Bridgehampton Bliss

Joshua Smith takes HRES inside his recent Bridgehampton project, a handsome country home with a touch of coastal charm.

Interior designer Joshua Smith curates a unique perspective on the transformative effects of design through his background as a professional life coach and meditation teacher. “Over the years, I’ve completed numerous full-scale interior design projects across the country, transforming not just spaces but lives. Today, as an internationally recognized designer, I am settling into a new phase of my career that will allow me to share my offerings with a wider audience through education, brand collaborations, product development and my new design studio and showroom in Manchester Vermont, opening in the summer of 2024.” 

Smith takes HRES inside his recent Bridgehampton project, a coastal country home with four bedrooms, three and a half baths, a pool and a modern pool house. “I set out to create a home that was inviting and provided the perfect backdrop to exhibit the couple’s trove of antiques, art, and design. Through the use of color and pattern, the house is beautifully designed but not overly ornate. Each room has its own unique experience of cohesion throughout the space, truly capturing the client’s stylish and fun personalities.” 

HRES: Please describe the inspiration for the home design. 

JOSHUA SMITH: Although this house is in the Hamptons, we did not go full-on coastal. Bridgehampton is a bit more horse country, so we have more of a personalized country coastal escape vibe going on here. A retreat from the hectic pace of Manhattan – beautifully designed but not overly ornate or precious. 

HRES: What was the greatest design challenge? 

JS: The home had a lot of plain walls — and not enough architectural interest. We felt it was a wasted opportunity to not give this grand two-story height of mostly walled windows some additional character. The foyer also has a grand wide staircase that is located in the turret of the home. So the tricky part in all of this was how we lined up and coordinated the space. We added trim and millwork to give a more grand feeling — but still peaceful and not overdone. We wrapped the formal living room and ceiling with textured and patterned wall covering. And of course chose to bring in wallpaper in the guest bedroom and splashes of color in just the right spaces. 

HRES: Share a small design detail with big impact. 

JS: I would say the magenta wallpaper in the powder room. I was inspired by fuchsia peonies, which became the inspo for the entire first floor color palette, that is webbed throughout. The peony pink Benjamin Moore color is featured in the bookcases, making a statement and representing personal styles and personalities, which is always something we strive for. 

HRES: Was the flower cutting station an intentional design element? 

JS: Yes! My clients love to entertain, and fresh cut flowers are a must to elevate any experience even if just for the two of them. Flowers are the best way to brighten any day! 

HRES: What is your key to a successful design project? 

JS: Working with the right team, of course. We aimed to wrap this project up during the pandemic and were fortunate enough that our contractors came through with no challenges! Also, having the full trust and faith of a client is key. I previously worked with the couple on their NYC apartment which created that comfort base. 

HRES: What are your top three design resources in the Hamptons? 

JS: Bloom in Sag Harbor, E-E Home in Amagansett and Hudson Grace in Sag Harbor.

joshuasmithinc.com