Renowned designer Alexander Reid approaches his projects with a steadfast principle: “Function first, beauty second.” This ethos guided the transformation of a beach house in Bellport, New York, into a retreat that harmonizes utility and aesthetics. Previously engaged with the clients’ primary residence in Tribeca, Reid easily mapped out the flow of the home to satisfy the family’s needs. The house was envisioned as a sanctuary from New York City’s hustle, where the family could relax and forge memorable experiences.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Alexander Reid
Location: Bellport, New York
Design Elements: Seagrass, Rattan, Bamboo, Custom Upholstery, Vintage Case Goods
Cultural Inspiration: Indian American Roots, Block Print Fabrics from Jaipur, India
House Size: 5,000 Square Feet
Reid’s initial focus was optimizing the use of space. He reshaped the dining room into a mudroom, reimagined an office as a guest room, and converted a sprawling living area into a cozy dining room. He believes that a secondary home should narrate a unique design story, offering a distinctively enchanting experience. By marrying function with an aesthetic touch, Reid created a setting that feels like a perpetual vacation at home. The 5,000-square-foot, century-old retreat reflects the charm of coastal clapboard homes while achieving a timeless seaside aesthetic.
Cherishing each home’s individuality, Reid infused the design with personal touches for the Indian American family, integrating their cultural roots into the space. He sourced custom block print fabrics from Jaipur, India, aligning them with the home’s color palette. Reid aimed to construct a quintessential beach home encapsulating familial warmth and cultural homage. The design blends vintage elements with modern necessities, crafting an elegant yet lived-in feel that seems rooted in history and heritage.
Notably, Reid opts against fleeting trends, focusing instead on timeless elements to ensure longevity in design. Materials like seagrass, rattan, and bamboo contribute to the subtle beach ambiance without overt nautical motifs. Even when faced with hesitations, such as the original terracotta floors, Reid advises embracing what initially seems undesirable, as seen in the red tones that set the sunroom’s theme. Throughout the house, color and texture choices create an inviting and cohesive aesthetic.
Each room in the home is thoughtfully curated. The living room is segmented with custom back-to-back sofas, while the kitchen showcases a Bunny Mellon-inspired floor pattern. Reid’s fondness for touches of black features in custom cabinetry, enhancing the overall design’s impact. The kid’s bedroom nods to local maritime culture with nautical wallpaper, and the master suite radiates elegance with imported block print fabrics crafted into curtains and cushions.
Reid’s approach manifests a balance between nostalgia and contemporaneity, infusing functional spaces with character and warmth. The library, cloaked in a singular color palette, serves as an inviting corner for family games, while bathrooms adorned with wicker pieces evoke old-world charm. This Bellport beach house is a testament to Alexander Reid’s ability to merge functional living with personal storytelling, creating a home that is as enriching as it is beautiful.
