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You’ve Never Seen a ‘Beach House’ Like This
A Hamptons home with unexpected formal, English-inspired style
Written by Krissa Rossbund
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Like many regions that have a signature look, the Hamptons have homes that wear their casually polished uniform with pride. Pristine white pairs with every delightful shade of blue to echo the captivating ocean. Like bathing suit cover-ups, crisp slipcovers with preppy pleats permit residents and their guests to play outside and then come in to relax without worrying about the furniture. Often, the interior design is moored to a nautical theme with sisal rugs, weathered driftwood, and artwork hung on the walls with rope.
But the posh beach community’s unspoken dress code did not persuade New York City native Gloria Kirschner to forsake her own design aesthetic. When building her home 10 years ago, she chose an English Tudor style over the region’s conventional shake-shingle architecture. Inside, she opted for a more formal ambience than the usual Hamptons residence. Her home is tranquil, but the compelling palette might make visitors check a GPS to confirm they’re in the Hamptons, not a cottage in an English forest.
“I had lived in a beach house before,” explains Gloria. “I wanted this house to reflect my own tastes and visually nod to all times of the year, not only summer. This house embraces four seasons.”
To execute a plan that satisfied Gloria’s sophisticated and confident style—yet offered enough charm to serve as the setting for a laid-back weekend getaway—she hired Florida-based designer Jack Fhillips. His artistic vision, mixed with an ardent sense of -order, produced a home in updated traditional style that has its own personality yet blends well with the neighborhood.
Because the home is located just two blocks from the ocean, sand and sea would be the expected inspiration for its palette. Instead, Gloria and Fhillips took their color cues from her sylvan backyard, choosing a scheme that uses plenty of peaceful green.
“The house stands on its own architecturally and doesn’t fit into what’s expected in the Hamptons,” says the designer. “But it’s not as if we dismissed its surroundings. We just opened our eyes to the less predictable part of nature. Blue and white would have been a mistake here, since there is foliage everywhere around the house and it has so many windows.”
The signature grass green that pervades most rooms of the home is a dichotomous combination of zest and serenity. In the foyer, the vibrant green offers contrast to the bright white architectural moldings outlining each space. Green-and-ivory cotton toile forms graceful panels at the windows. Both the architectural details and the toile reappear throughout the house, providing a continuity that ties Gloria’s abundant collections together.
“Paring down is a state of mind and is not measurable by a defined number of things,” says Fhillips. “Gloria has so many art collections, so organizing them by putting like objects together was key to creating an environment that was calm and not cluttered.”
The two-story-high living room is a prime example. Its soaring architecture left ample wall space to create a gallery of artwork. But instead of an assemblage of different art mediums and forms, Fhillips selected one—oil landscapes—to enrich the room’s expanded perimeters and make a memorable statement. The landscapes enhance the arrangement of antique Continental furniture on a needlepoint rug without detracting from the view of showstopping gardens on the other side of the windows.
Used not only for window panels but also to upholster the walls, the green-and-ivory toile that serves as an emblem of the house’s design envelops the dining room. “Sometimes people think that repeating such a recognizable pattern from room to room is a cop-out,” says Fhillips. “But here, the backgrounds needed to recede so that the collections of artwork could grab attention.” Paired with an ensemble of an English walnut dining table and chairs covered in their original leather upholstery, an antique Steinway piano in the back of the room balances the substantial visual weight of the dining group. To add the distinguishing touch of glamour so welcome in a dining room, a chandelier of English Sheffield silver plate illumines the table.
With a scheme informed by photographs of a kitchen in an old English country house, Gloria’s kitchen has pine cabinetry crowned with dentil molding that echoes the architectural details of the formal rooms. A mahogany table and antique painted--bamboo chairs set the scene for a cheery casual dining experience. French doors lead to a beguiling patio.
Upstairs, Fhillips eschewed the toile that was a first-floor staple, opting for a sportier look in the master bedroom, with stripes on the bed skirt and window treatments.
Now, a decade after it was built, the house has come into its own. “We didn’t buy furniture at showrooms but acquired it at auction houses,” says Fhillips. “That’s what gives this house its unique look—Gloria’s commitment to the traditional sensibilities she loves and my vision to turn them out in a way that is fresh and right now.”
