Delia Kenza, a former New York lawyer now established as an interior designer, has a rich personal history intertwined with Sag Harbor. Spending her childhood summers in Ninevah Beach, a historic community established in the 1950s for African-American homeowners, she developed a deep-rooted connection to the place. Influenced by the serene environment and her family’s legacy, Kenza recently embarked on constructing a new home on her beloved property, encapsulating her family’s values of exploration, enjoyment, and tranquility.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Anne Sherry
Location: Sag Harbor, New York
Designer: Delia Kenza
Style Influence: African Modernism and Brutalism
Feature Elements: Concrete Exteriors, Plaster Walls
Kenza’s familial ties to Sag Harbor stem from her aunt, one of the pioneering Black homeowners in the area, who passed on the property to her over a decade ago. The original house, a quaint bungalow built by the community through shared labor and community gatherings, lacked modern amenities such as proper insulation and air conditioning. As temperatures rose over the years, Kenza recognized the need for renovations, leading to the decision in 2016 to create a new structure from the ground up. She broke ground on the new residence and, after five years of meticulous design and construction, moved into the completed project in 2021.
Delia Kenza’s architectural sensibilities are notably informed by Brutalism and African modernism, yet she prioritizes the experiential quality of spaces over mere aesthetics. Envisioning her new home as a sanctuary of calm and understated luxury, she collaborated with local architect Anne Sherry. Together, they designed a house that marries functional design with the distinct aesthetics Kenza favors, including concrete exteriors and interior elements like plaster walls and brass fixtures. Her admiration for the clean lines and minimalist aspects inherent in much of African architecture prominently influenced her design choices.
Central to Kenza’s vision was creating a space that balances privacy with areas for communal interaction. The layout intelligently separates private quarters from public spaces, ensuring solitude when desired. Each bedroom is equipped with a private bathroom, allowing guests to enjoy comfort and seclusion. The heart of the home—a spacious, open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area—reflects Kenza’s desire to socialize while engaging in everyday activities, underlining her belief that true luxury lies in the freedom to relax and entertain comfortably.
Social gatherings are integral to Kenza’s lifestyle, making her new home a hub of family and social activities. She envisions the home as a welcoming venue, ideal for hosting Thanksgiving dinners with large groups of friends and family. The design accommodates both large gatherings and solitary moments, reflecting Kenza’s personal philosophy that luxury is rooted in freedom and choice. Multiple decks, including roof terraces, offer additional spaces to unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings and stunning coastal views.
Kenza’s personal touch extends to the artwork and artifacts throughout the home, reflecting her cultural roots and personal taste. African and Black American art play a central role in her interiors, with each piece meticulously chosen to resonate with her family’s identity and her own design ethos. An example is the unique spout in the powder room, crafted from a sculpture she and her husband discovered in an Angolan market. For Kenza, the design and furnishing of her home extend beyond aesthetic appeal; they are a testament to their heritage and personal journey.
