Crafting an ambiance that radiates sophistication over seaside casual was at the heart of this project. The young couple who owns this 743 square-metre house, located on the beautiful north shore of Long Island off the East Coast of the United States, found interior designer Monica Fried through social media. Her elevated style and taste immediately resonated with them.
“We joined the project at mid-construction and were able to influence the material selections and vibe of the interiors,” remembers the founder of Monica Fried Design.
Built by Jon Bijari Custom Homes, the new construction was imagined by the architecture team of Mojo Stumer. “With this client, our synchronisation was exceptional on all the design selections. The house is livable but also very stylish — a true forever home.”
A gracious oak-panelled front entry with warm oak panelling and Venetian plaster walls leads to a formal living space, while the dining room, kitchen and family rooms flow off that main entry. Five bedrooms and a large playroom are situated perfectly for the couple and their three children. Occupying the upper floor, these areas provide privacy when needed. The property also incorporates a large full basement and beautiful outdoor space with a pool to enjoy alfresco living during the warm season.
“The biggest challenge was finding fabrics and carpets that would live up to the wear and tear of toddlers but still look worthy of the special pieces that we were using in the project,” says Fried, who worked on the project for nine months — from design presentation to move-in. “We used mostly neutrals and lots of wood and stone to create depth and interest in each space.”
This approach aims to afford some flexibility to the couple, who is interested in growing their art collection. They already possess contemporary pieces by Jacob Hashimoto and Orly Maiberg, among others.
The vibe of the interiors is inviting and cosy, striking the perfect balance between comfort and casual sophistication. A mix of Pierre Frey, Dedar, Mokum, and Crosby Street Studios fabrics were used throughout. Sculptural furniture.
and lighting fixtures adorn the different rooms, starting with the Arch brass console, which complements the Orca mirror by Bower Studios in the entry. Dmitriy & Co chairs around a Ruemmler table under an Apparatus Studio pendant create an elegant yet comfortable ambience in the dining room. Offering views of nature through large windows, the living room provides different seating options; ideal for a family. Among some of the interior designer’s favourite pieces in this space are the Brazilian lounge chairs by Jorge Zalszupin — “such a refined moment that helped guide the rest of the selections,” Fried describes.
“The goal was to achieve a lasting elegance with well-curated pieces that were both functional and chic,” she says. “There is nothing trendy or too ‘of the moment.’”
The interior designer focused on finding durable and forgiving pieces that would be kid-friendly while never putting aside a sense of finesse. With its Carl Hansen stools on the island and a dining nook furnished with David Gaynor chairs around a Stahl + Band table with Condor plaster pendant lights, the kitchen is highly functional. Adorned with soft tones and textures, the primary bedroom transforms into a peaceful haven for the couple, who has made this home a dream refuge for their growing family.
“Our client moved in the week that they had their third child — a sweet girl,” says Fried. “We literally birthed at the same time — a baby for them and a beautiful, curated home for us.”
