Salvatore Piazzolla and Grant Wilfley Find Comfort in Southampton

Salvatore Piazzolla and Grant Wilfley found solitude when stumbling upon what inevitably was their dream home in the comforting community of Southampton.

Their house was built in 1982 and is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs. The house originally boasted large arches and curves throughout, but they had a vision of modernizing those angles to reflect a sleeker appeal while keeping in tune with the original beauty. One way this was executed was by installing large black frame floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that mirror the same style. Broadening the windows invited a healthy flow of natural light.

Wilfley is a well-respected casting director with his own company, Grant Wilfley Casting, holding a prominent presence in New York City. Piazzolla founded the high-end sunscreen company Hampton Sun 18 years ago and has most recently formed an exciting partnership with Rande Gerber, where the company has had a rebranding, taking it to the next level. It is not your average sunscreen, as Hampton Sun offers skincare ingredients while hydrating and actively protecting skin.

With an inviting entryway that bleeds vibrancy into the dark shingled house, there is a sense of belonging when entering the residence. A round oak table that is a family heirloom grounds the central area, with curated art as a colorful backdrop. In a clever execution, the wallpapered ceiling appears as wood panels, playfully deceiving the eye.

Piazzolla and Wilfley worked in collaboration with architect and designer Mark Curley to tackle the renovation and design process. “Mid-century meets contemporary and clean is how I blend my design style,” Piazzolla said. “You can tell it’s a warm, comfortable and livable space that you can be relaxed in.”

The main living space provides a vast palette of design, all the while explaining to the viewer that clutter is not of need to provide depth, with every item having its place and home. Many vintage pieces grace the space with 1st Dibs and Etsy being strong go-to platforms, as well as items such as a lamp from Aerin Lauder that blends naturally in the space and an inviting sofa from Homenature.

A Restoration Hardware table grounds itself in the main dining area with custom chairs that respond as a perfectly casted balancing act. A bold focal point is the large chandeliers that drape above.

Piazzolla commented on the kitchen renovation, saying, “What we did was square everything off and put wooden planks on the side. We went with black marble on the island and white on the countertops where the contrast would blend in the space.”

The media room brings a hearty ambiance with dark ebony walls and accents such as a vintage leopard print chair and a large window that presents itself as a frame to the greenery outside, bringing a contrasting dance to the dark tones of the interior. Sloping off to the side is a dry bar that has Hermès wallpaper encompassing the walls and ceiling, graced with a vintage Murano glass light fixture.

Phillip Michael, Oz VanRosen and Nick Baratta are just a few of the artists whose work resides in the residence, acknowledging a true homage to local artists and the well-archived historic art scene in the Hamptons.

Serenity and a sweet dreamy factor is represented in the bedrooms, with neutrals and playing a key degree of design and grass cloth walls that promote density to a simplistic approach. A nod to a well-traveled life, a Nordic rug brings a guest bedroom desired “hygge.”

The master boasts a substantial walk-in wardrobe connected to the en suite, which had been a bedroom before it was converted into their bathroom.

With floor-to-ceiling white marble slabs, it is a promising choice to maintain purity in design. The custom cabinetry by Gary Ciuffo of Ciuffo Cabinetry that was installed in the dressing room and bathroom vanity brings sleek profundity and keeps on theme of utilizing local talent.

“I love the relaxed feeling the home has, with having the sense of contemporary style that translates to livable luxury,” Piazzolla said. “Being out east is really special. It’s truly a community with entrepreneurs and extraordinary talent that brings such a great mindset to the area.”