Beach Bungalow

Backyard Bungalow at a GlanceWho uses it: Susan Koehn Habermann and her family and friendsLocation: Water Mill, New YorkSize: 400 square feet (37 square meters)Designer: Natasha Habermann, creative director and owner of Natasha Habermann StudioBackstory: Susan Koehn Habermann’s backyard building next to the pool looked cute from the outside but lacked a poolside oasis feel inside. That’s because, over time, it had turned into a storage spot for outdoor furniture and kayaks and a functional bathroom for pool visitors. When designer Natasha Habermann saw her mother-in-law’s space, she knew it could be a much cooler, welcoming place. Natasha started giving Susan ideas, which Susan loved but she wanted to stick to a budget. Scope: They decided on a budget of $2,500, but ended up finishing the project under that at $2,000 thanks to creative thinking, repurposing and some stellar sales.Natasha gave Susan lots of suggestions, and they took the interior design style in a tropical beach direction, instead of preppy and nautical. “After cleaning it out and inventorying the furniture and other items stored there, it became clear that some were useable in the new scheme,” Susan says. Within the space, they wanted to create distinct, useable spaces: a kitchen and dining room, a sitting area, a guest bedroom and an indoor-outdoor bathroom. The whole project took three weeks.

Small compact size, overall appearance

Backyard Bungalow at a Glance Who uses it: Susan Koehn Habermann and her family and friends Location: Water Mill, New York Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters) Designer: Natasha Habermann, creative director and owner of Natasha Habermann Studio Backstory: Susan Koehn Habermann’s backyard building next to the pool looked cute from the outside but lacked a poolside oasis feel inside. That’s because, over time, it had turned into a storage spot for outdoor furniture and kayaks and a functional bathroom for pool visitors. When designer Natasha Habermann saw her mother-in-law’s space, she knew it could be a much cooler, welcoming place.