KDHamptons Exclusive Design Diary: At Home With Regina & Billy Mariano
“My husband, Billy and I bought our home in Springs exactly one year ago and since completing renovations have enjoyed every moment living here with our two dogs Oliver and Luca,” shares Regina Mariano. “I love to entertain, so we are hosting family for the holiday here at our Hamptons home and most likely heading to Whistler, as is our tradition for New Year’s Eve.”
Originally from northern New Jersey, Regina and her husband Billy switched city gears to move to the Hamptons full-time where she works as a freelance public relations consultant, and Billy as a software consultant − changes that afforded them the flexibility to begin traveling the world. Regina shares her stunning new home with KDHamptons in this exclusive NEW Design Diary, below.
KDHamptons: When was your home built?
Regina Mariano: The house was built in the 80’s so the architecture has a modern rustic vibe. Its clean lines and large windows act as a canvas for some of the eclectic decor I gravitate towards. It’s a little bit country how the layout allows for the environment to be part of the home, yet the open floor plan of the main room keeps it casual and beachy. I really wasn’t even going to look at this house as I was looking for Hamptons farmhouse. But when we saw this place it had such a great layout and vibe that we knew it was for us. My favorite space in the house is definitely the main room with the fireplace.
KDHamptons: You designed all of the interiors? What was your inspiration?
Regina Mariano: I did design the interiors. I am consistently inspired by the architecture, design and culture of the places we have traveled. When we are not traveling I am constantly scouring the Internet for images and organizing them on Pinterest. For this house I wanted a relaxed beachy vibe, but also a cozy, rustic feel to create a home we could enjoy in all seasons. That’s why we used a lot of reclaimed wood and natural materials throughout the home.
KDHamptons: Where did you acquire most of the pieces?
Regina Mariano: We purchased a lot from Restoration Hardware from sofas, to lighting to bedding. I also love Schoolhouse Electric lighting. Organic Modernism in Brooklyn for the console and barstools. I saw the dining room lights, which are made of cardboard, in a restaurant and they are from GrayPants, a company out of Seattle. Pillows are mostly from Amber Interiors and Eskayel. Accessories and various other pieces are a mix from shops like Lazy Point, Love Adorned, Black Swan Antiques, Sylvester & Co., Serena and Lily, Anthroplogie and West Elm. The art is mostly from Panepinto Galleries & my most favorite photograph in the main room is by Pete Black Photography.
KDHamptons: Share a design drama during the renovation?
Regina Mariano: We weren’t going to finish the basement right away, but then the second week of June we decided we needed more space for guests for July 4th weekend and so we gave our contractor, Angelo of Seal-Tight Custom Design, three weeks to finish the basement and build the bunk beds [below]. He came through and they turned out great.
KDHamptons: What do you love most about living in the Hamptons?
Regina Mariano: Billy [below] and I love having the best of both worlds… being in the country and at the beach at the same time. The fresh local produce at the farm stands, the beaches, the sunsets, the quaint villages, the wildlife… I could go on and on. I love the fall when the crowds are gone. The colors are amazing. The weather is beautiful. The farm stands are filled with apples, pumpkins, cider and donuts. It’s a special time of year.
KDHamptons: What does a perfect Hamptons day look like to you?
Regina Mariano: A perfect day would begin with a morning coffee from the General Store or Jack’s, taking my dogs to the beach, then Yoga at Kama Deva or a Soul Cycle class, followed by a green juice or smoothie from Simply Sublime. Picking up groceries and fresh produce from Citarella and Balsam Farms and stopping by the East Hampton Nature Trail to feed the ducks. An afternoon swim in the pool before heading to the beach to meet friends to BBQ, paddleboard at dusk, watch the sunset and relax around the bonfire drinking rosé. Heaven.
KDHamptons: What’s up next for you?
Regina Mariano: After spending so much time traveling I began to focus on creating home spaces that are both serene yet grounding and have really enjoyed the process. This is now the third home we have renovated and remodeled. Up next, I have been asked to design a lifestyle pop-up shop, which I am very excited about. I’m also doing a bit of PR consulting for a beautiful new jewelry line that is launching soon called Noa Frank Jewelry. [Be sure to follow Regina on Instagram @cherishandbestow]
*Photos in this feature by Alex Marcano of Capture by Alex and Regina Mariano.