There’s just something about a shingled home on Long Island that feels timeless, especially when the rambling interiors are warm, inviting, and have cozy charm. But that perfectly undone feeling doesn’t happen overnight, especially if a home has fallen into disrepair or has had an unlucky run of renos. Designer Nina Carbone knows this well, and brings her historically-minded yet relaxed touch to the table in those instances. When a Brooklyn family of four hired her to tackle the refresh of an 1890s North Fork house, she brought in a host of comforting paint colors, unfussy furnishings, and textural layers.
In the kitchen, that meant no new built-in cabinetry; instead, Carbone opted for something readymade that would blend in but not force the “I’m original” feeling. In choosing McGee & Co.’s Phillips Cabinet, she got the best of both worlds.
For starters, the piece was “the perfect color,” according to the designer, pointing out that it matched the other light gray cabinets in the space. Most of all, it was a win for the budget. “We didn’t want to add more built-ins—we were never going to be able to match the existing cabinetry and it would’ve felt like overkill,” she shares. “So, we decided to go less expensive and higher character here. It became our storage savior.”
Made entirely of oak, the highly-rated cabinet is finished with sliding reeded glass doors and antique brass handles that cover solid wood shelves and built-in drawers. The green-gray finish is intriguing, but doesn’t draw the eye as a bold statement. It could easily be mistaken for made-to-order, and we wouldn’t blame you for not correcting the mistake.
In the same vein, Carbone blended custom and off-the-shelf finds throughout the rest of the home in a masterful way. Bespoke upholstered headboards and armchairs, as well as vintage pieces, mingle with an Anthropologie chandelier, Williams-Sonoma barstools, and a Pottery Barn sofa.
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