Hamptons cottage transformed: a lighting designer's unexpected design leap

Peter B. Staples, the name synonymous with poetic lighting collections through his firm Blue Green Works, has revealed a surprising new facet of his creative talent: a complete interior overhaul of a historic Hamptons cottage. It’s a project that began with a casual vacation suggestion and blossomed into a full-scale design reimagining, proving that inspiration can strike in the most unexpected places.

A chance encounter and a facetime assessment

The journey began last year when Staples, accompanying a Manhattan couple on vacation, was asked for his opinion on a potential weekend retreat in the Springs, a secluded corner of the Hamptons. “There’s something about the Springs that feels beachy,” he remarked, contrasting it with the more overtly urban character of other Hamptons locales. The couple, already smitten with a gabled, shingle-clad residence dating back to the 1700s (albeit awkwardly enlarged in the 1990s), sought Staples' virtual endorsement via a swift five-minute FaceTime call. His approval solidified their offer, but the reality that awaited them post-purchase was far from the idyllic vision they held.

“It was funny because it’s a beautiful house with great bones, but as we walked through it together, they were beside themselves,” Staples recalled with a chuckle. The charm of the historic structure was undermined by a distinctly uninspired interior—an Ikea kitchen and a Home Depot bathroom—a stark contrast to the sophisticated retreat they envisioned.

Blending hamptons elegance with fire island modernism

Undeterred, Staples laid out his ambitious plan: a fusion of the Hamptons’ ingrained country elegance with the distinctive modernism of Fire Island. “I wanted to find the tension between those things and still keep it fresh,” he explained. The goal was a space adaptable to both guest entertaining and quiet personal reflection. Staples initiated the redesign with subtle adjustments to the floor plan—repositioning doors, integrating built-in benches and shelving—before embarking on a complete kitchen renovation. He collaborated with local millworker Justin Allen of Shepard Co. to craft wainscot-inspired cabinetry and a striking smoked-oak island, prioritizing warmth and a patina that would develop with time.

The result? A kitchen where the countertops—the largest surfaces in the room—are crafted from a material designed to age gracefully, embracing the inevitable nicks and chips as part of its character.

A curator's eye: vintage finds and bespoke furnishings

Facing pandemic-era supply chain delays, Staples creatively channeled his own design expertise, drawing inspiration from masters like Gerrit Rietveld and Franco Albini to design and fabricate many of the furnishings himself. He skillfully combined these bespoke pieces with carefully curated vintage finds sourced from local antique dealers like John Salibello and Laurin Copen Antiques, a strategic move to sidestep lengthy delivery waits. Among the treasures acquired are an 18th-century French wooden cabinet, a Roger Capron ceramic cocktail table, and a bamboo dresser. “I’m interested in things that feel like they could belong to many different time periods at once,” Staples noted, illustrating his eclectic approach.

The homeowners’ passion for gay photography provided a distinct artistic thread, with the design intentionally serving as a neutral backdrop for their growing collection, featuring works by Wolfgang Tillmans and Jack Pierson, alongside new acquisitions from Pacifico Silano, Howard Fonda, Tabboo!, and a commission by Julian Caridi. Staples’ dedication extended to every detail, from the silverware to the bed linens, demonstrating a level of curatorial control rarely seen.

“I went out recently for the photo shoot, and they hadn’t changed a thing,” Staples revealed, a testament to the success of his vision. “Everything was how I left it, which is a great compliment.” This project wasn’t just a design challenge; it was a full-fledged design education, proving that Blue Green Works' interest in design extends far beyond the realm of illumination. And who knows what creative avenues will emerge next?