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Chris Benz's Long Island Farmhouse: A Designer's Entertaining Oasis

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Fashion and interior design luminary Chris Benz has established a vibrant entertaining retreat on Long Island's South Shore. Drawing inspiration from fellow multi-homeowners, Benz recently acquired a charming farmhouse-style property in Brookhaven, intended specifically for hosting social events. This expansion follows his successful renovation of another Bellport residence with partner Peter Toumbekis and his continued influence in the design world through Cult Projects and Brooklinen. The new acquisition, a neglected structure from around 1900, presented a unique canvas for Benz's creative vision, which he skillfully transformed into an inviting haven for friends and guests. His meticulous approach to blending the home's historic charm with contemporary aesthetics has resulted in a distinctive space that balances functionality with a whimsical elegance.

The transformation of the Brookhaven farmhouse involved a comprehensive redesign, both indoors and out. Benz embraced the property's quirky layout, converting overlooked areas into captivating social zones, such as a bar/library adorned with vintage-inspired wallpaper and a bright great room overlooking the pool. The heart of the home, a custom stainless-steel kitchen island, exemplifies his dedication to creating exceptional spaces for interaction and culinary enjoyment. Outside, the landscape was thoughtfully reimagined with new pathways, vibrant plantings, and a pool shed transformed into a Japanese-inspired teahouse, further solidifying the property's role as an idyllic gathering spot. Benz's ability to infuse personality and purpose into every detail has made this second home a testament to his passion for design and hospitality.

A Designer's Vision: Crafting Social Sanctuaries

Chris Benz, a prominent figure in both fashion and interior design, has expanded his personal real estate portfolio with a distinctive purpose: to create the ultimate entertaining hub. His recent acquisition, a vintage farmhouse in Brookhaven, Long Island, serves as a dedicated venue for hosting dinner and cocktail parties, a playful nod to his observation of actress Jennifer Tilly's similar dual-home lifestyle. Benz, whose diverse career includes stints as creative director for Bill Blass and senior vice-president of design for Brooklinen, alongside running his renovation concierge service, Cult Projects, saw past the property's initial neglected state. He envisioned a space where friends could gather, relax, and socialize, transforming its once-disjointed rooms into cohesive, inviting environments that reflect his unique aesthetic.

Upon discovering the circa 1900 farmhouse, Benz was met with a maze of rooms, some devoid of natural light, and a sunken living room reminiscent of "Camelot." Despite these initial challenges, the home retained its original character, and the presence of a swimming pool presented a clear opportunity. Benz embraced this as a chance for unrestrained creative expression, aiming to craft a series of "liminal spaces" – areas designed for easy lounging and social interaction. He meticulously integrated modern elements while preserving the house's inherent charm. This included a striking bar/library decorated with Schumacher's Pyne Hollyhock wallpaper, a vibrant great room with contemporary furnishings for summer enjoyment, and a cozy sunken living room with a salvaged glazed brown tile mantel, perfect for winter gatherings. His design philosophy centered on creating continuity with the home's original spirit, ensuring that each space felt both fresh and deeply rooted in its history.

Outdoor Elegance and Culinary Delights

Beyond the farmhouse's interior, Chris Benz extended his design expertise to the outdoor areas, creating an equally enchanting environment for entertaining. Collaborating with Nelson Briggs of BPM Landscapes, Benz reimagined the grounds to complement the home's refreshed aesthetic. An unappealing asphalt driveway was replaced with elegant pea gravel and crushed oyster shells, framed by stately magnolias, creating a more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing approach. The rear garden underwent a significant transformation, with a deck removed and replaced by sophisticated stone steps, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal. A particularly innovative touch was the conversion of a pool shed into a Japanese-inspired teahouse, complete with traditional lanterns and a ceramic tile roof, offering a serene and unique gathering spot.

