{"id":59708,"date":"2022-06-30T18:12:59","date_gmt":"2022-06-30T18:12:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/?post_type=articles&p=59708"},"modified":"2022-06-30T18:59:24","modified_gmt":"2022-06-30T18:59:24","slug":"chris-benz-inside-his-bellport-retreat","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/articles\/chris-benz-inside-his-bellport-retreat\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside Designer Chris Benz’s Bellport Retreat"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Courtesy of Chris Benz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“I inherited the name, but there\u2019s a nice ring to it,\u201d Chris<\/span> Benz<\/span> says on the moniker associated with his Bellport, New York home. \u201c\u2019The Oaks\u2019 is the name of the house. I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s the original name or when it got coined but there are a ton of beautiful oak trees on the property, so I like it.\u201d In the last few years, there\u2019s been a seasonal transition of sorts in Benz<\/span>\u2019s life: one from the world of designing clothes to his newfound passion (and profession) of creating dynamic and unique spaces.<\/p>\n

After growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Benz<\/span> studied at Parsons School of Design. Then, while working under the direction of Marc Jacobs, took home the CFDA Emerging Designer Award. All eyes were on Benz<\/span>. From his namesake collection, which debuted in 2007, he caught the eye of the global fashion houses due to his unfussy approach to getting a woman dressed. He\u2019s since expanded his repertoire to expand his design vision to toys, beauty, television and \u2013 most importantly \u2013 interiors.<\/p>\n

Benz<\/span>, who catapulted to fashion it-boy stardom in New York City, was recognized for this colorful and eclectic approach to American style. He interpreted fashion through his refreshed lens: designs infused with a carefree spirit that catered to the modern woman. It was pure sophistication infused with ease, and embedded within the DNA of his clothing was his ability to not take himself (or his clothes) too seriously. After all, he did dye his hair vibrant pink. To Benz<\/span>, the move to interiors was a natural one.\u201c<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Chris Benz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To me, it\u2019s all the same. It\u2019s all about texture and proportion and I approach a space in the same way I do clothing,\u201d Benz<\/span> remarks. \u201cIt\u2019s additive and so much editing is involved. The thing I like about rooms versus clothes is that there\u2019s a lot more physical and emotional weight to it. Committing to a couch is a big deal and there\u2019s a formula to how many couches you need. And then, like any good outfit, I accessorize. To me, a room is an outfit, just with a different approach.\u201d With his partner Peter Toumbekis, Benz<\/span> purchased the Victorian shingle-style property (and the three acres of greenery) in 2017 as they continued the weekend commute to and from their Brooklyn townhouse, enjoying three-day weekends in their maximalist retreat out East. Eventually, in 2020, their weekend and summer abode turned into their permanent home. Here, Benz<\/span> takes us inside his home and tells us about what makes the community so sacred, the benefits of a large dining (and working) table, and why the best pool parties always start at 10 PM. Dive in.<\/p>\n

Check out a special July 4 issue of <\/em>GRAZIA Gazette: Hamptons for the latest fashion news, exclusive celebrity interviews, and long reads perfect for a day at the beach:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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