Houzz Tour: Rustic ’90s Kit House Gets a Modern Refresh
In the Hamptons, a traditional post-and-beam structure receives a crisp, airy makeover
For several years, Manhattanites Clementine Drackett and Hunter Philbrick looked for a leafy, grassy weekend retreat in the Hamptons where they could relax year-round with their young children. They rented several homes with an eye toward buying, but each one seemed to have issues — leaky ceilings, septic tank failures, uninsulated walls.
They finally found a spacious three-level house large enough for entertaining and for visits from family and friends. But they felt that the style — a barnlike post-and-beam kit house built in the 1990s — was a tad too rustic. They longed for something modern, crisp and airy.
They finally found a spacious three-level house large enough for entertaining and for visits from family and friends. But they felt that the style — a barnlike post-and-beam kit house built in the 1990s — was a tad too rustic. They longed for something modern, crisp and airy.
Photo by Ken Hild
Front Exterior (After)
Architect Anthony Vermandois and builder Tom O’Donoghue collaborated to transform the exterior into a style they call “modern barn.”
“We basically stripped down the house inside and out,” O’Donoghue says. “All the materials were replaced.”
Outside, the shingle siding was swapped for board-and-batten cedar siding painted white (Super White by Benjamin Moore). A new standing-seam metal roof helps give the house a crisp edge, as do new black-framed windows.
The decorative barn doors were replaced with solid siding and new windows to clarify where the cars should go. The extra dormer above belongs to a new guest bedroom that expanded the second-floor bedroom wing above the garage.
Landscape designer Harry Helbing of Craig Design updated the grounds with some formal plantings close to the house, a walkway to the front door, and a circular driveway that guides cars to the other side of the garage.
Windows: Marvin Windows and Doors
Front Exterior (After)
Architect Anthony Vermandois and builder Tom O’Donoghue collaborated to transform the exterior into a style they call “modern barn.”
“We basically stripped down the house inside and out,” O’Donoghue says. “All the materials were replaced.”
Outside, the shingle siding was swapped for board-and-batten cedar siding painted white (Super White by Benjamin Moore). A new standing-seam metal roof helps give the house a crisp edge, as do new black-framed windows.
The decorative barn doors were replaced with solid siding and new windows to clarify where the cars should go. The extra dormer above belongs to a new guest bedroom that expanded the second-floor bedroom wing above the garage.
Landscape designer Harry Helbing of Craig Design updated the grounds with some formal plantings close to the house, a walkway to the front door, and a circular driveway that guides cars to the other side of the garage.
Windows: Marvin Windows and Doors
Photo by Ken Hild
Rear Exterior (After)
The architect and builder expanded the original dining bay to create a spacious sun porch with a deck above off the master suite. The expansion also allowed the second-floor master suite to be enlarged to include a new sitting area, tucked below the new gabled roofline.
The pool was original to the house but was updated with new white fencing and an angled pool deck.
Rear Exterior (After)
The architect and builder expanded the original dining bay to create a spacious sun porch with a deck above off the master suite. The expansion also allowed the second-floor master suite to be enlarged to include a new sitting area, tucked below the new gabled roofline.
The pool was original to the house but was updated with new white fencing and an angled pool deck.
Entry Hall
Slate flooring in the entry and mudroom stands up well to beach sand or snow. The custom bench seating is covered in a Pierre Frey fabric.
Door hardware: Emtek
Browse slate wall and floor tile
Slate flooring in the entry and mudroom stands up well to beach sand or snow. The custom bench seating is covered in a Pierre Frey fabric.
Door hardware: Emtek
Browse slate wall and floor tile
A collection of art and accessories greets guests in the entry.
Console table: Dos Gallos; stool: Woodsport; framed artwork: Thomas Broadbent
Console table: Dos Gallos; stool: Woodsport; framed artwork: Thomas Broadbent
Living Room (Before)
Despite its volume, the open living room seemed dark.
“The house had good bones,” says Vermandois, referring to its exposed post-and-beam construction. “But even with the airy spaces and the interior’s open layout, it seemed somewhat dreary due to the use of darker materials.”
Despite its volume, the open living room seemed dark.
“The house had good bones,” says Vermandois, referring to its exposed post-and-beam construction. “But even with the airy spaces and the interior’s open layout, it seemed somewhat dreary due to the use of darker materials.”
Living Room (After)
Reclaimed-oak flooring, white drywall and larger window openings brighten the living room and the rest of the interiors. The post-and-beam framework was whitewashed, as was the brick on the fireplace, which also had its flues painted silver. White drywall replaced the knotty pine ceiling to bounce even more light into the interior.
Once the construction was nearly complete, interior designer Timothy Godbold began working with the homeowners to create a look that reflected their style through new furniture; vintage midcentury pieces by notable designers; bold accessories; and family-friendly fabrics and finishes.