The culinary heart of Benz's entertaining farmhouse is undoubtedly its kitchen, a space he regards as the project's defining feature. Dominated by a custom stainless-steel island capable of seating up to ten guests, it quickly became the central gathering point for all who visited. Its exceptional design even left a lasting impression on Cooper Wehde, an executive producer of "The Bear," who stayed at the house and praised the kitchen as "truly exceptional" and a place everyone naturally gravitated towards. This space perfectly embodies Benz's commitment to creating functional yet stylish areas that foster connection and enjoyment. The success of the home as an entertaining haven is evident in guests' preference to stay there over Benz's primary residence, a clear indication of the inviting and convivial atmosphere he has so skillfully cultivated.

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AD's Essential Guide to Enhancing Your Outdoor Living Areas with the Finest Furnishings

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Transforming your garden or patio into a meticulously designed and inviting outdoor sanctuary is now more accessible than ever. The modern market offers an extensive array of superior outdoor furnishings and decor, enabling homeowners to extend their living space into the fresh air seamlessly. This guide delves into key pieces, from comfortable seating arrangements and versatile dining solutions to essential accessories like sun umbrellas and accent tables, all crafted to convert any outdoor area into a picturesque retreat. With a growing emphasis on utilizing exterior spaces as functional extensions of the home, the options for high-performance fabrics and stylish designs have expanded dramatically beyond traditional limited selections.

The editors at Architectural Digest have meticulously evaluated and selected the premier outdoor furniture available, highlighting their top choices and favored retailers. Our criteria prioritize exceptional design, convenient shipping options, and a diverse product range. Underlying these selections is an unwavering commitment to quality, with some items personally tested by our team. For practical advice on implementing these pieces, we consulted AD100 designer Mandy Cheng, who provided innovative techniques for creating a vibrant backyard escape. Additionally, Aista Sobouti, a landscape design expert from the esteemed AD100 firm Marmol Radziner, shared her insights on maintaining a timeless aesthetic for outdoor environments. Together, their expertise ensures that our recommendations will help your patio or garden truly flourish.

Creating an exceptional outdoor area involves thoughtful planning and selecting the right elements that reflect both style and functionality. From durable materials that gracefully age with time to expert tips on maximizing smaller spaces and choosing the perfect color palettes, every detail contributes to a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. It's about crafting a space that not only looks beautiful but also encourages active use and enjoyment throughout the seasons. The investment in quality outdoor furniture, coupled with strategic design choices, ensures a lasting and aesthetically pleasing extension of your home. By considering expert advice and embracing innovative solutions, you can cultivate an outdoor oasis that enhances your lifestyle and brings joy for years to come.

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California Native Realizes Dream West Village Apartment with Parisian Flair

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Caroline Bell, a California native, meticulously envisioned her ideal New York City residence. Her Pinterest boards were filled with images of renowned architect Gil Schafer's West Village pied-à-terre, a space she had admired in AD since 2020, and she had been actively seeking a similar property ever since. Bell's unique desire for a New York apartment that offered both a connection to nature and historical charm set her apart from many urban dwellers. When she finally discovered an apartment that met her specific criteria—high ceilings, classical Greek Revival moldings, and natural light filtering through mature trees—it felt like a dream fulfilled. Collaborating with Los Angeles-based interior designer Mike Moser, Bell embarked on transforming the 1,400-square-foot space into a reflection of her personal style, blending a light, feminine, and eclectic aesthetic with Parisian influences and a touch of Carrie Bradshaw's iconic flair. The design process focused on curating unique vintage pieces and maximizing every inch of the apartment for practical, stylish living.

Moser's design approach centered on creating distinct "moments" within the parlor, evoking the ambiance of a Parisian salon. He carefully selected each item, from an oversized Nordic Knots rug that surprisingly became a bold statement, to a vintage Josef Frank cabinet that cleverly serves as both an entertainment hub and a work-from-home station. Artworks by Keita Morimoto and Ed Ruscha were intentionally kept smaller to highlight the room's impressive vertical volume. The dining nook features a custom banquette, an Italian Art Deco table, and Osvaldo Borsani dining chairs, while a Félix Agostini sconce anchors the living area. Bell's private spaces, including her closet and primary bedroom, also received personalized touches, featuring an aluminum and alpaca stool by Brett Robinson, a rose-tinted vintage vanity, and a custom bed in pale blue suede with vibrant tangerine piping. This thoughtful curation of vintage finds and custom designs resulted in a home that is both elegant and deeply personal.

