- Interior
- Architecture & development
With this residence, Kelly Behun knew exactly how to answer the project’s brief. The location was no stranger to her and she certainly knew how to realise certain wishes of the client. Let's take a look together at this extremely unique, playful, but also stylish villa in Southampton, Long Island.
A few years ago, designer Kelly Behun had a weekend and holiday home built for her own family in the Hamptons, a popular area for New Yorkers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. The result is an impressive residence that is both sleek and playful, with rich use of light limestone and glass, but also with some surprising and playful elements such as an outdoor pool with underwater window overlooking the garden and a real playroom for the children.
When the designer was approached by a couple with three children who also wanted to build their own place in the Hamptons, she knew what was expected of her. The owners wanted a home that was both sophisticated and stylish, as well as eye-catching because of some unique and cheerful elements. Against a background of neutral colours a lot of eye-catchers were placed. In the library, for example, you will find two beautiful blue sofas by Vladimir Kagan and a rug that Kelly Behun designed especially for the client. In the entrance hall there are also several elements that attract your attention — the large round mirror, the floating wall bench, the accent wall with hints to the staircase behind it and especially the brightly coloured central table (also created by Behun) — but the whole thing remains stylish and soothing. 
Fun and luxury go hand in hand
Herein lies the strength of Kelly Behun's interior designs. She has a very good eye for bringing together colours, styles, shapes and brands without making a room feel eclectic and oppressive. Behun also always knows how to find the right way to incorporate the owners' art collection or recommend new works that will give the whole thing extra strength.
Despite the many works of art and design furniture, it remains a real home to relax in and leave the stress of everyday life behind for a while. For example, there is an underground bowling alley and in the garden the children can play on the Thomas Heatherwick ‘Spun’ chairs or with the large chessboard. Fun and luxury go hand in hand! 
The architect of this residence, James Merrell, also played a major role in the result. His assignment was to design a modern house that was spacious without being overwhelming and with some characteristic elements so that the architecture still fits with the other houses in the area.
© Images courtesy of Kelly Behun | STUDIO