“They did not want a cliché Hamptons beach house with a sea of white sofas,” says Godbold, who during the course of the collaboration discovered that he and Drackett had both worked for Ralph Lauren and thus shared a similar aesthetic. “They didn’t want a slick, minimalist look either. They wanted a bit of an industrial look, with character and authenticity.”
Reclaimed-oak flooring, white drywall and larger window openings brighten the living room and the rest of the interiors. The post-and-beam framework was whitewashed, as was the brick on the fireplace, which also had its flues painted silver. White drywall replaced the knotty pine ceiling to bounce even more light into the interior.
Once the construction was nearly complete, interior designer Timothy Godbold began working with the homeowners to create a look that reflected their style through new furniture; vintage midcentury pieces by notable designers; bold accessories; and family-friendly fabrics and finishes.
“They did not want a cliché Hamptons beach house with a sea of white sofas,” says Godbold, who during the course of the collaboration discovered that he and Drackett had both worked for Ralph Lauren and thus shared a similar aesthetic. “They didn’t want a slick, minimalist look either. They wanted a bit of an industrial look, with character and authenticity.”
Working with a neutral palette and natural materials, Godbold created a comfortable conversation area in the living room.
Sofa: Cassina; leather chairs: Ralph Lauren Home; ottomans: Elizabeth Dow; area rug: ABC Carpet & Home
Sofa: Cassina; leather chairs: Ralph Lauren Home; ottomans: Elizabeth Dow; area rug: ABC Carpet & Home
A pair of photographs by Richard Phibbs reiterates the symmetry of the fireplace.
Oversize chain accessory: Restoration Hardware
Oversize chain accessory: Restoration Hardware
Transition Space
A portrait by Raymond J. Wendell hangs above a vintage Salvatore Bevelacqua sideboard between the living room and the dining area.
Table lamps: Woodsport; pendant light: Restoration Hardware
A portrait by Raymond J. Wendell hangs above a vintage Salvatore Bevelacqua sideboard between the living room and the dining area.
Table lamps: Woodsport; pendant light: Restoration Hardware
Staircase (After)
A soapstone-topped bar makes the most of the void beneath the staircase and stands ready for entertaining. A wine cooler, a beer tap and shelving add to the efficiency of the small space.
The original staircase was also replaced with reclaimed-oak open treads and a glass railing, which add a contemporary touch to the interior.
A soapstone-topped bar makes the most of the void beneath the staircase and stands ready for entertaining. A wine cooler, a beer tap and shelving add to the efficiency of the small space.
The original staircase was also replaced with reclaimed-oak open treads and a glass railing, which add a contemporary touch to the interior.
Dining Area
The dining area, highlighted by a collection of vintage Charlotte Perriand chairs found by Godbold, lies between the kitchen and the new sun porch.
Table and area rug: ABC Carpet & Home; pendant lights: Restoration Hardware
The dining area, highlighted by a collection of vintage Charlotte Perriand chairs found by Godbold, lies between the kitchen and the new sun porch.
Table and area rug: ABC Carpet & Home; pendant lights: Restoration Hardware
Photo by Ken Hild
Kitchen (After)
Going for a simpler, more modern look, the owners kept the layout but replaced the cabinetry, flooring and appliances, and added white quartz countertops for a polished look.
Cabinetry: McMahon Custom Cabinets; counters: Zodiaq, DuPont; range: Wolf; pendant lights: Restoration Hardware
Kitchen (After)
Going for a simpler, more modern look, the owners kept the layout but replaced the cabinetry, flooring and appliances, and added white quartz countertops for a polished look.
Cabinetry: McMahon Custom Cabinets; counters: Zodiaq, DuPont; range: Wolf; pendant lights: Restoration Hardware
Pale colors and reflective materials enhance light. The bar stools are vintage pieces by Cleo Baldon.
Sink and faucet: Rohl; subway tile: Southhampton Gallery of Marble & Tile
Sink and faucet: Rohl; subway tile: Southhampton Gallery of Marble & Tile
Open pine shelves display collectible crockery. Refrigerator drawers under the coffee maker store snacks and beverages. Integrated panels blend the refrigerator and freezer, at right, into the cabinetry.
Refrigerator drawers, refrigerator and freezer: Sub-Zero
Refrigerator drawers, refrigerator and freezer: Sub-Zero
Sun Porch
The original dining bay at the back of the house was expanded to create a year-round sun porch, warmed by radiant-heat flooring. Old kilims add interest underfoot. The chairs by the dining table are vintage pieces by Cleo Baldon, while the lanterns are flea market finds.
