Define someone's lifestyle in one acre at the end of the North Fork of Long Island.

An acre might not seem like much, but it certainly looks like it is in this case. This 2-story house with full basement and attic space was purchased at the end of 2006 to replace a more modest one about a mile away that was used only as a summer home. This one comes with ocean views from the second floor, and is located about one block from the waterfront in a substantially more exclusive part of Orient Point, which is famous for its reclusive but luxurious summer homes in the eastern seaboard's wine country. It is about a two and a half hour drive from Manhattan , the same distance as the Hamptons from the city, but without the traffic the sister South Fork busy resort area sees on a daily basis.

Paris Kostopoulos of Paris K Interior Design says of the project: "The owners bought a shell of a house that the previous developer had put together in a very traditional New England look. Almost square, very symmetrical, it nearly did not allow for any interventions. Where there are problems, however, there are always solutions, and where there is a will there is always a way. The owner, an avid art collector, was determined to make this a permanent home for the entire year, in contrast to the neighbors who visit mostly during weekends from spring to fall. Determined to use only the best quality construction materials and furnishings, she entrusted me with the entire design and renovation project, from the demolition of the first wall to the placing and lighting of the last candle -- which is what we specialize in! Lifestyle!"

"I made the 5-hour roundtrip commute weekly or bi-weekly, and in some cases stayed over for a couple of days until everything was seen through to completion. It was a commitment that paid off at the end with a home filled with a plethora of custom-designed spaces and furnishings creating a unique feeling of belonging for my client," says Paris Kostopoulos , the designer and project manager.

The entire residence was stripped down to bare walls. No plumbing fixtures in the bathrooms and no kitchen or other cabinets remained, just walls, some plumbing, and electrical wiring. "After the first drawings had been drafted and decisions had been made, we embarked on the long and daunting task of finding the right local contractor for the job. We hit the jackpot with Edgett Contracting, a young energetic local contractor who knew where to get everyone needed locally and left no problem unsolved. We commenced at full speed, finishing just before the 175-guest wedding of the client's son was to take place on the grounds. Every single part of the house and the grounds looked immaculate".

On the first floor, windows were moved by the kitchen to provide wall space for the Thermador stove, hood, and double ovens. The ceilings were reframed as coffered ceilings with cove lighting and pin spots for general lighting, and then covered in bead board to evoke a nautical look so appropriate for this historical region of maritime Long Island . A grand 3' by 8' center island with butcher block top was installed and a custom cement counter was poured over the custom-designed kitchen cabinets. The cement counter, stainless steel appliances, white cabinets, and wood were selected based on PKID's mission to use only simple natural materials for a look that is modern but traditional at the same time.

The den fireplace was surrounded with built-in bookcases, creating a seamless look all the way to the kitchen cabinets and providing a unity of space in this open plan first floor while distinctly separating the functions of each area. In the living room, a custom-designed sectional sofa provides maximum seating but is low enough to allow for the display of paintings by Francine Tint. The client wanted the triptych displayed in the den and living room to show behind the furniture, so the sofas were kept one foot away from the exterior walls. The antique armoire was re-finished at Renaissance Restoration in South Hampton, along with the unique antique 72" round dining table. The dining chairs were repainted a stark white from their original black to reflect the region's light and, to instill the classic within the modern, were reupholstered with a fantastic fleur de lis velvet/linen fabric set randomly and asymmetrically.

"We insisted that the client install a central stereo system connecting the two 60" TVs, hidden behind paneled doors, with the entire first floor and the outdoors so that there is music when needed for those summer gatherings. They were happily surprised to find that they were to use it sooner than expected. Very few people know that we also organized the 3-day wedding event at the end of June 2008 for the client's son. We were once again on the lookout for the best caterers and suppliers the Hamptons had to offer and we were not disappointed," said Paris Kostopoulos about the collaboration with a number of local top-notch suppliers and caterers that helped him achieve the 3-day grand event.

The uniquely designed Birds by Ingo Mauer chandelier enhances the feeling of the dining room. Sisal rugs with a 3" black border that frames and beautifully finishes the floor space were installed throughout the residence. Antique Burmese chests with sliding doors were placed in the second floor hallway to provide ample storage space across from the discreetly unobtrusive laundry closet. The large chests also frame a serene space that is not just a hallway but a conversation den with a private balcony overlooking the orchard at the front of the house. There are three individually themed guest bedrooms accented with different Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein linens. The guest bathroom is a calm oasis with all-white tiles and almost minimalist fixtures.

Finally, the master bedroom, where the owners spend much of their time, was enlarged to include a walk-in closet, a study/work area, a large bathroom clad in mahogany from floor to ceiling, and a custom pool shower. The master bed was designed by Paris Kostopoulos to fit all the requirements of the client, and was placed facing a 60" TV hidden behind paneled doors "so that it does not feel like a screening room all day but more like a calming space for people to relax."

Paris Kostopoulos concludes: "This has been a dream house for my clients and in many ways for me as well! Just the right amount of luxury, plenty of functionality, and lots of nature inside and outside made this a beautiful home. What came out at the end is that we did not just design a new home for our clients, but also defined their lifestyle, which is our main objective."