Interior Designer Bennett Leifer shares, “I think the trend in Hamptons design right now is embracing the natural surrounds through color, material and pattern as opposed to competing with them.”

Raised between New York City and Great Neck, Long Island, interior designer Bennett Leifer was exposed to Fine Art, Architecture and Interior Design from a young age. In August of 2013, Bennett launched his namesake company with over a decade of experience working at high-­end residential interior design and architecture firms.  Bennett Leifer Interiors is New York based, specializing in bespoke residences for clients all over the world.  The company works to accommodate each client’s individual needs, aesthetic, lifestyle and budget in creating timeless environments that are true collaborations. Working on projects of all sizes, scope and style around the globe, Leifer has now set his designer scope on the Hamptons.  Learn more about Bennett in this NEW KDHamptons Design Diary, below:

Leifer was recently tapped to participate in this year’s prestigious 43^rd Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House.  [Rug by Patterson, Flynn & Martin]

KDHamptons:  What do you feel will be the design trend of summer 2015 in the Hamptons? Is the all-white beach house “over”?

Bennett Leifer: I don’t think the all-white beach house is necessarily ‘over’, but it can be difficult to maintain and has become a very visible design style.  My Hamptons clients have been trending in a more provocative direction, taking risks with bold colors such as deep ocean blues, as well as colors found in nature such as rich browns and golden hues.  They are also embracing a look that embodies the idea of ‘bringing the outside indoors’ in an elegant manner.  We have accomplished this with pastoral wallpapers, and even gone as far as feather wall panels applied as wallpaper.  By utilizing the accent colors from these ‘envelope’ materials we are able to add darker colors into the room that will wear better and perhaps last longer.

“Fresh fruits and vegetables can provide great colorful country accent,” shares Bennett.

KDHamptons:  When decorating a seasonal summer house, where should one allocate the bigger numbers of the budget?

Bennett: I think beautiful art on the walls is very important.  We are living in an age when items are mass-produced and very accessible.  I think having art that represents you and your taste is a very important element to a well rounded home design.  No one wants to walk into their neighbor’s home and see the same prints hanging on their walls.  This is also an item that you will retain its value and not need to be replaced due to wear, such as upholstery or carpets.  Its worth the investment!

Selenite Logs by Jayson Home

KDHamptons:  How do you feel about mixing periods when it comes to art and design? Is it cool for a white beach shack in Montauk to hang old gold leaf fussy framed oil paintings?

Bennett: I actually love doing this!  I think it is important to mix periods and styles in a logical way.  There should certainly be a commonality such as material, color or form; but a well mixed collection of furniture and art makes your home unique and feel more like a curated collection.  This is a great way to incorporate many elements of your personal style with your surroundings.

Print available at Yossimilo.com

KDHamptons:  What is the most overdone design shtick in Hamptons homes?

Bennett: I am personally not a big fan of drift wood as accessories or furniture.  If someone wants to embody this feeling, I would suggest sculptural botanical items like the Odegard Champa table or a les Lalanne chandelier if their budget permits.  Stone accessories from companies like Matthew Studios or Creele and Gow make a more glamorous but still nature-based statement.

KDHamptons:  Which are your three favorite home stores in the Hamptons?

Bennett: There are so many great design resources in the Hamptons, but my first stops are typically:  Mecox Gardens in Southampton, BLOOM in Sag Harbor, and English Country Antiques in Bridgehampton.

English Country Antiques in Bridgehampton

KDHamptons:  Can you please share your FIVE TOP TRENDS & PRODUCTS for the Summer 2015 season with KDHamptons readers?

Bennett: Sure, here are my favorite trends and products for a Hamptons home, below:

1.  RUG TREND: Sophisticated Sisal and Abaca rugs
PRODUCT: French Conga – Natural, Brown & Black; Patterson Flynn and Martin

2.  BEDROOM ART TREND: Topical artwork, try a modern take on a pastoral landscape above the bed.
PRODUCT: “Tree Abroad” Archival Inkjet Print, Yossimilo.com

3.  LIVING ROOM TREND: Dress up your fireplace for summer with a stack of selenite logs.
PRODUCT: Selenite Fireplace Logs by Jayson Home; $330.00

4.  TABLETOP TREND: Using fresh mosses and succulents as tabletop accessories
PRODUCT: Support local vendors like Topiaire Floral Boutique in Southampton.  Owner Erin Meaney always has a great selection.

5.  ACCESSORIES TREND: Flora and Fauna sculptural accents
PRODUCT: “Miss Baobab” Bronze Table Lamp by Marc Bankowsky, by Maison Gerard; $9,500

** For more information please go to: Bennett Leifer Interiors