And for Gloria, the house is not only where she retreats for peace, but a welcoming environment for her visitors.
“The Hamptons are becoming more of a place where people want to be any time during the year,” says Gloria. “There’s relief in knowing that my guests feel welcome to visit for any occasion.”
Photography: Robert Brantley
Settee (private collection): Jack Fhilips Design, 561/659-4459, jfhillipsdesign.com
Settee fabric (“Slubby Linen”/Natural #2372): Arabel Fabrics, 800/759-9808, arabelfabrics.com
Pillows from left:
Pillow 1 (#2373/Oatmeal): Arabel Fabrics, 800/759-9808, arabelfabrics.com
Pillow trim (“Arlington Small Rope”/Leaf Green #5411-06, by Colefax and Fowler, and “Arlington Braid”/Leaf Green #5404/06, by Colefax and Fowler): Cowtan & Tout, 212/647-6900, cowtan.com
Pillow 2 (“Siam Texture Plaid”/Split Pea #25712, discontinued): Schumacher, 800/523-1200, fschumacher.com
Trim (“Complement Brush Fringe”/Herb #BR-39075.447): Brunschwig & Fils, 800/538-1880, brunschwig.com
Lamp (antique, bronze/crystal): Harbor View Antiques, 203/325-8070.
Wing chair (antique, Chippendale): Hawkins Antiques, 561/804-6700.
Wing-chair fabric (“Lissadell”/Beige #J369F-01, by Jane Churchill, discontinued): Cowtan & Tout, 212/647-6900, cowtan.com -
In the two-story-high living room, antique Continental furniture upholstered in a variety of cotton fabrics surrounds a 19th-century English cocktail table.
Sofa: Jack Fhillips Collection, 561/659-4459, jfhillipsdesign.com
Sofa fabric (#2372/Natural, linen): Arabel Fabrics, 800/759-9808, arabelfabrics.com
Pillows at end of sofa (“Slubby Linen”/Lichen and Taupe): Arabel Fabrics, 800/759-9808, arabelfabrics.com
Trim (brush fringe): Samuel & Sons, 212/704-8000, samuelandsons.com
Pillow (“Lissadell”/Beige #J369F-01, by Jane Churchill, discontinued); trim (“Arlington Tassel Fringe”/Beige #5406/08, by Colefax and Fowler): Cowtan & Tout, 212/647-6900, cowtan.com
Pair of chairs facing fireplace (Jacobean style): Tower Bridge Antiques, 954/454-8001.
Chair fabric (“Siam Texture Plaid”/Split Pea #25712, discontinued): Schumacher, 800/523-1200, fschumacher.com
Coffee table; armchairs opposite sofa: owner’s collection.
Chair fabric (“Falling Flowers”/Linen on Hemp #2045L/30): Chelsea Editions, 212/758-0005, chelseaeditions.com
Lounge chair by fireplace: Jack Fhillips Collection, 561/659-4459, jfhillipsdesign.com
Chair fabric: Fabricut, 800/999-8200, fabricut.com
Sconce (tripod bronze sconce with tole shades): Kings Antiques, 404/355-8995. -
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A gingham cushion on a mahogany early Empire-style settee provides a preview of the fresh updates integrated throughout the Kirschner home.
Settee: antique.
Settee fabric (“Hempstead” color 26): Tafford Fabrics, 212/213-4670, tafford.com
Drapery, pillow fabric (“Scenes Helvetiques” #79584/406, discontinued): Brunschwig & Fils, 800/538-1880, brunschwig.com
Sheers (“Scorpio”/Snow): Arabel Fabrics, 800/759-9808, arabelfabrics.com
Trim on sheers (“Jute Banding”/Naturel #16050): Houlès, 310/652-6171, houles.com
Sisal rug: ABC Carpet & Home, 212/473-3000, abchome.com
Chandelier (private collection): Jack Fhillips Design, 561/659-4459, jfhillipsdesign.com
Pedestal (mahogany): Connecticut Antiques Center, 203/355-9335. -
Faced in English pine that has been waxed to give it patina, the library’s highlight is a group of English portraits. On top of a jute rug, English furniture upholstered in such hardy fabrics as cotton velvets and leathers underscores the room’s cozy appeal.
