Montauk Family Home
Brought to life by designer and owner Nina Freudenberger, Montauk Family Home recalls the history of its coastal enclave through unfussy materials and a spattering of punchy hues that inject life and fun.
Formed around a deeply personal brief for an interior designer and her family, Montauk Family Home is a cherished summer getaway perched on a pristine lakefront. In tune with the maritime history that underpins the peninsula, the residence is resilient and easy-going, filled with an array of eclectic pieces that tell the story of those who live here.
“My family and I were searching for our dream East Coast retreat when we discovered a rare contemporary property with expansive green space and lake views,” recalls Nina Freudenberger, principal and founder of Freudenberger Design. An unexpected find for this location, the existing construction formed the framework for a rich yet grounded escape in keeping with the surrounding vernacular as an honest response to an active lifestyle. “I have two kids under ten, therefore making sure it was a place for them to create memories of leisure and summer fun was critical – no fussiness allowed,” muses Freudenberger.
Embracing the quirks of the original architecture, the wood-filled dwelling deploys strategic layering to instil an effervescent sense of whimsy. “The contemporary structure offered soaring volumes and expansive lake views but lacked warmth and personality,” explains Freudenberger. “I expanded the living room, reworked the kitchen and bathrooms, and introduced white oak panelling, sculptural millwork and custom built-ins to create a more liveable and cohesive interior.” Formality and ease coexist across the spatial arrangement, where open communal spheres stretch effortlessly into the outdoors, against a backdrop of orderly columns, rhythmic trusses and subtle symmetry.
Slip-matched veneers adorn walls and cabinetry in a variety of ways for a continually evolving expression of craft. Inspired by a visit to Charlotte Perriand’s Méribel chalet, pops of primary red are neatly inserted as alluring counterparts to an earthen palette – a curious floor lamp, washroom sconces, occasional chairs and checkered flourishes, among others. Here, a prevailing feeling of lo-fi authenticity resonates in a choreographed dance between vibrance and raw tonality. “Built-in bunk beds for the children, a den that shifts with Montauk’s changing light, and curated vintage pieces create a balance of restraint and eclecticism throughout the home,” adds Freudenberger.
In every room, personable moments imbue the residence in creative delight. Curvilinear kitchen stools hunker seamlessly into a central island bench, embellished by verdant green tile and pinkish mottled stone. Bathrooms share a similar resolve in striated marble basins and cork clad walls for a gently shifting colour story that captures the essence of the lakeside surrounds. “The home supports how we live, gather and rest, offering a relaxed yet intentional environment that allows our family to feel grounded, connected and fully at home in a place we are deeply drawn to,” concludes Freudenberger.
Recalling the coastal origins of this remote enclave, Montauk is a treasured escape for a young creative family. Through the lens of authenticity, the dwelling conveys longevity and ease amid a spattering of punchy hues that inject life and fun at every turn – informed by light, landscape and family life.
