Over the years, the Hamptons has become notorious for garnering a crowd that loves a good display (whether in high-end clothes or flashy crowds). For those that prefer object-watching to people-watching, we’ve gathered a few of our favorite Hamptons design spots that are sure that catch the eye (and heart) of any decor enthusiast. Avoid the masses by strolling through the Japanese-inspired gardens at Longhouse Reserve or head deep into the sand dunes of Montauk for a dreamy beach getaway. For fashion fans, there’s plenty of delightful shopping environments in which one can easily while away an afternoon. Lastly, don’t miss a pastry at Carissa’s, which will be just as captivating to the eye as the store itself. Here’s the full list of what we have our eye on now.
Object & Thing at Longhouse Reserve
Getting to Longhouse Reserve is a spectacle in itself: Before arriving at the house, the property takes you through a winding stone path past lush gardens, expansive sculptures, fountains, and ponds. It is the work of influential textile designer and former resident Jack Lenor Larsen, who was inspired by Japan’s famous Shinto shrines. In lieu of the late owner’s love for design, art collective Object & Thing brought the space back to life with a new exhibition that incorporates more than 30 artists’ and designers’ works into the space. Each corner brims with visual intrigue. The Hamptons design show is on view until September 3.
The Church
The Church is not your typical white-walled gallery space. It’s actually a former Greek-Revival church, renovated and rebirthed in 2017 by prominent American artist Eric Fischl. Today, the striking double-height showroom hosts a rotation of exciting exhibitions that, along with the space itself, are well worth a visit.
Max ID NY
Max Eicke’s Bridgehampton studio is a design lover’s treasure trove. The space’s collection showcases the gallerist’s love for Bauhaus and De Stijl, as well as organic Balinese forms, influenced by his time spent living in Indonesia. Admire the beautiful giltwood panelling along the entry walls, which were originally designed by architect Sir Charles Carrick Allom (of Buckingham Palace and the Frick mansion fame) and purchased at auction. Regardless of your style preference, there is something for everyone here.
Loewe East Hampton
Just like the fashion brand’s couture, Loewe’s new East Hampton outpost is luxurious and decadent, but doesn’t take itself too seriously. On August 1 the retailer became the latest high fashion brand to open shop in the neighborhood. The store draws on creative director Jonathan Anderson’s Casa Loewe concept, melding art, design, and fashion. Eye-catching details such as hand-glazed Spanish tiles and brightly colored handwoven Colombian rugs add a coastal yet refined feel. Another design highlight is their 100% recyclable modular display system that’s just as aesthetically pleasing as it is sustainable. Along with the accessories and ready-to-wear collection, the store also showcases work from their art foundation’s Craft Prize finalists, which currently includes a set of pots by Arko, a renowned Japan-based straw artist.
Marram
Nestled deep in the sand dunes of Montauk, Marram is that cozy beach getaway designed by The Post Company that is beautifully cinematic. The cozy interiors are crafted in hues of wood and beachy tans. Each room features Isamu Noguchi light fixtures, Frette bedding, and Le Labo bath products. It’s the perfect escape for those who appreciate the details.
Carissa’s
From the store interior to the pastries, shopping at Carissa’s is an entirely aesthetic experience. But unlike at many design-focused food retailers, the product doesn’t fall short: Carissa’s fresh-baked goods are top-notch, too. Since the buzzy café’s debut in 2017, it’s expanded to all corners of the bay, with two East Hampton locations and one in Sag Harbor. Visit the Sag Harbor location if you can, which has a delightful Scandinavian vibe featuring a grocery section that displays homemade jams and granolas alongside a sweeping array of to-go goods in a gallery-like setting.
Enchante
What’s exciting about Enchante, the newly opened French bistro in Southhampton, is that it doesn’t resemble any other restaurant in the neighborhood. It’s a momentary escape to midcentury France, crafted by Hodie Clark of EHP Hospitality Group with warm hues of velvet, brass fixtures, and Jazz Age decor. Inspired by Parisian brasseries and the laissez-faire atmosphere of South of France, Enchante is the perfect dinner spot for a design lover’s night out on the town.