Finish on paneling: walnut stain on pine.
Sofa: Jack Fhillips Collection, 561/659-4459, jfhillipsdesign.com
Sofa fabric (“Erin”/Alabaster): Arabel Fabrics, 800/759-9808, arabelfabrics.com
Needlepoint pillow (“Roses and Cornflowers” #N031): Chelsea Textiles, 212/319-5804, chelseatextiles.com
Coffee table: owner’s collection.
Bench (Queen Anne): Marika’s Antiques, 631/749-1168, marikasantiques.com
Bench fabric (“Mill Valley Coordinate”/Loden #50061): Schumacher, 800/523-1200, fschumacher.com
Armless chair (Jacobean barley-twist chair): Tower Bridge Antiques, 954/454-8001.
Chair fabric (“Cotton Velvet”/Moss #1601/14, by Great Plains): Holly Hunt, 312-661-1900, hollyhunt.com
Chair-back fabric (“Summer”/Fern #8459B-S0766): Stroheim, 800/763-0524, stroheim.com
Green chair by fireplace: antique.
Chair fabric (“Slubby Linen”/Loden): Arabel Fabrics, 800/759-9808, arabelfabrics.com
Area rug: ABC Carpet & Home, 212/473-3000, abchome.com
Drapery (“Mill Valley Coordinate”/Loden #50061): Schumacher, 800/523-1200, fschumacher.com
Magazine rack: Greenwich Living, 203/274-5130.
Stairs in front of window: Hawkins Antiques, 561/804-6700.
Fireplace surround: limestone.
Wing chair in front of window; leather chair; pedestal table: owner’s collection.
Wing-chair fabric (“Summer”/Fern #8459B-S0766): Stroheim, 800/763-0524, stroheim.com
Fluted floor lamp: Tower Bridge Antiques, 954/454-8001. -
To complement the green colorings that are prominent around the house, ivy-embroidered sheers filter the light streaming in through the large window in the library.
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With walls upholstered in green-and-ivory toile, the dining room had minimal space for artwork. A pastoral oil painting from the 1800s is displayed above the fireplace.
Table: owner’s collection.
Chairs (English leather chairs #15/275); chair leather (antique): Tower Bridge Antiques, 954/454-8001.
Chair-back fabric (“Hempstead” #26): Tafford Fabrics, 212/213-4670, tafford.com
Chandelier (antique): Harbor View Antiques, 203/325-8070.
Wallpaper and drapery (“Scenes Helvetiques” #79584/406, discontinued): Brunschwig & Fils, 800/538-1880, brunschwig.com
Sheers (“Scorpio”/Snow): Arabel Fabrics, 800/759-9808, arabelfabrics.com
Trim on sheers (“Jute Banding”/Naturel #16050): Houlès, 310/652-6171, houles.com
Fauteuil at piano (antique): Tower Bridge Antiques, 954/454-8001.
Fauteuil fabric (“Siam Texture Plaid”/Split Pea #25712, discontinued): Schumacher, 800/523-1200, fschumacher.com
Finish on floors (Minwax 50 percent Dark Walnut, 50 percent Provencial): Minwax, minwax.com -
Old family silver serving pieces mix comfortably with a silver Edwardian punch bowl.
Plates with green pattern (“Ivy”): Wedgwood, na.wwrd.com
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In a corner of the dining room, a sweet vignette made up of antiques Gloria owned.
Clock (antique); small chair (antique); mirror (antique): owner’s collection.
Chair fabric (“Hempstead” #26): Tafford Fabrics, 212/213-4670, tafford.com
Wallpaper and drapery (“Scenes Helvetiques” #79584/406, discontinued): Brunschwig & Fils, 800/538-1880, brunschwig.com
Drapery tiebacks (“Jute Tassel Tiebacks”): Bargia, 800/782-7801, bargiainc.com -
In the entry hall gallery that wraps the inside perimeter of the house, an antique, carved library table is flanked by matching Chippendale chairs and guarded by a pair of ceramic Chinese Foo Dogs. Much of the furniture in the house was acquired during trips to auction houses in New York, Connecticut, and Florida. Floors throughout the gallery are antiqued limestone.
