KDHamptons catches up with stunning interior designer and Quogue resident, Jen Going, in a NEW KDHamptons Design Diary. “I’ve spent every summer of my life in Quogue.  I love the quiet, ‘one horse town’ feel of the village,” Jen shares. Adding, “My kids Garrett (15), and Paige (11) are now enjoying a very similar childhood that my husband Garrett and I experienced, which makes me so happy.  Many of their friends are the children of the friends that we grew up with out here, and I love seeing them all hang out together.”

KDHamptons: Please describe your design philosophy for KDHamptons readers?

Jen Going: More than anything, a home needs to reflect the personality of the homeowner.  The purpose of interior design is to examine the possibilities and create a space that is functional and beautiful, while remaining true to the clients objective. A fabulous room can also be kid friendly, a dining room can double as a library, and a center hall can become so much more than a walk-through space.

KDHamptons: Which design trends do your clients want most right now?

Jen: I am very careful with trends. I tend to keep the bones of a project classic and timeless, using modern elements to keep things current and interesting.  I love an extremely modern light fixture in an otherwise traditional room, or a rustic dining table in a sleek and modern space.

KDHamptons: Where are your favorites stores / design resources in the Hamptons?

Jen: I style most of my projects out of my own showroom but when I need to accessorize a lot of homes at once, I find great things at Mecox Gardens. I also drool over everything at Wyeth in Sagaponack and there are fantastic antique stores in Sag Harbor. It’s also very convenient having a Serena and Lily store right in East Hampton. They have the best bedding and accessories for kids bedrooms.

KDHamptons: Please describe your Hamptons home? Favorite item?

Jen: Although I love to have all of the cousins under one roof and the chaos that goes along with an extended family, my favorite week of the summer is when we rent the tiniest beach cottage.  I look forward to it all year.  It’s a one room 1940’s cottage, perched high on the dunes in Quogue.  It’s so beautiful in it’s simplicity – Wide plank floors, exposed beams and only an outdoor shower. It’s little slice of heaven!  When I am there, I don’t leave for work, for parties….for anything.

KDHamptons: Describe your perfect Hamptons day in detail?

Jen: A perfect day for me is a beautiful beach day that rolls right into a beach BBQ with a bonfire. Throw in a full moon and that’s a memory that will get me through the coldest of
winters.

KDHamptons: Do you like to entertain at home? Who cooks? What’s your “go-to” dinner plan?

Jen: Entertaining at home is my favorite way to spend an evening, whether I am hosting or going to someone else’s home doesn’t matter –  I just always prefer to be at an intimate gathering than a big party.  To be honest, my go-to dinner plan in the summer is showing up at my Mom’s house at mealtime! When we are back into our fall/ winter routine, I try to cook every night.  It’s never a chore to me to cook a big meal.  On the contrary, It’s my favorite way to unwind after a busy work day.

KDHamptons: If you could invite three people to your Hamptons home for dinner whom would you choose?

Jen: Leonardo DaVinci, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Jesus. I mean, I would love to just have Paul Newman and nobody else, but I suppose I would regret not having the people that I have the most questions to ask!

Contact info: Jen Going Interiors, 48 Main Street, Suite E, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978; 631.998.3115