Five Questions With Sean Bruns Of Old Town Crossing

Sean Bruns, the proprietor of Old Town Crossing, a Southampton Village interior design firm that recently moved to Hampton Road, shares his thoughts and advice on aesthetic and design.

The Press: You have run a successful business that is now celebrating 40 years in Southampton. In light of what you do for a living, what advice can you offer about curating a “timeless” look in one’s home?

Sean Bruns: Old Town Crossing, in 2007, began to turn its style to “the mix”; classic antiques, matched with some modern pieces, great mirrors, and art. We also tend to not get too much into what’s currently trendy. [We’re] going for an always “timeless” look that can be refreshed with small changes from time to time.

What word (or words) come to mind when describing the Hamptons aesthetic?

Coastal. Poolside. Beach. Spaces with a boathouse feel. Husbands and wives, children come to their Hamptons homes and everyone craves their spot, a nook, a space that is all their own where they can unwind.

What people, places, or things inspire your personal aesthetic?

Paris, Florence, the Hudson River Valley, fashion, Manhattan. My comfort and the comfort of my guests. A Sunday morning in my bed, dozing, enjoying the richness of my space and the things all around the room that make me smile with great memories. The work of great designers and showrooms that are out there right now …

What is your favorite room of a home to design?

This is a very tough one. I will cheat and give you my top three: the great room/main living room; the pool terrace, where the inhabitants have ongoing fun in the sun at the height of the Hamptons season; the master bedroom suite, where the day begins and ends, where one gets ready to go down to dinner or to head out to a fabulous event.

Is there a “make or break” item that you feel every home should incorporate into its design scheme?

A fabulous light fixture is a must, somewhere in any house. It can be a lantern or a chandelier, old or new, twinkly or not, but wow, a light fixture is important.