Library table (antique): Hawkins Antiques, 561/804-6700.
Chairs (antique, Chippendale): owner’s collection.
Chair-seat fabric (“Chelsea Check”/Green #1030/34): Chelsea Editions, 212/758-0005, chelseaeditions.com
Drapery (“Scenes Helvetiques” #79584/406, discontinued): Brunschwig & Fils, 800/538-1880, brunschwig.com
Drapery hardware: Kirsch, 800/817-6344, kirsch.com
Hanging lantern (“Large Thumbprint Lantern” #S215, from A. Sonoma): through Jack Fhilips Design, 561/659-4459, jfhillipsdesign.com
Flooring: antiqued limestone with chiseled edges.
Paint: custom.
Accessories: owner’s collection. -
Honey-toned pine cabinetry and dark green subway tile backsplashes give the kitchen the feel of an old English country house.
Cabinetry: pine.
Hardware (antique pewter finish): Top Knobs, topknobs.com
Countertops: Uba Tuba granite.
Backsplash tiles (ceramic green glazed tiles); border: Daltile, daltile.com
Island sink: Franke Kitchen Systems Division, 800/626-5771, frankeksd.com
Island faucet: Rohl, 800/777-9762, rohlhome.com
Hanging lights over island (“Newcastle Classic Single Pole Pendant Light”/Polished Nickel #A7638): Rejuvenation, 888/401-1900, rejuvenation.com -
An antique Pembroke table at a kitchen window is a lovely spot for a morning cup of coffee and for organizing the day. The green cupboard holds some of Gloria’s glass and pewter collection.
Desk at window (antique, Pembroke table): Harbor View Antiques, 203/325-8070.
Desk chair (Chippendale); green cupboard: owner’s collection.
Chair-seat fabric (“Kelsey Check”/Green): Chelsea Editions, 212/758-0005, chelseaeditions.com
Drapery (“Check It Out”/Cucumber #50122, discontinued): Schumacher, 800/523-1200, fschumacher.com -
In the breakfast room, antique faux-bamboo chairs from England are cushioned with chair pads made of embroidered cotton that complements the green-and-ivory toile draperies.
Table; chairs: owner’s collection.
Seat-cushion fabric (“Rosehip Briar”/Gold #2190/05): Chelsea Editions, 212/758-0005, chelseaeditions.com
Pendant light (“Large Thumbprint Lantern” #S215, from A. Sonoma): Jack Fhillips Design, 561/659-4459, jfhillipsdesign.com
Drapery (“Scenes Helvetiques” #79584/406, discontinued): Brunschwig & Fils, 800/538-1880, brunschwig.com -
Anchored by a needlepoint rug purchased at an auction, the master bedroom showcases a focal-point four-poster updated with a fresh coat of white paint. Sage green painted walls complete the look.
Bed: owner’s collection.
Drapery, bed-skirt, striped pillow fabric: discontinued.
Drapery trim (“Somerset Linen Tassel”/Green #892204, discontinued): Schumacher, 800/523-1200, fschumacher.com
Duvet (custom): Lopez Interiors, 561/684-2777.
Blanket at end of bed; green shams: Sferra, sferra.com
Paint (“Sherwood Green” #HC-118): Benjamin Moore & Co., 888/236-6667, benjaminmoore.com
Desk (Queen Anne style): Marika’s Antiques, 631/749-1168, marikasantiques.com
Desk chair: owner’s collection.
Chair-seat fabric (in Spring Green and Ivory): Arabel Fabrics, 800/759-9808, arabelfabrics.com
Chair-seat trim (“1/8-inch Cambridge Cord with Tape”/Parsley #981-34162/107): Samuel & Sons, 212/704-8000, samuel-andsons.com
Stool fabric (“Hempstead” #26): Tafford Fabrics, 212/213-4670, tafford.com
Table lamp: Vaughan, 212/319-7070, vaughandesigns.com
Settee (Queen Anne style): John Street Antiques, 203/324-4677.
Settee fabric (“George Smith Tweed Linen”/Moss): Monica James & Co., 305/576-6222, monicajames.com -
The bedside table is an antique American washstand.
Bedside table: Connecticut Antiques Center, 203/355-9335.
