Centre Island Weekend Retreat

This light and youthful weekend retreat was decorated for a family of sailing enthusiasts on Centre Island, a coastal enclave on Long Island's north shore. The house was designed by architects Kathryn McGraw Berry, Jayson Michael Fay and Aimee Lopez with landscaping by CeCe Haydock and was conceived as a modern take on a classic shingle style. Perched at the top of a gentle hill with a view of Oyster Bay and surrounded by woods, it is composed of three linked pavilions with an abundance of windows and glazed doors to draw in natural light and views. The surrounding terraces open the house to the outdoors, acting as an extension of the living spaces.

As Thomas Jayne explains, "it's a family house -- the owners wanted it to be harmonious, fresh and contemporary while still fitting into the traditional setting." The cavernous central living and dining room captures the essence of this ideal. Used as the main gathering spot for family members and guests, it is where conversation, piano recitals and group dinners in front of the fireplace take place. The simple wall moldings and exposed ceiling supports, all painted white, are contemporary versions of those found in classic country house, and bring the room a human scale. The paneling also forms an ideal backdrop for hanging the vibrant, animated contemporary art that the family collects. The furnishings come from a wide span of styles and periods, each item forming a connection with the other parts of the room, making it richer, visually interesting and more enduring. For instance, a pair of modern chandeliers made of mixed glass spheres in bright colors are playful and are complemented by a 19th century Persian carpet with a repeating circular pattern motif - a lively juxtaposition that balances the unexpected with the traditional.