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When painter Irina Alimanestianu acquired her early-19th-century residence in Southampton, New York, she immediately recognized its potential, not just as a home, but as a crucible for her artistic endeavors. The property’s original primary bedroom, a highly desirable ground-floor space boasting generous dimensions and large windows on three sides overlooking a lush garden, presented itself as an ideal canvas for her creative pursuits rather than her private sleeping quarters. This unconventional prioritization of artistic function over conventional residential layout set the stage for a series of transformative renovations, beginning with a significant overhaul to establish dedicated art spaces.
The Genesis of a Creative Sanctuary: Phase One Prioritizes Art
Upon purchasing the historic Southampton property, Alimanestianu swiftly embarked on an ambitious initial renovation phase in collaboration with architects Emma Fuller and Michael Overby of Fuller/Overby. Their immediate task was to convert the prime ground-floor bedroom into an expansive, airy art studio, precisely aligning with Alimanestianu’s vision for a functional and inspiring workspace. This strategic decision underscored her commitment to her craft, demonstrating a willingness to adapt her living arrangements to foster an optimal environment for painting.
Beyond the main studio, the architects also oversaw the conversion of an existing shed on the property into a specialized plein air spray paint studio, offering a dedicated space for specific artistic techniques that might require ventilation or an outdoor setting. Complementing these creative zones, an art archive was meticulously constructed in the basement, providing essential storage and organization for her completed works and materials. This initial wave of renovations, completed shortly after her move, cemented the house’s identity as a vibrant artistic compound, tailored specifically to Alimanestianu’s professional needs.
However, this extensive focus on her artistic requirements meant that her personal living space received secondary consideration. Alimanestianu’s private chambers were relegated to a modest, often overlooked area in the home’s attic. This space was characterized by its constraints: a cramped, dim bedroom featuring only a single small window offering a limited view of the garden, further compounded by an enclosed bathroom and closet that significantly reduced the room’s usable footprint and amplified its sense of confinement.
The Evolution of a Primary Suite: A Second Phase of Transformation
Approximately three years after settling into her home and completing the initial studio renovations, the need to address the deficiencies of her private attic sanctuary became paramount. By 2024, the "cramped, dim bedroom" was deemed ripe for a transformation, a critical step towards enhancing her overall quality of life within the meticulously crafted artistic abode. Irina Alimanestianu once again enlisted the expertise of Fuller and Overby, tasking them with converting the attic space into an inviting, livable, and aesthetically pleasing primary suite.
The architects were presented with a clear mandate: to infuse the attic bedroom with natural light, employ thoughtful color schemes, and forge a stronger connection to the rear garden, despite the inherent challenges of the existing structure. The core challenge lay in dismantling the perceived rigidity of the attic’s original layout, literally and figuratively "thinking outside the box" to reimagine the room’s borders and foster a more fluid relationship between its various zones.
Architectural Ingenuity: Crafting Spaciousness from Constraint
Fuller and Overby approached the attic renovation with a philosophy centered on maximizing perceived space and light. The existing enclosed bathroom and closet were identified as primary culprits for the room’s cramped feel. By eliminating these internal barriers and rethinking the conventional separation of functions, the architects aimed to create an open-plan primary suite that felt significantly larger and more integrated.
A key design strategy involved the introduction of curvilinear forms, a departure from the traditional rectilinear lines often found in early 19th-century architecture. These gentle curves, evident in the walls, partitions, and built-in elements, serve to soften the angularity of the attic space, guiding the eye smoothly through the room and creating an illusion of boundless flow. This design choice is not merely aesthetic; it strategically blurs the boundaries between the sleeping area, bathing zone, and dressing room, fostering a sense of expansive continuity.
To address the limited natural light, the architects strategically incorporated new light sources and reflective surfaces. While the original article does not detail specific window additions, Emma Fuller’s statement about the window being "more of a French door" in the completed suite suggests a significant alteration to enhance the garden connection and bring in more light. Additionally, the integration of a skylight in the bathroom area, coupled with judicious placement of mirrors, amplifies the diffusion of natural light, ensuring that even the previously dim corners are brightened. This thoughtful manipulation of light and reflection is crucial in transforming a formerly dark attic into an airy retreat.
A Symphony of Materials and Textures: The Pastel-Toned Palette
The material and color palette chosen for the primary suite were instrumental in achieving the desired ambiance of calm and sophistication. The ceiling throughout the primary suite was painted in Farrow & Ball’s Blackened, a muted, atmospheric shade that provides a subtle depth without overwhelming the space. This choice acts as a sophisticated canopy, contrasting yet harmonizing with the lighter tones below.
For the waterproof surfaces around the vanity and bathtub, Sobro Studios applied a tadelakt finish in a tone reminiscent of Farrow & Ball’s Calamine. Tadelakt, a traditional Moroccan lime plaster, is renowned for its seamless, smooth, and naturally waterproof properties, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms. Its slightly variegated, soft appearance contributes to the suite’s organic and tactile quality, further enhancing the sense of a handcrafted, bespoke environment. This material not only offers practical benefits but also introduces an element of artisanal luxury and a subtle, blush-like hue that defines the bathing area.
