Haute Hamptons interior design team Robert Brown and Todd Davis are known for their uniquely American aesthetic, fusing the traditional roots of classicism, with an exuberant, sensual vitality. Brown Davis has designed two residences for the Clintons, the British Embassy residence, and an array of exceptional projects involving contemporary and historic renovation across the United States. Fusing the traditional roots of classicism, Brown Davis makes comfort an indispensable priority in their design, incorporating texture, light and patterns for enduring warmth and harmony. Todd and Rob share a new KDHamptons Design Diary on Mercer House, a majestic property in Northeast Harbor, Maine.

KDHamptons: Please tell us about the Northeast Harbor Maine residence?

Brown Davis: We designed this home from top to bottom with architecture and interior design inspired by our visits to Susan Mary Alsop in Northeast Harbor. The substance and significance of how the Northeast houses looked and felt to us was as though they would last forever. However, they were still seemingly able to blend well into the organic natural beauty of their Northeast coast environment. It was important to us to carefully study the style, scale, balance and ratio of this architectural style in order to replicate its’ majestic “ease”. We felt that regardless of the interior design style, the architecture inside and out should be cohesive and based in tradition…. almost as if this house had been built by the present owner’s grandparents and the new residents had breathed new life into it with a more current style of interior design fashion.

KDHamptons: Tell us about the decision to inject the bold color palette you infused into the interior design. The exterior of the house feels more traditional, but the interiors have a playful Dali-esque feel.

Brown Davis: Our projects are always bespoke and best reflect the style and color pallette of the client. Mercer House is a perfect example. While our clients are tradition based, they are young and energetic. The bold use of a coral color on the ceilings, walls, curtains and as accents is simply a color that appears in the our clients wardrobe. This bold coral was balanced with a masculine charcoal, enlivened with purple, broadened with emerald and soothed with ivory and yellow. A unique collection of antique, vintage and modern furnishings make this home distinctive, compelling and very inviting.

KDHamptons: What is the name of the bold coral color you chose to incorporate? How many rooms did you use it in? When choosing such a bold color, should you carry it through a few rooms?

Brown Davis: The name of the color we used on the ceiling in the foyer and dining room, as well and the walls of the Master Bedroom is Duron: Coralina #7373M. Yes, it’s important when choosing a strong color to distribute it through several rooms of the same home in varying degrees of boldness and quantity. As humans we “carry color with our eye” and the continued distribution of the same or similar color renders a calm, cohesive and natural continuation even if the color is bold. In this case, the coral color dominates in some rooms while in others it’s simply an accent color in a lighter shade.

KDHamptons: Were your clients shocked at the suggestion to paint their formal dining room ceiling tangerine [below]?

Brown Davis: As seasoned designers, we realize that ceilings are often overlooked. When we explained the concept of distributed and balanced used of color throughout the house, our client had faith. During the painting process before all the other elements were in place to underscore, redirect focus and create balance, I’m sure our clients had to “dig deep” to maintain that faith but we reassured everyone that it’s simply paint which can always be changed….

KDHamptons: Do you carry colors to the outside to keep the whole house connected?

Brown Davis: Sure, a sense of harmony and consistency (while not boring) is lovely to establish inside and outside of a home. While the interiors are more whimsical and bolder in color, the exterior needed to reflect that too. We chose a stain for the outdoor furniture that infused the coral color into the pigment.

KDHamptons: You also brought in other jewel tones like emerald and a deep violet. Share a tip about balancing the color palette for such a large home?

Brown Davis: When creating a design pallette, we begin with a few basic colors that reflect the client’s style and would most likely be found in their closet. This way, the client looks great in their own home, as they should. We look for a balance of color value (strength of color) in a few principal colors and then add lighter and darker complimentary colors to broaden the scope of the palette so that it has character, uniqueness and “soul”. Think of choosing a basic dress or business suit from your closet….a dress might need a belt, scarf, necklace, earrings and shoes. There is often a balance of these added accessories through color, scale and style that can enliven or sooth depending on the mood or occasion. The same with a man’s basic business suit. The suit may be a charcoal grey but depending on the occasion or mood, the shirt/tie/pocket square/shoes combination can be thin navy blue stripes, small patterned purple, solid white and with black or sorrel shoes depending of the time of day.

KDHamptons: How did the painting in the living room [pictured below] influence the design of the room? who is the artist and did the client already own the painting or did you acquire it after?

Brown Davis: The large Victorian era painting in the Living Room was acquired by us during the design of the house. We were looking for large scaled, country ease and homey art with a bit of whimsy and drama. The clients have English heritage and a childhood love of horses so it was a perfect fit.

KDHamptons: What is the hottest “color pop” in the Hamptons right now?

Brown Davis: Sexy purple has been requested more and more by our Hamptons clients. The commitment to a strong color doesn’t have to be scary. Along with the predominate colors of white, sandy creams and sea foam greens, an addition of a purple rug and throw pillows can still feel beachy and light but with a new depth and twist. We also have an East Hampton client requesting an addition of drama to her bedroom walls, so we are testing a lacquered onyx wall paint with colors of pale purple, light grey and sandy beige.

KDHamptons: Share a design tip on how to actually “live” in your living room?

Brown Davis: Let’s face it, in order for us to use our living rooms, first they have to be visually appealing — the difference will be if it is compelling & inviting, or lovely but off-putting. One of the most powerful ways to create approachability is the furniture arrangement. I’ve watched groups of happy gatherers in a room, and they tend to pair off or break down into twos and threes. My guests and family have been know to move chairs and ottomans so that a conversation is more natural. Next time you have a gathering, watch where the first guest sits and notice after the gathering [large or small] if the furniture has been moved.

To contact Brown Davis Interiors, Inc.:

Website: www.browndavis.com Office: 305.401.7565
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/browndavisinteriors
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brown_davis
Blog: http://browndavisblog.com/