Sofas: Restoration Hardware; beige armchairs: Stephen Kenn; dining table: Pottery Barn
The original dining bay at the back of the house was expanded to create a year-round sun porch, warmed by radiant-heat flooring. Old kilims add interest underfoot. The chairs by the dining table are vintage pieces by Cleo Baldon, while the lanterns are flea market finds.
Sofas: Restoration Hardware; beige armchairs: Stephen Kenn; dining table: Pottery Barn
Transition Space
A space beneath the back staircase leading up to the bedrooms is the perfect spot to display a collection of vintage curiosities.
The old daybed was updated with Pierre Frey fabrics.
Horn and mirrors: Jayson Home
A space beneath the back staircase leading up to the bedrooms is the perfect spot to display a collection of vintage curiosities.
The old daybed was updated with Pierre Frey fabrics.
Horn and mirrors: Jayson Home
Guest Bedroom
Newly pale wood beams, walls and flooring help frame a downstairs guest bedroom.
Bed, nightstands and mirror: Environment Furniture; bedding: Restoration Hardware; pillows: ABC Carpet & Home
Newly pale wood beams, walls and flooring help frame a downstairs guest bedroom.
Bed, nightstands and mirror: Environment Furniture; bedding: Restoration Hardware; pillows: ABC Carpet & Home
Swedish designer Arne Norell’s midcentury Inca chair is an inviting spot for reading in the guest bedroom.
Footstool: Woodsport
Footstool: Woodsport
Master Suite
The enlarged second-floor master suite now has a raised ceiling and includes space for a sitting area. The mirrored chandelier is a 19th-century antique.
Bed: Poltrona Frau; bedding: ABC Carpet & Home
The enlarged second-floor master suite now has a raised ceiling and includes space for a sitting area. The mirrored chandelier is a 19th-century antique.
Bed: Poltrona Frau; bedding: ABC Carpet & Home
The sitting area opens to a roof deck above the sun porch. The area rug is a custom design.
Armchairs: Kimberly Denman; side table by Eileen Gray: ClassiCon; outdoor furniture: Restoration Hardware
Armchairs: Kimberly Denman; side table by Eileen Gray: ClassiCon; outdoor furniture: Restoration Hardware
Master Bathroom
White tile walls and flooring create a sunny retreat. The runner is a vintage find.
Bathtub: Barclay
White tile walls and flooring create a sunny retreat. The runner is a vintage find.
Bathtub: Barclay
A wood vanity, metal-framed mirrors and wall-mounted lights offer a textural counterpoint to the white porcelain tub.
Baskets: Pottery Barn; vanity: Restoration Hardware
Baskets: Pottery Barn; vanity: Restoration Hardware
Kid Spaces
A custom wood bed in the shape of a house delineates one of the children’s bedrooms.
Wallpaper: Cavern Home; teddy bear: ABC Carpet & Home
A custom wood bed in the shape of a house delineates one of the children’s bedrooms.
Wallpaper: Cavern Home; teddy bear: ABC Carpet & Home
A rabbit peers into the corner of another one of the children’s rooms. The ice cream cone was a vintage find.
Magnetic rabbit wallpaper: Groovy Magnets; stepstool and beanbag chair: Serena & Lily
Magnetic rabbit wallpaper: Groovy Magnets; stepstool and beanbag chair: Serena & Lily
Two beds with storage drawers line a hallway outside the children’s bedrooms, providing an extra space for sleepovers or lounging. The shelves are a custom design.
Beds: Pottery Barn; see more storage beds
Beds: Pottery Barn; see more storage beds
Reading Nook
Swedish designer Yngve Ekstrom’s midcentury Lamino chairs and a vintage kilim footstool fill a third-level reading nook above the master suite.
Area rug: CB2; wallpaper: Muriva
More home tours: Apartments | Small Homes | Lofts | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | All
Swedish designer Yngve Ekstrom’s midcentury Lamino chairs and a vintage kilim footstool fill a third-level reading nook above the master suite.
Area rug: CB2; wallpaper: Muriva
More home tours: Apartments | Small Homes | Lofts | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | All
House at a Glance
Who lives here: Clementine Drackett, who works at Maisonette; Hunter Philbrick, who works in finance; and their two children
Location: Sag Harbor, New York
Size: Five bedrooms, 4½ bathrooms
Design team: Anthony Vermandois (architect), Tom O’Donoghue (builder) and Timothy Godbold (interior designer)
Front Exterior (Before)
The weathered-shingle siding and roofing gave the L-shaped house too rustic of a look for the new owners. The garage, at right, featured barn doors that were only decorative; the actual entrance was on the opposite side. Because of these and other faux historic details on the 1990s-built house, the homeowners weren’t concerned about preserving the original architecture. “Basically, the house worked for us,” Drackett says. “But we knew we had to do a gut renovation to get the modern look we wanted.”