entry, a ceiling fixture by Soane Britain hangs above a custom table by RT Facts. The wall covering is by Lisa Fine Textiles.
A fabric by C&C Milano covers custom armchairs by J. Edlin Interiors in the living room.
Chairs from Hollywood At Home covered in a fabric by Teixits Vicens surround a handmade dining table by Built By Steel.The wall covering is custom by Iksel.
A wall covering by Pierre Frey envelops a powder room. An antique mirror from 145 Antiques hangs above a chest from Chelsea Textiles that is converted into a vanity.
A Matouk bed covering complements a bed from Hollywood At Home in the primary bedroom. The roman shade fabric is by Inchyra.
In a kids’ bedroom, beds from Hollywood At Home complement a wall covering by Peter Fasano. The rug is custom by Stark.
In a girl’s bedroom, a custom bed by J. Edlin Interiors is covered in a fabric by Penny Morrison.
Throughout the house, the designer balanced the husband’s preference for layered, collected interiors with the wife’s taste for cleaner, more restrained spaces, resulting in a home that feels both vibrant and timeless. “He wanted it to feel like a house that had been passed down through generations,” says Gilbane.
Bedrooms were designed with flexibility in mind, accommodating the family and guests, with thoughtful touches like full-size bunks and convertible guest rooms. The house can comfortably sleep up to 14 people, including overflow space in the basement and a guest house with additional beds. The overall project involved extensive use of custom furniture, wallpaper, and collaboration with favorite vendors, allowing for a highly personalized result.
Gilbane notes that the process deepened her friendship with the clients, as they navigated design decisions and the challenges of renovating during a pandemic. The clients’ evolving tastes led to ongoing projects, including some updates to their primary Connecticut home. Ultimately, the renovation created a beloved family retreat that is both functional and beautiful, supporting the clients’ active lifestyle and love of entertaining. “Just seeing them love their house,” says Gilbane, “is a rewarding thing.”
