A Masterpiece in Quogue
Sears and Going create the perfect house
Story by Joan Tyor Carlson
Interior Design by Jeanne Leonard Interiors
Architect Jay Sears
Photography by Bill Rothchild
When this couple moved from a contemporary modern house to a far more traditional contemporary, they sought a return to formality but in a style that is not at all traditional in the sense of dark, patina-coated furnishings in shadowy interiors that evoke things that go bump in the night.
"Let there be light," might be the interior design catchword for the clients who wanted fine antiques and reproductions that recall the luxury and ease of bygone years in a house filled with sunlight streaming in from large windows, gracious french doors and well placed skylights.
This couple was astute in their choice of architect because Jay Sears, while a personal friend of theirs, is also one of the most adroit practitioners of "following the sun." He likes to orient a house so that it is filled with day-long sunlight. And, he couples this predilection with the creation of the most extraordinary decks around.
There are five levels of decks, some 4,000 square feet, embracing this house, set on over two acres near Quantuck Bay in Quogue. With prim gray cedar decking and white fencing that manages to evoke a New England far removed from the Puritans, the deck curves gloriously in the grand manner of the Twenties.
Jay Sears favors this residence and often refers to it
as a "layered" look since it accommodates landscaping, decking,
terraces and a magnificent entrance.
The spectacular living room is a mixture of
traditional furnishings and window treatments to soften the open space.
It is precisely the feeling that she brings to this project. It was challenging because the kind of traditional furnishings that the clients preferred had to assert themselves in a sunken living room in which the soaring two-story ceiling, twenty-five feet high, is underscored by two levels of windows on one wall. On the other side of the room the eye is beguiled as well by a series of columns that support the second floor balcony in handsome manner that is hardly classic Williamsburg or Blenheim Castle.
However, the chevron patterned parquet floor immediately gives this airy chamber an unmistakable sense of decorum that supports the use of fine furnishings.
"We wanted to get back to natural products-wood and tile, no Formica or plastic anywhere. We wanted the warm feeling that you get from wood and asked for a lot of detailing. Gander Construction in East Quogue did the custom work. Not only did they do an exceptional job but they were so wonderful to work with that I had separation anxiety when they finished," says the woman owner.
In the living room, twin couches, designed by Mrs. Going as are many of the upholstered pieces used throughout the 7,500-square-foot house, are placed on a Chinese needlepoint carpet from Stark. "I used a simple dotted off-white fabric on the couches so as to let the rug make the statement," explains Mrs. Going. "We only wanted a small carpet because the floors are too lovely to cover."
Twin chairs in a lush Robert Allan damask. fabric of blush and soft burgundy match the colors in the dining room. "They are almost the same colors but we didn't plan that," says Mrs. Going. "And, we couldn't resist the fabulous taffeta silk stripe on the oversized hassock. "
While Mr. Sears is a master at creating windows and doors for his environments, Mrs. Going is equally skillful at dressing them. This is indeed an art because curtains must never look skimpy but when there are so many windows too much of the drape is like too much of the grape. In this possible to acquire an enormous variety of items there," says Mrs. Going. This includes the kitchen's pine table and chairs and matching stools. Mexican tiles and white cabinetry from Innovations Bath and Kitchens in East Northport contribute to an eclectic English Country look.
The den is the man of the house's favorite room with a cedar clad tray ceiling and a mahogany fireplace mantle and paneled wall which matches the Jay Sears designed media piece. Sponge-painted walls of jade green give a marbleized quality to the room and a multi-colored Clarence House tapestry on twin couches adds texture as do the two kinds of country graining on the cornice molding.
In the den there is an obvious contrast to the rest of the sun-filled home.
In the dining room, a relaxed formality cannot conceal the importance of the furnishings and the space filled.
This oversized kitchen, designed by Kitchen & Bath Innovations in East Northport, is warm and inviting.
The master bedroom has a hand-painted border and ragging on the walls that looks like a subtle marble or stucco finish. An elaborate carved bed was bleached to harmonize with the silk moire swags and bed ruffles. A Grecian master bath sports a toga effect on the windows with silk hangings and beige Italian marble edged in the recurring dark green marble that also tops the vanity.
Ah, to be six-and-a-half years old. The only child still at home completely involved herself in her bedroom's decor-the most incredible froth of ribbons and bows enveloping white wicker painted with pastel flowers on a raspberry rug. Even the wicker headboards have been beribboned with a special starch process.
Possibly the most stirring view of the house is the approach which provides a spatial progression, according to architect Sears. "We carry them from a terraced garden through a curved deck into a vestibule which leads into the living room." The carpeting in the forefront was from Stark.
A young girl's room will
always be presented
perfectly if the color is pink.
The recumbent lifesize bronze impala that claims the lawn overlooking the pool and hot tub is the picture of insouciance. This quite wonderful beast is at home on emerald green grass that recalls the marble entry. A reproduction from Thailand, zany economics determine that the statue actually cost less than that amount of bronze would bring in the marketplace. However, he need never fear meltdown as he has captured the hearts of the owners of this lovely home who enjoy all of its charms.