In the picturesque region of Southampton, New York, a Victorian home originally built in the 1880s has been thoughtfully redesigned by interior designer Celerie Kemble and her colleague Kristen Blood. The goal was to make the house suitable for year-round living while retaining its beach house charm and adapting to the tastes of a modern family. This 4,500-square-foot gem, boasting six bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, underwent a transformation focused on warmth, texture, and an eclectic color palette drawn from personal artwork.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designer: Celerie Kemble and Kristen Blood
Location: Southampton, New York
Firm: Kemble Interiors
Home Style: Victorian
Square Footage: 4,500 sq. ft.
The imaginative renovations begin at the entryway, where the cavernous space was made cozier by introducing a cocoa-stained Madagascar grasscloth on the walls and Benjamin Moore Coffee Bean paint on the trim. The addition of cozy armchairs furthers the welcoming feel, offering guests a place to rest or place their belongings. Celerie Kemble and Kristen Blood’s strategic use of textures is evident in the way these elements transform the house into a visually rich and inviting home.
In the heart of the home, the living room acts as the central hub for daily life and social gatherings. With plush outdoor fabrics used on the furniture, the space is both child-friendly and durable, easily withstanding the wear and tear of beach life. The addition of versatile woven hassocks adds functionality, serving as both ottomans and extra seating when needed, ensuring the living room remains a comfortable and adaptable space for the family and their guests.
The front parlor, once merely a passageway, has been redefined into a welcoming destination. By rearranging the floor plan and introducing new seating arrangements, Celerie Kemble and her team transformed this space without structural changes. Incorporating a puzzle table in the window and relocating the bar cart enhances the flow and utility of the room. A continuous rug and consistent color palette across connected spaces create the illusion of one grand, cohesive area, fostering an ambiance of openness and fluidity.
A sense of retreat and tranquility was brought to the primary suite, aligning with the parents’ desire for a cocoon-like refuge. The design utilizes a gentle catchweed wallpaper and soft color selections, lending a calm and breezy atmosphere. Tailored pleat curtains in a gauzy sheer fabric accentuate the bay window, enhancing the soothing aesthetic. Furthermore, the guest room’s intricate paneling and chinoiserie wallpaper brilliantly highlight the angles of the walls and ceiling. The simple color scheme used, particularly the red trim and ceiling panels, transforms this compact space into a jewel-like sanctuary, akin to an elegant hotel room.
Completing the home’s transformation is a renovated guest bathroom. Kemble and Blood undertook a thoughtful approach, maintaining consistency with the Victorian era while introducing modern functionality. The use of penny round floors and suede crackle subway tiles reflects the historic nature of period design. Outside, the home’s charming exterior, complete with a hedge-lined yard and vibrant plant life, complements the stylish indoor spaces, offering a fitting tribute to the past while celebrating the present.
