Summer Idyll: A Covetable, Low-Key Beach House on Shelter Island by Workstead

Photography by Matthew Wiilliams

This modest 1940s shingled home on Shelter Island was at one time owned by Giorgio DeLuca, the cofounder of legendary NYC food emporium Dean & DeLuca; new owner Nick Gavin cold-called Workstead to give it an update. Here's a look.

Workstead designed a glass-door-encased breezeway to connect the addition to the older structure.

The couple retained the original ceramic tiles in the main living spaces; they’re cool underfoot during the hot summer months.

The team also retained the original pine-paneled cathedral ceilings in the main spaces.

A custom steel-framed daybed with a linen French-rolled mattress from Ruby Beets anchors a corner off the kitchen/dining area.

In the kitchen (and throughout the house), the team spec’ed a brass Vola faucet.

In the guest bath, an Elm Mini basin sink from Kast Concrete is paired with a midcentury Danish mirror.

Throughout the house Workstead installed wood shutters to regulate light.

The main bedroom has four exposures, plus the original paneled ceiling and wood shutters.

The couple’s daughter, Greta, now has her own bedroom post-remodel.

“We were inspired by a Donald Judd bathroom in the design for the main bathroom,” Nick says.