Drapery: discontinued.
Drapery trim (“Somerset Linen Tassel”/Green #892204, discontinued): Schumacher, 800/523-1200, fschumacher.com -
The guest bedroom proudly wears a hand-blocked floral linen on the walls. It’s a bold touch that imbues the room with vibrancy and offers a change of pace from the more soft-spoken downstairs spaces. “In this bedroom, it almost feels like you are stepping into a painting,” says Fhillips. “It has a kick that departs from the rest of the softness.”
Floral wall covering (paper-backed fabric, Jim Thorpe antique hand-print): owner’s collection.
Sisal rug: ABC Carpet & Home, 212/473-3000, abchome.com
Poster bed: Theodore Alexander, 336/887-1315.
Bed linens: Legacy Linens, legacylinens.com
Mirror: antique.
Table lamps (Tole Regency lamps): Braswell Gallery, 203/327-5101.
Settee (Louis XVI style): Hampton Antiques Gallery, 203/325-4019.
Settee fabric (“George Smith Tweed Linen”/Moss): Monica James & Co., 305/576-6222, monicajames.com
Pillow at left on settee (“Ferndale”/Green #F3203-02, by Colefax and Fowler, discontinued): Cowtan & Tout, 212/647-6900, cowtan.com
Pillow trim (“1.5-inch Annecy Brush Fringe”/Green #983-38120/176): Samuel & Sons, 212/704-8000, samuelandsons.com
Small pillow (“Bateer”/Blossom): Robert Allen, 800/333-3777, robertallendesign.com
Pillow trim (“Fan Edge Trim”): Lee Jofa, 800/453-3563, leejofa.com
Fauteuil (Louis XVI): Harbor View Antiques, 203/725-8070.
Seat fabric (“George Smith Tweed Linen”/Moss): Monica James & Co., 305/576-6222, monicajames.com
Plaid back fabric on fauteuil (“Kendal Plaid”/Willow #2001113): Lee Jofa, 800/453-3563, leejofa.com -
The guest bedroom’s settee and matching chairs are all upholstered in a burlap-like linen. “Even though this house is formally assembled, there are no fancy fabrics,” says designer Jack Fhillips. “Everything is cotton or linen—a little bit country but without cute painted furniture and distressed finishes.” A jute rug from ABC Home & Carpet softens the floor.
Fauteuils (Louis XVI): Harbor View Antiques, 203/725-8070.
Fabric (“George Smith Tweed Linen”/Moss): Monica James & Co., 305/576-6222, monicajames.com
Desk: Hawkins Antiques, 561/804-6700.
Drapery (“Ferndale”/Green #F3203-02, by Colefax and Fowler, discontinued): Cowtan & Tout, 212/647-6900, cowtan.com
Drapery trim: Samuel & Sons, 212/704-8000, samuelandsons.com
Sisal rug: ABC Carpet & Home, 212/473-3000, abchome.com -
The railing of this spectacular staircase at the back of the house recalls Gothic architecture.
Bench (Jacobean barley-twist carved bench): Tower Bridge Antiques, 854/454-8001.
Bench fabric (“Hempstead” color 26): Tafford Fabrics, 212/213-4670, tafford.com -
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The cushion fabric shows homeowner Gloria Kirschner’s love of the Hamptons’ signature hydrangeas.
Wicker furniture: owner’s collection.
Floral fabric (“Hydrangea” by John Wolf, discontinued): Richloom Fabrics, 212/685-5400.
Coffee table: John Rogers Collection, 631/287-1367.
Rug runner (outdoor): ABC Carpet & Home, 212/473-3000, abchome.com
Paint (“Van Alen Green” #HC-120); trim (“Cushing Green” #HC-125): Benjamin Moore & Co., 888/236-6667, benjaminmoore.com
Flooring: bluestone slate. -
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The pool house, reflected in the water, features teak furniture from Indonesia.
Outdoor furniture: John Rogers Collection, 631/287-1367.
Fabric: Sunbrella, 336/221-2211. sunbrella.com -
Interior designer Jack Fhillips.
Jack Fhillips Design, 2611 Mercer Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33401-7415; 561/659-4459, jfhillipsdesign.com
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Classic House, Great Color
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