Interior Designer Emma Corner was just starting her own eponymous design firm based in New York City and the Hamptons when she was connected with clients building a new summer home in Southampton, NY. The homeowners wanted someone who could realize their dream of a relaxed yet elevated home where they could host family and friends and cook often, and Corner’s design philosophy of creating spaces that are elegant yet functional seemed the perfect fit. With curated lighting, indoor/outdoor materials and a soothing neutral color palette, the finished result is a timeless custom design to suit the whole family.
“We began with the kitchen, because it was always intended to be the heart of the home and the place where everyone naturally gathers,” says Corner. “Our client is an avid cook and wanted family and friends to comfortably sit at the island, relax on the sofa, or gather around the banquette.” The open floor plan required a consistent coastal color palette so Corner weaved together soft grays and creams with natural wood tones and stainless steel. Indoor/outdoor fabrics on the custom sofa and rug allow for a relaxed and durable space where everyone can gather. A cane chair in a Rogers & Goffigon buclé and a sculptural yet practical custom steel coffee table not only give a textured and layered feel to the space but also easily handle everyday use. “Comfort was essential,” adds Corner. “Every chair and every custom piece of furniture needed to satisfy both comfort and design.”
In the media room, a charcoal sectional and a substantial custom wood coffee table provide more contrast and allowed Corner to highlight her client’s Platner chair, which she reupholstered for a more cohesive look. “My client had collected classic lounge chairs over the years,” says Corner. “Many of these cherished pieces were thoughtfully incorporated throughout the home.”
Layering and texture were key elements of the design plan for the dining room. Corner carefully selected layered ceramic pendants by Natalie Page and a custom chunky sisal rug. “We customized a Lumifer dining table with a navy base, an unexpected detail that perfectly suits the space, and added a BDDW leather sideboard,” she adds.
In the primary bedroom a custom headboard with a cerused oak border and cashmere upholstery is paired with a chunky platform bed, nightstands and bench all custom-built by Dune. In the corner of the room, Corner chose a Gubi chaise for lounging and enjoying the view. “The materials throughout the room work together naturally, creating depth and richness while still feeling relaxed,” says Corner.
Unifying elements throughout the home include white shiplap on the walls, custom lighting and the client’s own collection of artwork, curated over the years. “These layers help the interiors feel deeply personal while maintaining a timeless sensibility.”
Lighting plays an important role throughout the home. Over the custom concrete great room mantel horsehair sconces from Apparatus add warmth and texture layered with mirrors from Ochre. In the primary bedroom, bronze and walnut table lamps from Allied Maker add a sculptural quality to the décor.
The feeling of classic timelessness continues outdoors with a curated collection of Belgian pots sourced from overseas planted with cascading cereus. “It softens the architecture and creates a relaxed garden atmosphere,” says Corner. The pool area is made for entertaining. Sutherland teak pieces with Paola Lenti loungers and a navy Kettle coffee table create a comfortable yet refined outdoor setting. From the pool terrace the landscape naturally leads to the tennis court, another important place for entertaining and spending time together.
“Together these layers create a home that feels personal, welcoming and timeless,” she adds. “It’s a place designed for living beautifully and comfortably by the ocean.”
