Darren Henault’s extraordinary talent for creating luxurious, livable spaces has won him awards, accolades, and the attention of the most important design publications in the world. His clients include celebrities, business leaders, and the social elite who rely on his innate ability to fulfill their visions. Henault’s highly personal, elegant style delights his clients. Whether creating a country home, a city apartment [check out Darren’s AMAZING New York living room above!], a yacht or a boardroom, he creates a palpable feeling of comfort and intimacy and a sense of permanence.

Darren tells KDH, “I love what I do because on a daily basis I come into contact with beautiful things and, most importantly, the inspired people who are making those things. To me, living beautifully is about editing and figuring out what positive changes to make that will effect how you feel about your home, and ultimately, yourself.” An East End resident for many years, Darren has added horse country to his new inspiration for design, adding, “After many years in the Hamptons, we actually stopped coming out in the summer because our horses took us to Millbrook.  However, we love it out there in the winter.  The beach is gorgeous and clear, and the light on the East End of Long Island is better than anywhere I’ve ever been Winter/Summer/Spring/or Fall! Without the frenetic social schedule off season we get to actually spend time with friends.  The best part is if you do want to go out you can get a table anywhere without waiting for ages!”

*Be sure to check out more of Darren’s gasp worthy interiors at www.darrenhenault.com!

KDHamptons asked Darren to create a holiday gift guide exclusively for the haute Hamptons set. Here’s what he came up with~ Thanks so much Darren!

1.  Show up with 1/2 a dozen long sleeve James Perse t-shirts for him and for her. It may seem odd at first, but every time they put them on they’ll think about inviting you back. *head to the East Hampton boutique or jamesperse.com

2.  After spending the summer in the sun and facing the chilly winter wind, we could all use a little TLC and Naturopathica’s Plant Stem Cell Facial is the best.  A gift certificate to their East Hampton spa will be appreciated by him and/or her.

3.  Everyone loves a stack of hats by the door when the sun starts to shine. Hamptons haute hat designer, Ann Moore, makes hand made hats that come in big, floppy, slim and sleek styles; annemoore.com

4.  An old friend, Jarlath Mellett always has something chic lying around the shop.  Get a set of the Dibbern Dessert Plates; 255 Main St, Amagansett or Retail@JarlathMellett.com

5.   If you’re clever enough to think ahead a set of monogrammed handtowels is always appreciated.  Off season the ladies at the Monogram Shop in East Hampton shop can whip them up in a day or two;  themonogramshops.com

6.  Hampton’s designer Christopher Fischer’s cashmere Ashlen Travel Set is great for travelling as well as a cat nap at home. *visit his Southampton shop or go to christopherfischer.com

7.  I know this falls under the category of slightly bizarre but I once sent these [above] to someone whose guest room had sad little andirons.  They’ve been laughing about them [and loving them] for ten years. Find a fabulous pair of unique andirons at antique stores like English Country Antiques in Bridgehampton; ecantiques.com

8. Gorgeous and/or appropriate Coffee Table Books I love the graphic be achy look of  this tome: Eyewear A Visual History, by Taschen; taschen.com