LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
CLASSIC MEETS COASTAL
Designed by Amy Kalikow, this Sands Point residence is a luxurious waterfront haven that seamlessly combines timeless elegance with family-oriented functionality and stunning coastal vistas.
JESSICA HALL
PHOTOGRAPHY: RIKKI SNYDER
Amy Kalikow, the visionary behind Amy Kalikow Design, is renowned for creating sophisticated, livable spaces that blend high-end luxury with everyday functionality. With over two decades of experience, Kalikow’s design philosophy centers on understanding the unique needs of her clients and delivering timeless, elegant, and family-friendly designs. As both a designer and a mother, Kalikow merges beauty with practicality, ensuring her homes offer warmth and durability without compromising on style. “My design process always begins with understanding who my clients are and what their needs are,” Kalikow explains. “Having a family of my own makes me always mindful of making selections with that in mind—timeless, beautiful, and family-friendly.”
Builder Daniel Zarabi, known for his meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, collaborated closely with the Kalikow to deliver one of his most striking projects to date: a sprawling 20,000-square-foot residence located in Sands Point, Long Island. Overlooking Long Island Sound, this waterfront property offers breathtaking views and a design that caters to both intimate family living and grand-scale entertaining, seamlessly blending luxury with functionality.
The Sands Point home’s grandeur begins the moment one steps into the entryway, which posed a design challenge for Kalikow and her team. Originally an all-marble space, the client sought something more distinctive and engaging. Kalikow transformed the entry into a visually striking space by combining black and white marble. “Setting the stage for the entry to this stunning home was super important to us. We landed on a white and black marble mix, creating a design for the lower entry while keeping the upper landing and hallways more simple,” she notes. The final result is a welcoming, timeless entry that serves as an elegant prelude to the home’s overall aesthetic.
Inside, the home’s layout flows seamlessly from room to room, each space filled with natural light and uninterrupted views of the water. “From the upper floors, you see water from every window,” Kalikow shares. “The master bedroom was designed in soft shades of blue, echoing the beautiful hues of the surrounding water, creating a calm retreat.” This design philosophy extends to the children’s bedrooms as well, where window seats offer cozy nooks to enjoy the waterfront vistas.
Beyond aesthetics, the home was designed with the family in mind. The kitchen, created by renowned cabinetmaker Christopher Peacock, embodies this balance, offering a mix of functionality and sophistication. Clean white tones are complemented by custom-stained walnut accents, while a second island provides additional seating for family gatherings. “My clients are very family-oriented, and making a home where parents and kids can spend time together was at the cornerstone of all their design decisions,” Kalikow says. The kitchen’s thoughtful design ensures that it serves as both a family hub and a space for entertaining guests.
The home’s ability to accommodate both casual family life and more formal entertaining is further exemplified in the bar room and dining areas. While visually stunning, these rooms are designed for durability and comfort, with fabrics and materials selected for their ability to withstand the demands of a busy household. Oversized seating, luxurious textures, and a cohesive palette tie together spaces that are perfect for both children and adult guests.
Outdoor living is another key element of the Sands Point residence. The bar room opens up to an expansive outdoor seating area that mirrors the home’s interior sophistication while offering sweeping water views. Additionally, the lower-level cabana is designed with relaxation in mind, providing a casual, resort-like space where children and guests can enjoy the water without sacrificing comfort or style.
At every turn, Kalikow’s attention to detail shines through, particularly in her use of lighting and unique design elements. “I love to design spaces with a touch of whimsy and interest. Whether it’s unique lighting, wallpaper, or globally sourced furniture, we designed this home to feel comfortable, chic, and ready to welcome anyone that comes by,” Kalikow explains. In the master sitting room, for example, butterfly-themed wallpaper adds a sense of whimsy, while custom lighting fixtures elevate each space, providing both function and flair.
The Sands Point residence is a perfect embodiment of Amy Kalikow’s design ethos: a luxurious, elegant home that caters to the complexities of family living without compromising on style. From its thoughtful integration of indoor and outdoor spaces to its elegant yet functional interiors, the home is a masterpiece of modern residential design—a testament to Kalikow’s expertise in creating timeless spaces tailored to the lives of her clients.