A Beach Home in Quogue, NY

“Nothing is more fatal to happiness than the remembrance of happiness.” -Andre Gide

All of sudden the temperature dropped, and my window air conditioning unit found itself being wrapped up in its blanket for the winter season. I glanced out the window and noticed that the amber ivy leaves had fallen off their webs of branches and left the brick walls naked. I am already longing for the lush summer and healthy green leaves again.

And so, as the chilly days wrap themselves around the city, I fantasize and will recall my summer weekend at some dear friends’ beachfront home in Quogue, New York, with the warmth and precisely arranged subtle atmosphere of being amongst friends and their home.

Some of my friends and acquaintances do what most well-off Manhattanites do: spend a large amount of summer weekends at their comfortable weekend homes. These homes become a desirable playground, and rightfully they are usually designed to represent another part of the owners’ flair and taste. Often, I am privileged to be invited to these getaways, and find myself being surprised at displays of wealth or blindness in good taste. However, I am also surprised at myself for not being in my work mode, as I forego contributing any professional advice. Certainly, I would be the first to advise others to keep their opinions slip covered with polite comments when asked of opinions.

At times, I am genuinely encouraged to acknowledge their good taste and beautiful environments. Herein, I find myself using complimentary words that are not enough when I remember these good spaces. Moreover, I am compelled to share with my blog readers the images I snapped during my visit. Truthfully, the sweet and poignant vignettes are surprising to me, but I found the interior details soothing, helping me slip more easily into relaxation mode. I almost felt as if in a resort somewhere far away. So, as the cold days nip, I cherish the memories of those warm interiors, which help me appreciate my friendships with hosts so far away from the urban jungle of Manhattan.

Photos by D.B. Kim.