An icon of East Hampton for over 150 years, the Maidstone Hotel reopened last summer under LDV Hospitality, whose luxurious touch and la dolce vita ethos can be felt in every detail. While many elements (see: the revamped restaurant’s pasta-centric menu; a daily aperitivo hour served in the garden) lend an Italian sensibility, the refreshed interiors are firmly rooted in the Hamptons. LUXE checked in with interior designer Poonam Khanna of Unionworks to learn more about her artfully understated approach to the revamp.
Tell us about your inspirations for the redesign.
We wanted this to feel like an old family house that has been lived in by multiple generations, with the traces of time and filled with pieces old and new. We also looked to references that reflected simplicity, lightness and quiet in the guest rooms so that they would feel more expansive and calm.
What design elements make the public spaces special?
We love how the cane enclosure over the bar feels warm and glowy in the evenings. It also helped us hide some undesirable ceiling conditions and anchors the bar space. We hung racks for glasses below to add a touch of bouncy light. A vintage wood communal table in the bar area adds warmth to that space.
The dining room banquette and high gloss ceiling add comfort and a bit of delight to diners who can settle into soft seating under a reflective ceiling that makes the room feel bigger. The dark hunter green color is the same as the bar in the adjacent room. The reception desk is draped with a fishnet-type fabric for a little whimsy and fun. And we reupholstered Biedermeier and mid-century furnishings with a mix of fabrics that represent their respective periods.
What can guests expect design-wise in the hotel rooms?
All guest rooms have slipcovered headboards and very tactile floor rugs. Some are made from paper and others from a woven cork material. The spaces are painted in a buttery tone that allows the natural daylight to bounce and fill the interiors with brightness. Rattan light fixtures that look like fans adorn the ceilings. Each room has a mix of vintage and modern furnishings.
What mood do you hope the new interiors capture?
I hope guests enjoy the simplicity, warmth and whimsy of the renovated spaces. I hope it feels timeless, as though it belongs to a family that has lived here for multiple generations. I want people to feel bathed in comfort and relaxation when they visit.
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