ANNIE LESLAU’s SAG HARBOR EDIT 

words Karine Monie 

photos Kirsten Francis 

interior design Annie Leslau 

Once a quiet summer refuge, this 19th-century gem has grown into a multi-generational sanctuary. Located in historic Sag Harbor, the home was originally built in 1890 as a modest village shop—and today, thanks to interior designer Annie Leslau, it gracefully bridges past and present.

Leslau led a sensitive renovation, preserving original details like the exposed beams and antique windows while bringing in a fresh sense of lightness and flow. “The renovation is a testament to respecting history while embracing the future,” she notes. The result is a home that feels both lived-in and renewed—warm, timeless, and deeply connected to its story.

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AN ATMOSPHERE ROOTED IN WARMTH 

The design palette leans into soft, creamy tones—no cool hues allowed, per the homeowner’s wishes. Natural materials take center stage: aged wood, vintage textiles, marble, porcelain tiles, and unlacquered brass come together in a gentle rhythm that feels both tactile and intentional.

HONORING A LOVE FOR VINTAGE 

“The homeowner had a beautiful collection of vintage furniture she’d gathered over the years,” Leslau explains. “We began with her existing pieces and layered in understated classics—sofas, chairs, casegoods—that complemented the rustic elegance already present in the home.” Every element feels curated, but never precious.

BRIGHTER BY DESIGN 

Originally, the interiors were cloaked in dark-stained wood—walls, ceilings, everything. Leslau and her team sanded back years of heaviness to reveal the natural grain and brightness of the 19th-century planks beneath. “We wanted the space to feel like a real escape from the city: bright, airy, and calming,” she says.

HERITAGE, UPDATED

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While its soul remains intact, the home has been gently brought into the present.

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- The original hardwood floors were refinished to let their natural beauty shine.

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- The vintage windows were restored, not replaced, letting in light through the same glass panes that once served the village shop.

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- The kitchen, now a mix of state-of-the-art function and old-world charm, features marble countertops and an open, flowing layout.

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- Bathrooms were transformed into serene, spa-like retreats with walk-in showers, marble vanities, and polished nickel fixtures that nod to the past while feeling unmistakably current.

A STORY THAT FLOWS 

Leslau’s approach was all about continuity—creating a dialogue between old and new. The open plan connects former shop spaces with newer additions, making the transition between eras seamless. A quiet, minimalist sensibility prevails, allowing the historical textures—aged beams, restored floors, weathered windows—to take center stage.

“The house is more than just a home,” Leslau reflects. “It’s a piece of Sag Harbor’s story, still unfolding.”