KDHamptons

KDHamptons: How long have you been coming to the Hamptons? Why do you love it so much?
Kate Singer: I’ve been coming to the Hamptons for as long as I can remember. As a young child with my family, as a teen and thoughout my adult life, and now with my two daughters. There is nothing like the incredible beauty of the landscape and the serene and relaxing atmosphere. The shopping, the dining are the best and the beaches are among the most beautiful in the world to me. Working out here is a dream come true…

KDH: Describe your perfect Hamptons day in detail for our readers…
KS: A perfect day would start with lingering over the paper, coffee and a blueberry crumb muffin at The Golden Pear…then hitting the shops in South and East Hampton… Late afternoon, I like to swim and walk on the beach. For dinner, I love Red Bar in Southampton. When I was younger, my perfect day would have revolved around competing in or watching the Hampton Classic Horse Show~ such an exciting, but bittersweet tradition to wind up the summer season.

KDH: How would you describe the Kate Singer design aesthetic?
KS: I’d describe my signature look as being pared down, inspired by and directly connected to nature. Welcoming, and very livable in a comforting way.

KDH:  What is the greatest part about your job? Conversely, if you could snap your fingers and instantly have another career~ what would be your dream job?
KS: The greatest part of my job is the people I meet, many of whom remain friends long after the project is over. Knowing I helped create the perfect family home, or retirement home is very gratifying. Prior to becoming a designer, I was a writer/producer in the television industry. That too was a wonderful career~ one I would return to in a heartbeat!

KDH:  Do you have a favorite design resource or antique store in the Hamptons?
KS: It really depends on what I’m looking for at the time, but I love English Country Antiques for pretty much everything and Mecox Gardens never disappoints either.

KDH:  What is the current design trend in the Hamptons? Are we trending contemporary?
KS: I believe the current design trend is comfortable, casual, inviting, soothing and connected to nature~ all the things I strive for in my work.

KDH: If you could decorate anyone’s home [dead or alive] who would you design for?
KS: I actually would go back and redesign my own childhood home. Although it always looked stylish and nice, it was not the most approachable home. Too many rooms were not lived in and enjoyed as much as they should have been. I don’t care for formal living and dining rooms used only on occasion. I believe every room and space should be designed and decorated to be lived in and truly enjoyed on a daily basis.

KDH: If a client can only afford to renovate one room in their Hamptons home this season, where should they start? Is the kitchen really the “heart” of a home?
KS: I love to cook, so yes~ the kitchen and dining areas would be my choice~ especially the outdoor dining area would be top priority if I was renovating a Hamptons home of my own!

KDH: So you’re a foodie too….Do you have a favorite Hamptons restaurant? Share your favorite dish and drink?
KS: Well that depends on the time of day. You can’t beat the lobster roll and ice cold beer at Bobby Vans in Bridgehampton. I also love the atmosphere and fare at Red Bar when heading out for a nice dinner with friends.

KDH: Where do you acquire most of your unique pieces? Share a tip on buying antiques for a novice?
KS: I travel to lots of antique shows throughout the year. If you are in the Hamptons, you really can’t beat the amazing estate and tag sales. I love the hunt!

KDH: Who is your design inspiration?
KS: Barbra Barry, Suzanne Kasler and Thomas O’Brien.

KDH: Who do you think has the chicest house in the Hamptons?
KS: Oh….there are just too many~I could not choose! And too many more that I still haven’t had a chance to see!

KDH: Do you have one design item you are obsessed with right now?
KS: I am obsessed with comfortable sofas in general. The perfect linen dressed classic sofa for curling up with a good read, or for a nap or a movie. Timeless, classic, like being enveloped in the best hug at the end of the day!

**To learn more about Kate Singer Home, Ltd., go to: www.katesingerhome.com; 631.261.8376