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An Interior Hammock and Some Paint Brought This Bungalow Into Cozy-Cool Territory
The article details the renovation process of a vacation bungalow in Montauk, New York, by interior designer Robert McKinley and his wife, Kate Nauta. McKinley, known for his work on hospitality venues and fully shoppable vacation rentals, transformed a home largely covered in knotty pine paneling into a fresh, modern space while retaining its rustic charm. He specifically saw opportunity in the existing textured orange-toned boards, opting to refresh rather than demolish much of the original structure.
The renovation involved strategic use of paint, applying white, sage green, and National Geographic yellow to update the interior. McKinley also reconfigured the home’s layout, converting an upstairs art studio with ocean views into the main bedroom. The kitchen was opened up, and a yoga space was added. To enhance natural light, a former doorway was replaced with a large steel-paned window in the living room, and skylights were installed throughout the house.
Five key renovation ideas highlight McKinley’s approach. First, the fireplace received a bright facelift; instead of demolition, the designer cleaned the facade, applied a smooth plaster finish, and then a limewash, preserving its character. Second, the color palette was inspired by the surrounding mature trees, leading to the use of muted mossy green hues. This was implemented through kitchen floor tiles, checkered tub-shower walls, and an old-world limewash treatment in the media room that accentuated the pine paneling's grain. The bar nook, previously existing, was revitalized with a poppy red paint and pendant lights, turning it into a focal point. Third, one of the guest bedrooms maintains the original wood, with sloped ceilings and soffits evoking the feel of New England fishing cabins and artist retreats. An interior hammock in this space creates an ocean-like rocking sensation, contributing to a "collected and traveler–meets–salty old man by the sea" aesthetic.
Fourth, the kitchen features a Heath backsplash and Cabernet brown marble countertops, designed to subtly reference Montauk’s wetlands with their compressed clay and sand colors. McKinley consciously avoided recessed lighting, opting instead for protruding bulb fixtures to create a distinct ambiance. Fifth, given the bungalow's generous size of 4,200 square feet, McKinley incorporated oversized accents. An extra-large woven pendant shade hangs over the dining table, making the space feel cozy despite its scale. In the vaulted living room, a towering wicker basket filled with flowers draws the eye upward, complementing the room's height. These design choices collectively transformed the bungalow into a cozy-cool retreat.
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