No detail is spared in a Merrell-designed kitchen, the focal point of many a Hamptons home.

James Merrell “gets” what summer in the Hamptons is all about. The stylish architect/designer’s clients want their summer homes to feature the latest and greatest in every room of the residence, including the kitchen. “For most Hamptons homeowners, it’s all about the beach and good food,” says Sag Harbor, N.Y.-based Merrell, whose unique design philosophy stems from apprenticeships with renowned sculptors, and experience in theater set design and construction at the Julliard School. While Merrell has won awards for both modern and traditional design, he does not claim to have a signature style. Rather, he says good design is achieved by the right mix of composition, good natural light, great views and spatial harmony.

“When it comes to homes in the Hamptons, the most important element of the property is typically the view and, after that, it’s all about the kitchen,” says Merrell. “The kitchen has become so much more than just a utilitarian place to prepare food.”

In fact, in many homes, Merrell says the kitchen is the “it” room, the central gathering spot—especially during the summer. “Kitchens are where people socialize, entertain or just chill out,” says Merrell. “It is not uncommon to see kitchens in excess of 800 square feet in size, and often the space has incredible views that we try to take advantage of.”

In addition to stunning ocean vistas, a typical Hamptons kitchen area may also offer great views of charming harbors and mellow wetlands. Merrell delights in making the most of natural surroundings and lighting, fulfilling the wishes of his discerning clients.

Views from the kitchen are just as important for Hamptons homeowners as the “must-have” double dishwashers, Sub-Zero refrigerator, automatic ice machine, espresso station, warming drawer and wine cooler. So, naturally, the stools at the center island often offer some of the most dramatic ocean views in the house.

A touch of whimsy might show up in the form of a wood-fired, beehive pizza oven, notes Merrell. Guests can enjoy wine or cocktails while the oven heats up, and hosts can turn pizza-making into a fun casual cooking experience. Another trend Merrell sees in today’s Hamptons kitchens is the return of the butler’s pantry in lieu of over-counter storage cabinets. Today’s version is, of course, oversized, with plenty of space to stow away even small appliances, such as coffee makers and toasters, to allow the kitchen to remain clutter-free.

Open layouts are quite popular, says Merrell, whose clients often like the idea of a spacious state-of-the-art kitchen that opens out to the family room, bar or living room.

It all comes down to what the clients want—and how he can help them achieve their vision. Says Merrell: “In dream interpretation the house is viewed as the symbol of the self. Designing homes provides people with the best opportunity to express themselves, and that is what we help them do.”  -Teri Borseti

Visit James Merrell Architects, PC at http://www.jamesmerrellarchitects.com