Architectural Digest interviewed Simon Doonan who explained the steps he undertook with well known American interior and product designer Jonathan Adler in building their island getaway shelter. For the architecture they hired Lisa Gray and Alan Organschi of the Connecticut firm Gray Organschi Architecture, in addition to Hamptons builder Carlos Routh.
“Jonathan, meanwhile, set about decorating, juxtaposing the austere exterior with warm and idiosyncratic interiors. The exact vibe was to be a blend of Big Sur bohemian and rich Ibiza hippie, two of our favorite adopted personas. To achieve it, he mixed furniture and rugs of his own design with diverse vintage finds—from a starburst mirror framed with spindle legs to industrial ceiling lights to suspended rattan lounge chairs. Ever the potter, he devised ceramic tiles for the kitchen, living room, and master suite. We also commissioned decorative art from various friends. Painter and designer John-Paul Philippé created a mural inspired by local birdlife for our kitchen island, while set designer Andy Harman conceived a giant macramé owl, which is now displayed on the indigo brick divider separating the entrance and the telly-watching zone. For my part, I added some photographs taken by a roster of pals and professional collaborators: a candid fashion image backstage at a Dior runway show by Roxanne Lowit; a wicked child-pageant portrait by Susan Anderson; a haunting truck-stop bathroom interior by Henny Garfunkel; and a picture of Jonathan and me leaping off a yacht in the Mediterranean by Jonathan Skow.”
Personally I liked the architecture but found the interior way too busy. The “juxtaposing” was taken a bit too far in my humble opinion. I would have expected a subtler look for a house belonging to an interior designer, and a very popular one.
Architectural Digest
