Either nostalgic or just a fashionable trend, the modern farmhouse has a prominent place in North Fork real estate amongst potato farms and other agricultural landscapes. In terms of design, there’s also an obligation to the coastal aesthetic with the East End being surrounded and interconnected by water. Compared to its southern counterpart however, the North Fork’s vibe can be likened to that of Brooklyn – cool, edgy, grounded. Designers share how interiors are a puzzle of styles that make sense together, and what’s trending inside the home for 2019.
The blending of natural materials like reclaimed wood and galvanized metals, either distressed or mixed with modern finishes, create a casual sophistication in living spaces. In renovation projects and full design and build projects, Dave Murray of Murray Design and Build finds this trend to be popular on the North Fork, often working with clients from the design concept drawings through full construction to bring this to fruition.
“Some popular trends right now are rustic reclaimed wood accents, here used to build custom barn doors and kitchen shelving,” Murray says, noting a recent Greenport project. “[Other trends include] bright, high contrast kitchens with sleek appliances and countertops, unlacquered brass accents and lighting fixtures, and carrera marble or porcelain look alike tiles for bathrooms.”
The modern farmhouse look incorporates the casual feel with sleek accents resonant of midcentury modern. What Amanda Giuliano, head designer for interior design and kitchen and bath projects for Nicolette’s for the Home in Southold, finds exciting is the introduction for pops of color in living spaces. What she finds to be the style of the North Fork is consistent with her own personal design method, allowing her to create spaces that feel authentic and unique.
“Most of our clients are choosing to do colored base cabinets or islands and little to no upper wall cabinets,” Giuliano says. “They also have a tendency to use reclaimed wood accents in areas such as shelving. Clients are adding textures like wallpaper and shiplap. They’re also getting daring with tile selections and patterns, which I love! I feel each space needs a moment that captures you.”
Coastal décor with clean lines in living spaces open them up while also bringing the outside in, one of the more popular trends in any design aesthetic today. Neutral backdrops in tones of sand, cream, and gray serve as a blank canvas, accented by sophisticated shades of blues and greens that highlight the beach style. Driftwood makes for a great furnishings material and can be mixed and matched with other styles of décor. A crystal chandelier over a farmhouse table with upholstered chairs are a favorite of interior designer and owner of Renee’s, Debra Gildersleeve. One of the popular lines carried in her Mattituck showroom is Four Hands, which often showcases how these different materials don’t necessarily match but make sense together.
The understanding that the North Fork is home to a number of different styles, especially with its diverse backdrop of land and sea, is what makes the endless interior design possibilities unique. There is the modern farmhouse, the sophisticated beach house, even the occasional super contemporary home, and then a mix of everything in-between. These inside trends also have staying power, something we gladly welcome.
“The North Fork has a completely different vibe than the South Fork,” explains Giuliano. “The South Fork tends to stay in the realm of white inset cabinetry with marble or white subway tile and stone countertops that are either marble or emulate marble. Our clients on the North Fork are much trendier and edgier, which we love.”
