In a monochromatic world, where a white box has become the default for bland real estate stage setting, a summer home painted to match a set of Hollywood veneers can feel cliché. Perhaps that’s why black and charcoal-gray facades and accents are trending on the East End. “I changed the trim on my shingled cottage from a greenish blue inspired by Martha Stewart to black,” says Hamptonite and Corcoran broker Arlene Reckson.
“I changed my roof to black. Right now, if you are doing shingles, or updating a modern home, black is the more desired color.” A black steel-beam structure at 27 Meadowlark Lane in Sag Harbor, encased in planks with a black-stained finish, is one example of the trend currently on the market.
Built in 2020 by Garnett-DePasquale Projects, the four-bedroom, six-bathroom house won an Archi Award commendation from the American Institute of Architects Long Island Chapter for its “quiet presence.” With 3,852 square feet, a wood-burning fireplace and a saltwater pool, it re-listed in March asking $7.49 million with Frederick Wallenmaier of Official.
And at 139 Seascape Lane in Sagaponack, a trio of two-story, black beam-and-glass structures are wrapped in Alaskan cedar-board siding. Designed by Bates Masi + Architects, the bold five-bedroom, eight-bathroom, 5,650-square-foot home is on the market for $15.5 million, with Shawn Egan of Serhant.
Still, the classic white summer home shouldn’t be so easily dismissed as flavorless, Reckson says. “At t.