pure simplicity

Maxwell Ryan’s East Hampton abode is a homage to the natural beauty of Scandi style

- Amy Moorea Wong

HOME PROFILE

THE OWNERS

Maxwell Ryan, founder of Apartment Therapy, his girlfriend Elly Castle, an artist, and Maxwell’s daughter Ursula, 13.

THE PROPERTY

A two-storey new build in East Hampton, New York. The ground floor has an entry foyer, living room, open-plan kitchen and dining room, plus a workshop, WC and two bedrooms. The first floor houses two en-suite bedrooms and the study, which overlooks the garden.

EXTERIOR

‘Inspiration for this house came from a photo I saw of a building — a dramatic black barn that really stood out from its surroundings. It was the coolest thing I’d ever seen,’ Maxwell says. ‘The silhouette of the house is the cleanest, richest shape that I could imagine.’

LIVING ROOM

The slatted screen is Douglas fir cut into thin strips. ‘It’s wonderful to see the light from the front of the house shining in, dappled through the screen,’ says Maxwell.

GET THE LOOK Find similar sideboard at SPIN. The slatted screen is by Hunter Douglas. Find similar glass vase at Oma Living. For decorative owl check out Chumbak.