Smoke And Mirrors In The Hamptons

The Kardshiasns make a pretty good living creating a reality show. They played in the Hamptons while the rest of us lived a (sometimes) equally glamorous lifestyle without the cameras filming our every move. Of course, our reality doesn’t have the benefit of editing and a soft lens.

With a little planning, some imagination, and some hard work on our part; you will be ready for a selfie with an awesome background. (Photo: CP Complete, Stacy Wickham Photography)

The reality of summer life in the Hamptons used to be the tale of the country mouse and the city mouse. It’s been my experience the locals have showed our guests how to enjoy the finer things that our community provides.

Reservations at Nick and Toni’s? A coveted permit for Main Beach? Opening night at Bay Street? VIP tent at the Classic? That’s not really where it’s at. It turns out that just like when I was a kid; you can have the most fun with your imagination in your own backyard.

It’s been my pleasure to enter the backyard of clients and share my vision (and imagination) with them. We discuss patios, pools, and pergolas. We talk about the relatively short summer season and how to make the most of it. Time and time again, I’m told that from a practical standpoint, every penny you invest in landscape design and architecture is likely to come back to you in appreciated real estate value. But, my imagination doesn’t always need to have a practical side.

Consider replacing an existing run down pool and bluestone patio in need of repair to build something which rivals the best looking landscape you can find on Houzz.com. One of the most difficult tasks when planning a renovation is being able to picture a blank canvas. It’s sometimes hard to imagine that what you see as an eyesore or dated material can be transformed into practical and luxurious. We have seen the most amazing transformations of luxury gunite pools and hardscapes that were installed in Southampton, Sag Harbor, East Hampton, Water Mill, and throughout the Hamptons in the 70’s and 80’s. Going back a few decades more, my wife’s family did a makeover of a compound that was constructed in North Sea in the 1940’s. Where there once were picnic tables and cottages now stands a gorgeous new home, guest house, outdoor kitchen, poolside fireplace, infinity edge pool, and spa.

One of the most difficult tasks when planning a renovation is being able to picture a blank canvas. (Photo: CP Complete, Stacy Wickham Photography)

With a little planning, some imagination, and some hard work on our part; you will be ready for a selfie (with an awesome background) that Khloe and Kourtney may envy. In fact, we can post it on hamptons.com and just for a Warhol moment, you’ll also be famous just for being famous.