The flooring throughout the suite is a custom-tinted superquartz plant-based poured resin by Senso. This contemporary choice highlights a commitment to both modern aesthetics and potentially sustainable practices. Plant-based resins offer an eco-friendlier alternative to traditional synthetic resins, aligning with a growing demand for environmentally conscious building materials. The seamless nature of poured resin flooring further contributes to the suite’s expansive feel, creating an uninterrupted flow that enhances the perception of space and allows the curvilinear forms to stand out.
Custom millwork, handcrafted by Alex Chay of AAA General Contractor NJ LLC, plays a significant role in defining the suite’s functionality and aesthetic. Notably, the thin-frame rattan doors in the dressing room area introduce a delicate, natural texture that adds warmth and visual interest. Rattan, a sustainable and renewable material, complements the overall organic and refined aesthetic, providing subtle ventilation and a soft divider without creating harsh visual breaks.
The sleeping area is anchored by a curved headboard wall adorned with Dedar’s Iris relief wallpaper. This choice introduces a luxurious, textural element that adds depth and sophistication to the bedroom zone. Relief wallpaper, with its raised patterns, creates subtle shadows and highlights, imbuing the wall with an artistic dimension that resonates with Alimanestianu’s profession.
Window coverings, carefully selected from Gretchen Bellinger, further refine the light and privacy control. The sheers, "Airy Tales," offer a delicate diffusion of light while maintaining a connection to the outdoors, while the silk curtains, "Look and Glisten," provide a more opaque layer for privacy and insulation, adding a touch of understated elegance and sheen. The layering of these fabrics allows for versatile control over the room’s ambiance throughout the day.
The "Elevated Pod": A Self-Contained World
Emma Fuller aptly describes the completed suite as an "elevated pod," and Michael Overby characterizes it as "its own little world." This description encapsulates the success of the renovation: a space that, despite its attic location, feels detached from the conventional structure of the house, offering a unique, self-contained sanctuary. The strategic placement of a bathtub in a space with less clearance exemplifies the architects’ innovative approach to utilizing every square foot, transforming previously awkward or wasted areas into functional and luxurious elements. This thoughtful design ensures that the suite, though compact in its original form, now feels spacious and intentionally crafted.
The suite’s stylistic distinction from the rest of the 19th-century house is a deliberate choice. While the original structure maintains its historic charm, the attic suite embraces a more contemporary, almost futuristic aesthetic with its smooth curves, seamless finishes, and pastel tones. This contrast creates an intriguing dialogue between old and new, allowing Alimanestianu to retreat into a personal oasis that reflects a modern sensibility while residing within a historic envelope. The design speaks to a bespoke approach where the private quarters become a deeply personal expression, unburdened by the stylistic demands of the broader home.
Implications and Broader Impact
This renovation by Fuller/Overby for Irina Alimanestianu serves as a compelling case study in several contemporary architectural and design trends.
- Adaptive Reuse and Creative Space Allocation: The project highlights the increasing trend of homeowners re-evaluating traditional room functions to better suit their lifestyles, particularly for creatives. Prioritizing an artist’s studio in a prime ground-floor location and subsequently transforming a neglected attic into a luxurious primary suite demonstrates a flexible and highly personalized approach to home design.
- Wellness-Oriented Design: The emphasis on natural light, soothing pastel colors, tactile finishes like tadelakt, and a fluid, open layout aligns with the growing demand for homes that promote well-being and tranquility. The "elevated pod" concept suggests a desire for private sanctuaries within the home, offering respite from external demands.
- Sustainable and Artisanal Material Integration: The use of plant-based resin flooring and the traditional tadelakt finish, alongside custom-built millwork with rattan, showcases a blend of cutting-edge sustainable materials with timeless artisanal craftsmanship. This reflects a conscious choice towards durable, beautiful, and potentially eco-friendlier building solutions.
- The Power of Curvilinear Architecture: In an era often dominated by sharp angles, the project demonstrates how soft, curvilinear forms can dramatically alter the perception of space, creating a sense of flow, intimacy, and sophisticated modernity, especially within challenging attic geometries.
- Value Enhancement in Historic Properties: Thoughtful renovations that blend modern functionality with respect for historical context can significantly enhance the value and desirability of early-19th-century homes in prestigious locations like Southampton. The transformation of a previously undesirable attic space into a bespoke, high-end primary suite represents a substantial improvement to the property.
Project Credits:
The successful execution of this intricate renovation was a testament to the collaborative efforts of a skilled team:
- General Contracting & Millwork: Alex Chay, AAA General Contractor NJ LLC, who brought the intricate millwork and overall construction to life.
- Plumbing Fixture Consultant/Supplier: Michael Hodge of AF New York, ensuring high-quality and aesthetically fitting plumbing solutions.
- Plaster Wall Finishes: Jason Tackmann of Sobro Studios, masterfully applying the tadelakt finish.
In conclusion, Irina Alimanestianu’s Southampton home stands as a remarkable example of how thoughtful architectural intervention can transform seemingly challenging spaces into functional, beautiful, and deeply personal sanctuaries. From prioritizing a vibrant art studio to crafting an "elevated pod" of a primary suite, the collaboration with Fuller/Overby has resulted in a dwelling that not only supports an artist’s professional life but also provides an inspiring and unique haven for personal repose, seamlessly blending historical context with forward-thinking design.