Curating a Dream: From California Vision to West Village Reality

Caroline Bell, originally from California, harbored a long-held vision for her New York City apartment. Unlike many New Yorkers, she sought a living space that offered views of lush greenery and possessed an inherent, old-world charm. Her aspiration was deeply influenced by Gil Schafer's West Village pied-à-terre, a design she had admired in Architectural Digest and pinned to her inspiration boards. This specific aesthetic became the blueprint for her relentless search for a home that deviated from the typical urban dwelling. When she finally stumbled upon an apartment that resonated with her precise desires—boasting impressive 13-foot ceilings, intricate Greek Revival moldings, and an abundance of natural light filtered through trees—she recognized it as the manifestation of her long-cherished dream. This discovery marked the beginning of a transformative design journey, as she prepared to infuse her personal style into the classic space.

Her search culminated in the perfect West Village apartment, a 1,400-square-foot space that, while already beautifully appointed by a previous owner, provided the ideal canvas for her unique vision. Bell teamed up with Los Angeles-based interior designer Mike Moser, known for his ability to craft distinctive living environments. Together, they embarked on a mission to transform the apartment into a space that Bell described as a blend of "Carrie Bradshaw-meets-Paris"—a style characterized by lightness, femininity, and a curated collection of pieces. Moser aimed to preserve the apartment's historical essence while introducing contemporary and personal elements. This involved a meticulous selection process, focusing on vintage finds and custom designs that would reflect Bell's sophisticated yet playful personality. The collaboration ensured that every design choice, from the overall color palette to individual decor items, contributed to a cohesive and deeply personal aesthetic, making her long-awaited New York home truly her own.

Thoughtful Design and Personal Touches: Crafting a Unique Urban Sanctuary

Mike Moser meticulously designed the apartment to evoke the intimate feel of a Parisian salon, cleverly segmenting the spacious parlor into distinct zones. Each area was conceived to serve multiple functions while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic, addressing the challenge of maximizing both horizontal and vertical space. A vintage Josef Frank cabinet, repurposed above a leather-topped game table, became a versatile entertainment and work-from-home area. Moser's approach extended to incorporating bold yet harmonious elements, such as a large, buttercream Nordic Knots rug in the parlor, which, despite its apparent risk for a high-traffic urban environment, created a dreamy, enveloping foundation for the room. Bell's personal art collection, including Andy Warhol's 'Lips' series, was thoughtfully integrated, with pieces chosen for their scale to complement the room's height rather than overwhelm it. This careful curation ensured that each design element contributed to the apartment's unique character and functionality.

The emphasis on personal collection and vintage finds was central to Bell's vision. She expressed a desire to acquire unique pieces through auctions and galleries, focusing on items from artists and designers she admired. Moser embraced this philosophy, sourcing pieces that not only fit the apartment's aesthetic but also possessed a timeless quality that could transition with Bell in the future. This approach was evident in the selection of an aluminum and alpaca stool by Brett Robinson for the closet, reflecting Bell's desire for every corner of her home, even functional ones, to have its moment of style. The playful yet refined aesthetic continued into the primary bedroom, featuring a custom pale blue suede bed with vibrant tangerine piping, harmonizing with a warm walnut-hued rug. Moser’s collaboration with Bell was characterized by a gradual, deliberate process, involving numerous rounds of accessory selection, ensuring that each item had a story and contributed to a deeply personal and collected home. This thoughtful design process transformed the apartment into an urban sanctuary that beautifully blended classic architecture with a light, feminine, and artistically curated interior.

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