Cami Weinstein is no stranger to the communities of Long Island’s eastern end. “My husband and I have had a second home in Montauk for over 20 years,” says Weinstein, who is an interior design expert and owner of Cami Designs, LLC. As the couple has focused more of their time living in the NYC area, Weinstein says, “We find we are spending more time out east.” And since Weinstein regularly works on area projects that necessitate a place to meet clients, a Hamptons location for Cami Designs seemed a logical next step.
Once Weinstein found her Hamptons location—8 Main Street in East Hampton—she set about transforming the space to reflect her aesthetic. “When you first walk in there is that bold wallpaper wall from CW Stockwell and Voutsa,” says Weinstein. This is an updated version of an iconic design famously used in The Beverly Hills Hotel. “It immediately lets you know you are not in some cutesy beachy shop—but in a much more interesting place.”
Weinstein notes that some visitors seem drawn first to the custom upholstery. Meanwhile, others gravitate to the artwork, about which she is passionate. “We also have a rotating collection of art for purchase displayed,” she says. “Currently we have works by Jim Zver, a California artist who focuses on collages available. We also have a couple of custom-made chairs displayed—both for style and to try out!”
Above: Artwork by Jim Zver, Martinique Wallpaper by CW Stockwell & Voutsa, custom chairs with hand dyed fringe, custom designed and fabricated occasional table from Marc Weinstein, and a Loro Piana custom throw (offered for sale in studio).
The Evolution of Cami Designs’ Hamptons Location
The studio’s public-facing nature originally made Weinstein consider how commercial she should make this venture. “The space is on a retail level, and I thought about creating a shop,” she says. “But at this point, display vignettes are working better and pop-ups are regularly drawing people in. I feel if I opened a shop too at this moment, it would take away from my clients and the work I am currently doing. And my clients are always my first priority.” Weinstein also uses the studio for meetings with clients and vendors, lunches and other gatherings. “We will definitely be hosting events both to the trade and to homeowners and vendors moving forward,” she adds.
Happily, one of Weinstein’s early events was a gathering to christen the space and welcome friends, neighbors and colleagues from the design community to her new Hamptons location. “We did have a soft opening in conjunction with aspire magazine, and it drew a large crowd with friends, walk-ins, clients, vendors and architects flowing into the courtyard,” she shares. “Everyone had a great time and was excited about Cami Weinstein Designs, LLC being part of the East Hampton community.”
Seeing the Future of Cami Designs
Weinstein’s continuing slate of work in the area has been reassurance that she selected the right location. “We are working on some projects in NYC, a beach cottage in Quogue and a home in Chappaqua,” says Weinstein. “The office space is my lab for ideas and pieces that I find interesting.” But will the studio be a forever home for Cami Designs or the next step in a continuing evolution? “Having a space in the Hamptons feels completely right at this time and for the foreseeable future,” she says.
As the business continues to expand and require additional employees, Weinstein admits she may eventually need even more space. But whether the stay at this Hamptons location is brief or more permanent, Weinstein would not change how she approached its design. “I think it has been a fun journey,” she says, “and worth the time it has taken to get the space to feel right.”
Studio visits are currently by appointment only; learn more at camidesigns.com.
Want hear more from Cami? Read our Designer Friday interview with her.
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