Downsizing does not have to mean compromising on style or personality.
A striking barn house designed by Elle Decor A-List interior designer Patrick Mele proves exactly that, blending eclectic English charm, East Hampton influences and bespoke artistry into a compact yet character-rich home.
At just 1645 square feet, the residence was conceived as a retreat for its owners who sought a more intimate space without losing the sense of sophistication and flair.
“It’s the perfect house for two people and the occasional guest,” said Mele.
“It’s what I would build for myself and my significant other.”
The project was as much about storytelling as it was about interiors.
Drawing on the homeowners’ diverse backgrounds—her years in London and his upbringing surrounded by art in East Hampton—Mele curated a home that feels both collected and lived-in.
The result is a layered, highly personal aesthetic.
The dining room makes the boldest statement. Clad floor-to-ceiling with more than 125 pieces of blue-and-white china sourced across New England, it transforms what could have been a modest corner into a dramatic showcase.
The primary bedroom, meanwhile, borrows from Greece, with whitewashed beams, pale blue upholstery, and a daring leopard-print carpet running wall to wall.
Throughout, the designer collaborated with an array of artisans and antique dealers to create one-off touches: decorative painter Matthew Tyrrell crafted custom lampshades; Stephen Dlouhy hand-painted the guest loft bed; and Van Gregory Wifvat with Kelly Bugden contributed a whimsical papier-mâché agave sculpture that now crowns the dining room.
What the house lacks in scale, it makes up for in outdoor living. A private courtyard and lap pool extend the sense of space, encouraging a seamless flow between inside and out.
Mele’s vision is a reminder that design can elevate even the most modestly sized homes.
With its artful mix of custom, vintage and hand-crafted pieces, this barn house is proof that downsizing can be done with boldness, wit and plenty of heart.
The project was as much about storytelling as it was about interiors. Picture: ELLE DECOR
Picture: ELLE DECOR
Blending eclectic English charm, East Hampton influences and bespoke artistry. Picture: ELLE DECOR
