Home Office Overlooking Northport Bay Earns Interior Design Society Award

A home office for an architect in his new waterfront home on Northport Bay in Asharoken earned an Interior Design Society’s first place “Designer of the Year” award in the home office category for Christine Conte, of Christine Conte Interiors of Huntington.

Part of a complete home design and build project, the 15-by-25-foot office was positioned at the far end of the home, away from the kitchen and family room, to ensure that noise would be kept to a minimum. 

“Flow and entertaining were prominent in designing this home and the rooms attach as a series with both a common hallway and open pass-throughs, so that you can see the whole house from one room to the other,” Conte says.

Though slated as a home office, the room was designed to function as a refuge for both work and relaxation.

“One side of the room was designed for the husband to work; the other side was designed for the wife, where she could leisurely enjoy some time reading, watching TV, or conversing with her husband while he worked,” explains Conte.

Step by Step

Before any plans were drawn up, Conte discussed with the clients what their vision for the space was, how it would function, and who would be using it. 

“It was designed in a transitional style: clean lines, with a  masculine nod,” says Conte.

Conte proceeded to plan out the space, choosing finishes and furnishings and creating design drawings which included a detailed ceiling plan, marble fireplace, and custom cabinetry.

Construction commenced with the marble fireplace, followed by custom millwork, ceiling installation, and furniture ordered. Next, wallpaper was installed, followed by furniture and then styling of the space, which included personal items the couple wanted to display.

Light and Textured with a Water View

For continuity Conte kept to a mix of soft gray hues with a hint of green accents, covering the walls with a Phillip Jefferies Greige Tweed fabric covering.  She used the same custom gray-stained finish for the ceilings and beams as on the custom-made cabinetry, which has raised diamond-shaped doors with concealed push latches. 

Made from natural woven wood, the window shades were chosen to dress the windows, let light in, and provide privacy at night.

In keeping with the design of the house, Conte selected doors and windows that would maximize both natural light and the water view.

“The side windows flanking the fireplace are nonfunctional doors,” she says. 

Furnishings for Utility and Aesthetics

To delineate the two separate areas of the room, Conte added a pair of matching custom textural white woven rugs.

In the workspace, Conte opted for a glass desk to keep the room light and bright. 

“It is, in reality, a glass dining table, custom sized,” she says.

Behind the desk is a built-in unit with concealed drawers and roll-out shelves for a printer, storage, and a large-lift TV. 

On the other side of the room, Conte added a custom chair-and-a-half, designed for maximum comfort without blocking the view, and a masculine/transitional style faux snakeskin bench and leather-wrapped floor lamp. 

Complementing the style of the room, Conte finished the design with art and period pieces, including an authentic vintage poster for over the fireplace and vintage umbrella stands from 1stDibs for the architect’s drawings and plans.

“The art deco martini table was selected for its reference to the Chrysler Building as an architectural element for an architect’s office,” she says.

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