It’s not often that an interior designer enjoys the chance to revamp a 1970s property on a prime street in East Hampton. Luckily, Ryann Swan of Ryann Swan Design did. To her delight, the homeowners, who have two young children, took pride in wanting to preserve the character of the 3,500-square-foot abode rather than start from scratch. “Part of my philosophy as a designer is to listen first,” says Swan, noting that it was key to keep the homeowners’ active lifestyle and love of entertaining in mind.
The renovation entailed arranging functional living spaces, from a moody den with striking built-ins to an outdoor area complete with covered dining. She also introduced elements of awe — the marble-clad kitchen, for one. “It was such an honor to design a home for a family to enjoy and create good memories in.”
Starting from the entry to the primary bath, tour this charming home room by room — picking up style tips and loads of inspiration along the way.
Try dark shades on shiplap.
In the mudroom, navy paneling plays up the home’s seaside location. Hooks and spots for shoes, beach towels and outdoor gear add function. Decorative wicker bins conveniently conceal clutter while tying back to the coastal style.
Make a statement with your countertop.
“We wanted something that felt fresh,” says Swan of the kitchen’s cabinet color, Farrow & Ball’s Pigeon. It’s the perfect match for the layout’s design-forward marble: “The stone has lovely, almost purple, veining that offsets the cabinets, and with the brass and nickel accents, it just came together beautifully.”
Go asymmetric with lighting.
The dining room chandelier, from Gabriel Scott, was a “had-to-have,” says Swan. “It has a subtle floral vibe” that plays off the home’s outdoor garden.
Go tone on tone… on tone.
Navy built-ins, walls and trim lend a cozy ambience in the den, where the family spends evenings together. Ceramic vases, small sculptures and books line the shelves to elevate the space.
Bring texture into the primary bedroom.
“There’s a touch of whimsy that really transports you to a place so far from the city — you really do unwind and feel calm in the space,” Swan says of the primary bedroom, which features natural wood and rattan accents.
Include a transitional room for children.
The little boy’s room — from the playful Bien Fait animal-print wallpaper to the full-size Restoration Hardware bunk beds — is designed to grow with him over time and “spark imagination,” says Swan. It’s also fit for sleepovers!
Design a sweet escape.
A crib wasn’t enough for the little girl’s room — Swan added a daybed too. “When parents are enjoying a room with their kids, it’s nice to have a place to sit or cuddle at the end of the day,” she says.
Layer in a pop of pattern.
A window treatment in a botanical Schumacher fabric adds visual appeal to the guest room. It also helps brighten the interior, which does not get an abundance of natural light.
Add an element of surprise.
The Japanese-inspired bathroom is a “departure from the rest of the house,” says Swan. Off-center wood paneling frames the tub, increasing its zen feel.
A version of this feature appeared in the September 2023 issue of Good Housekeeping.
Home Design Director
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
