Amy Kalikow Crafts A Beachy Hamptons Escape For East End Artist Stephanie Hirsch-Graf

By Annie Slania

Amy Kalikow crafts a beachy escape for her longtime friend, East End artist Stephanie Hirsch-Graf.

Custom beds add distinct character to the home’s aesthetic.

THE PRIORITY

Amy Kalikow, founder of her namesake design firm, was called on to create a serene East End getaway for her longtime friend, NYC- and Hamptons-based artist Stephanie Hirsch-Graf, and her husband and kids.

A Christian Woo bench sits in the entry under hanging pendant sculptures by Amulette.

“Stephanie and I have been friends for over 30 years,” Kalikow says. “We see eye to eye, so I knew exactly what she was looking for.” Kalikow is known for creating clean, dimensional and approachable spaces, which made her the perfect designer to take on this job.

A marble accent around the fireplace complements the subdued design of the space.

THE DESIGN

Cozy and peaceful, the abode is based on a neutral color palette accented by various textures and soft colors. Calmness reigns throughout the space, which bears high ceilings and many windows that flood the home with natural light. Benjamin Moore’s soft gray hue Horizon covers most of the bedrooms’ walls, while couches and sofas from Interlude, Nathan Anthony and Verellen populate the home.

Hollis Morris’ horizontal Willow pendant chandelier.

THE DETAILS

Hirsch-Graf ’s home is defined by openness and feels airy, and upon entering makes one feel instantly transported to a serene oasis. Outside, the backyard patio creates a vacationlike feel with cream-colored couches and tables from Gloster overlooking the pool. Plus, a long wooden table paired with white chairs offers plenty of space to entertain.

Wolf and Viking appliances in the kitchen

THE CHALLENGE

As with almost all projects executed throughout the pandemic, lead times were longer than expected, and Kalikow and Hirsch-Graf got creative by finding safe ways to work together. “We had all our meetings outside in my backyard—I only measured and came to the home when it was empty,” Kalikow says. “It was a crazy time.”

“We wanted a home that felt earthy and elegant,” says Hirsch-Graf.

THE OUTCOME

“We love what Amy did,” Hirsch-Graf says of the final result. “We wanted a home that felt earthy and elegant; we did not want a stuffy home. We wanted people to walk in and immediately feel at home and that they could just hang out—Amy was able to hit all these notes.” The picture-perfect space exceeded all of Hirsch-Graf’s expectations. Kalikow concludes, “It was a privilege to help her design her new home.”

A striking Luke Lamp Co. chandelier.