This East Hampton Retreat is the Epitome of Elevated Living

Rip & Tan: Tell us about your journey to interior design. Was your own studio always the end game?

Jordan Carlyle: My journey to interior design was not a straight path, but rather a combination of different experiences and interests. I began my professional career working for an antique collector and dealer in Miami, which allowed me to develop an eye and understanding for quality and craftsmanship, and to appreciate the world of collecting. Later, I moved to Los Angeles and began studying interior architecture, where I realized early on that I wanted to start my own business.

My passion for interior design led me to open Carlyle Designs in 2007, and over time, the business has grown to include other ventures such as Carlyle Fine Art and Carlyle Collective. I have always been driven by a desire to create unique and bespoke designs for my clients, which is why Carlyle Collective was formed, to offer one-of-a-kind pieces that are tailored to our clients’ needs.

Opening my own studio was not necessarily the end game, but rather a natural progression of my career as an interior designer. As I continue to evolve and grow as a designer, I remain open to new opportunities and challenges, and am always looking ahead to the next step.

Rip & Tan: How would you describe your creative process or design philosophy?

Jordan Carlyle: As a designer, I firmly believe that every project should be approached with a unique perspective, and my creative process reflects this philosophy. Before beginning any project, I make it a priority to understand my clients’ needs, desires, and goals, taking the time to get to know their personalities and preferences. This sets the foundation for the creative process to build upon.

For me, good design is all about balance and harmony, and this is especially true when it comes to mixing old and new elements. When designing a space, I always aim to strike the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary design elements, combining them in a way that creates a cohesive and visually interesting whole. As a designer, I believe that successful design needs a balanced mix of finishes and materials, and finding the perfect balance takes time.

My design philosophy emphasizes a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and detail. In my view, these elements are essential in creating unique and bespoke designs that are tailored to my clients’ specific needs and desires. This attention to detail is reflected in my love for finishes and layering them in new and interesting ways.

Rip & Tan: We’d love to know more about this property. How did you find it, and what was the deciding factor?

Jordan Carlyle: In our quest for the perfect home, we were captivated by the generous size of this home, boasting 5,000 square feet on a sprawling 1.75-acre lot. This provided us with the confidence that we could grow and evolve within the residence, making it a truly long-term investment.

The harmonious blend of the enchanting natural environment, the ethereal light that permeated throughout the space, and the ample room to grow allowed us to envision the house as our dream home. By retaining the farmhouse’s inherent charm while seamlessly incorporating contemporary design elements, we crafted a space that combines modern sensibilities with timeless allure.

Rip & Tan: Was there a specific inspiration or through-line for the redesign?

Jordan Carlyle: For inspiration, we wanted to create a peaceful haven from the hustle and bustle of the city, a calming and soothing place to relax all year round. I’m equally partial to traditional and contemporary design, so we aimed to modernize the interior while preserving the charm and character of the farmhouse. Our through-line was a mix of vintage and contemporary elements, creating a balance between old and new world influence.

Rip & Tan: Before you arrived, the home was arguably more farmhouse, less modern—how did you decide which elements to keep and which to upgrade?

Jordan Carlyle: I’d say that when I first arrived at the Georgian Colonial farmhouse in East Hampton, it had a very old-fashioned interior that hadn’t been updated. My partner and I loved the exterior, but we knew we wanted to modernize the interior while preserving the façade.

We decided to renovate the farmhouse top-to-bottom, keeping some original elements such as the 18th-century front door and pine wood floors, while adding new additions such as Moroccan limestone vanities and counters, reclaimed wood beams and ceilings, and floors made of 300-year-old Bar Gris limestone salvaged from a farmhouse in France. We also chose a mix of vintage and contemporary furniture and furnishings to balance old and new world influence in the space.

Rip & Tan: Do you have any tips for balancing old and new world influence in a space?

Jordan Carlyle: When it comes to balancing old and new world influence in a space, I recommend choosing a few key vintage or antique pieces to anchor the space and mixing them with modern furnishings and accessories. I also suggest selecting neutral color palettes that can be accented with pops of color or texture to add interest.

Rip & Tan: What were some of your non-negotiables for the space?

Jordan Carlyle: My non-negotiables for the space were preserving the charm and character of the farmhouse while modernizing the interior. We kept the original 18th-century front door and pine wood floors, but added new elements to create a modern, peaceful space.

Rip & Tan: Are there any particular rooms you gravitate toward more often? Or have a particular fondness for after redesigning the space?

Jordan Carlyle: I have a particular fondness for the family room, where we can usually be found catching some sun in the morning. The space gets perfect morning light, and I love the view into the garden.

Rip & Tan: What’s one thing modern interiors could use more of? One thing you’d like to see less of?

Jordan Carlyle: In my opinion, one thing that modern interiors could use more of is personality. Too often, modern interiors can feel sterile and lacking in character. By incorporating unique elements that reflect the homeowner’s personality and interests, the space becomes more inviting and personal.

On the other hand, I would like to see less of the overly trendy and cookie-cutter designs. While they may be popular in the moment, they can quickly become outdated and lack the timeless appeal that a truly personalized space can offer.

Rip & Tan: In primarily neutral tones, the interior is still rich with depth and a sense of intrigue. What advice do you have for using neutrals in new and interesting ways?

Jordan Carlyle: When working with primarily neutral tones in a space, it can be challenging to create depth and intrigue without the use of bold colors. However, one can achieve this by experimenting with a variety of textures, patterns, and materials.

By mixing and layering different shades of neutrals, one can create a sense of dimension and visual interest. Incorporating natural materials such as wood, stone, and plants can also bring a touch of warmth and texture to a neutral space.

Artwork is another great way to add intrigue to a neutral space. One can introduce pops of color, interesting shapes, or unique forms that break up the neutral palette. This approach can be especially effective when one wishes to create a focal point in a room, drawing the eye in and creating a visual centerpiece.

In essence, using neutrals in new and interesting ways requires a bit of experimentation with different materials, textures, and patterns. It is a delicate balance between creating a space that is visually engaging, while also maintaining a sense of understated elegance and inviting calmness.