This ever-evolving Hamptons space is the new hybrid destination every design lover needs to know

This recently launched creative space in the Hamptons (on the east coast of the United States), The 1818 Collective is a hub for new ideas and beautiful design. 

The objective of this multifunctional place is to be an ever-evolving boutique and event space, as well as a community and hospitality concept at the same time. 

Founded by interior designer Kristin Fine and Analisse Taft-Gersten, this gem provides a design-led experience and strives to facilitate and celebrate creative expression and house design. 

What is The 1818 Collective?

The project started thanks to the synergies between two creative women, who decided to join forces and launch a new concept together:

Kristin Fine, founder of her interior design studio Fine Concepts in 2010. For the spaces she creates, Fine uses an intuitive approach layering light, patina and texture. 

Analisse Taft-Gersten, founder of the first ALT for Living showroom in 2008 devoted to textiles, rugs, and handmade furnishings. She currently has locations in Los Angeles, New York, and Sag Harbor. 

Where is The 1818 Collective located?

Located in Sag Harbor, a charming, chic, and historic village in the Hamptons (on the east coast of the United States), which has always been a vibrant artist’ and writers’ community. 

The space is nestled in a 19th-century Greek Revival property with a historic garden. It is truly a sight to see.  

What is the concept behind The 1818 Collective?

Designed as a community hub and retail concept with hospitality zones, The 1818 Collective is a space for designers, artisans, and anyone interested in the world of interiors to find inspiration. 

It has become a place to attend special gatherings, artisans’ workshops, meet-the-maker events, book signings, etc. The beauty of this space is that it is a constantly evolving experience that encourages discovery.

'The idea is to reinterpret the space several times a year,' says Fine and Taft-Gersten. 'We want to remain flexible and arouse our visitors’ curiosity.'

What did the renovation process involve?

The circa 1800 merchant house was renovated for one year to become a partially commercial and partially residential space. 

'The starting point consisted in looking at the history of the building, the very special light of the region, and the location close to the water,' says Fine and Taft-Gersten. 

The original floors were preserved to give the feeling of going back in time while some contemporary elements were introduced. 'We wanted to tell the story of this very special building,' say the two founders, who know the area well as they both have a home there. Offering visitors a European-inspired experience also inspired the project. 

In addition to the ground floor, which acts as a showroom/event space, the upper floor comprises two apartments (a studio and a 1-bedroom apartment). 

What can you find at The 1818 Collective? 

A mix of vintage and contemporary pieces of furniture, lighting, artworks, decorative accessories, and textiles from all over the world (from the United States and Australia to France and Italy, among others). 

'We juxtapose things, create tension and showcase unusual balance,' describe Fine and Taft-Gersten. 'It’s like doing a painting or putting together a meal.'

The common thread is that you can see the hand of the maker through every object. 'We want to present unique and custom pieces, which evoke the sense of hunt that guides us to put together this ever-changing eclectic collection,' says Fine and Taft-Gersten. 'We want to create a place to find something special and leave room for “creative accidents’, for the unexpected.' 

For The 1818 Collective, which doesn’t fit any category, this is just the beginning. 

What is behind the name? 

The 1818 Collective was named for its founders’ alignment with the symbolism of the number 18, which represents good luck and new beginnings. 

What are the biggest challenges?

'For us, the biggest challenges are meeting the expectations for this house: honoring the history and doing something different at the same time, as well as putting ourselves our of our comfort zone.'

Visit / The 1818 Collective