Anthony Baratta

A beach house should be a calming retreat from the everyday, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be sedate.  When longtime clients of Anthony Baratta called on the designer to create the interiors of their newly-built Southampton home, they knew they wouldn’t end up with a typical getaway. Baratta, who is known for his bright, pattern-packed designs, focused on devising colorful spaces that were well-suited for relaxing and entertaining. “They knew they definitely wanted a home where the family could gather during the all-too-short Hamptons season,” says Baratta. “They have grown children and even though they are technically empty-nesters, they made it clear that family was equally as important as the fashion and function of the design.”


The 14,000-square foot Shingle Style home’s stunning surroundings informed Baratta’s toned down palette. “I think the natural habitat of the Hamptons is always inspirational,” he says. “The sun, beach, sky, sand, and water were the colors we chose to work with. Blue has always been one of my favorites, and luckily my client concurred on that.” The hue is highlighted in the double-height living room, which puts a relaxed spin on tradition, combining grand architecture with plush seating and vibrant art. “We wanted to make this home glamorous and comfortable at the same time for this client,” says Baratta. “ I started in the spectacular living room and the rest of the project fell into place.”


Baratta designed most of the furnishings, which blend traditional lines with modern comfort and, of course, a bold dose of color. Vintage pieces and antiques were woven into the design. “I knew these clients had an affinity for spectacular antiques and we were able to visit London on several occasions to acquire just the right pieces,” he says. While the clients had a hand in finding those perfect accents, they gave Baratta free reign over the overall design. “It’s a dream come true home,” he says. “And having carte blanche to create the vision, well that’s just priceless.”

The vivid double-height living room is filled with custom furnishings and textiles by Baratta. Knot motifs on the pillows and rug add an elegant nod to nautical style. The circular windows on the upper level allow light to flow between rooms. The mirror above the fireplace and the cocktail table are antiques found in London..

The custom seating in the entry gallery was inspired by a vintage English garden bench and paired with 18th-century chests. “The trellis carpet is a custom design chosen to turn down the volume a bit and offer a peaceful color and pattern for this space,” says Baratta.

Baratta's favorite room in the home is the oval dining room, which is illuminated by a pair of antique Dutch chandeliers. “Throughout my career I have been known for incorporating the oval shape into my projects,” he says. “At the time I did this home I hadn’t done that in years, and when I saw this house I knew it was time to bring it back. The table, rug, windows—the works!—are all custom oval designs.”

An antique grandfather clock presides over the stair hall, where the floors were stained with a detailed compass star motif..

The bright and airy kitchen also serves as a breakfast and family room. The vintage clock over the stove is a Baratta signature and the pendant lights add an industrial contrast to the traditional cabinetry and English Windsor chairs.

The upstairs library features an antique mahogany rent table accompanied by benches by Baratta and a folk art sculpture of an eagle.

A painting by Alice Dalton Brown is displayed in the master bedroom, where the walls and soaring ceiling are painted a soft blue. The nautical telescope is pointed toward a nearby pond.

The master bath’s clawfoot tub also received a custom blue exterior. “The focus in this space was on the white millwork and maximizing the garden views,” says Baratta.

A porch off the living room is furnished with a rattan sofa and chairs by Bielecky Brothers; the end tables are wrapped in water reed.

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