A Touch of Pink:  The living room features walls painted in Fine Paints of Europe's Pink Granite Matte, which offers just the softest whisper of color. Stacks of books grace a coffee table from Steven Sclaroff; the green tufted sofa and throw pillows are from ABC Carpet & Home. Hydrangeas add a contrasting pop of blue.

Even on a rainy day, this Sag Harbor Greek Revival has a warm and inviting glow—just what interior designer Gary Cruz had hoped to achieve. With his architectural training and background as a fine arts painter, it's no surprise to see such a sophisticated, yet playful, palette. Cruz grew up in Rockport, Texas, a tiny fishing village on the Gulf Coast that doubled as an art colony. "At the age of nine, I was painting the light-saturated seaside landscape," says Cruz. His love of color and pattern in nature permeate everything he designs—from his abstract portraits to his interiors to his new rug collection.

"I was thrilled when clients of mine in New York asked me to create a comfortable weekend family home," says Cruz, who had designed their city apartment. "We had a connection and they totally trusted me."