Since founding interior design firm Tilton Fenwick, designers Anne Foster and Suysel Cunningham have been on the fast track to the top, and their early success has opened many doors, including the one to the 2011 Hampton Designer Showhouse, which was sponsored by Traditional Home. it was the duo’s first experience designing for a show house, and they moved their office from New York City to East Hampton for the month of July in order to be on location as much as possible. They were happy to share their inspiration for the space, as well as a few things they learned in the process.

Their room was an oversized landing space in the home’s basement, or “lower level,” as they affectionately re-named it. Ample seating was very important for the design concept, which was achieved with two pairs of back-to-back banquettes, along with upholstered poufs on casters and two slipper chairs on swivels. The color palette was inspired by the surroundings and fresh-cut hydrangea: the Hamptons in the summer drew them towards bold greens, turquoise blues and pops of purple.

Although the show house was a significant expense to their newly established business, they felt the cost was more than justified by the exposure they received. Said Foster, “On opening night, co-chairs Alexa Hampton and Mario Buatta toured our room, pointing out their particular favorites of the space. it was a true ‘pinch us’ moment!”

Coordinating installation schedules in a show house is always a challenge when many different design firms are involved, but Foster and Cunningham received valuable advice from show house veterans Kevin isbell and Arden Stephenson to start and finish your room’s installation early. Being the early bird at the show house proved infinitely beneficial, from avoiding logistical complications like driveway traffic jams to being photo ready when the press rolls in.

Tilton Fenwick was founded in July 2010 by Anne Foster and Suysel Cunningham. Their work has been featured in Traditional Home, Lonny, Matchbook, NBC, All the Best Blog, Apartment Therapy and more. The designers were named one of Traditional Home’s 20 “New Traditional” designers for a style that mixes traditional and modern, with a focus on beauty in the details. For more on Tilton Fenwick, visit www.tiltonfenwick.com.