As images circumnavigate the globe in an instant, it becomes ever more challenging to maintain an authentic sense of place. Delhi begins to look like Dallas, San Francisco like Singapore, and Bangalore like San Jose.
It is the brilliant mind that invests and exchanges this creative global currency in a way that enhances, rather than homogenizes, distinctive style. Dan Scotti is that mindful creator—designer, developer and builder—who curates global knowledge with vision, balance and innovation.
A master of Hampton élan, Dan Scotti’s visions are at once comfortable, sophisticated and fresh. His designs and interiors invigorate those within, breathing a calm, confident demeanor about the space while imperceptibly fusing the au courant with the classic.
His distinctive projects exude balance and timelessness, intuitively interpreting owners’ requests with innovative style. His designs maximize space and light, exuding elegance without pretention. His use of repurposed industrial elements, creation of refined color portfolios, use of bespoke finishes and installation of custom cabinetry ensure unique profiles for each project. Where does one find such continual inspiration?
Travel, Scotti says. Recently, a one-story barn in Patagonia, Argentina, provided the seed for an East Hampton pool house. A laundry room found its plan in the kitchenette of a suite at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. The discovery of Brazilian furniture designer Sergio Rodrigues in a Rio de Janeiro boutique hotel uncovered a new resource for lounge chairs.
While much of his work graces the beautiful landscapes in the Hamptons, Scotti is just as much in demand on the California coast as he is on Manhattan Island. Expanding his business to Los Angeles with the completion of a home for model/actress Molly Sims and her husband, film producer Scott Stuber, Scotti is currently scouting the Bel Air-Pacific Palisades area for additional properties to develop. Noting a demand for classic, shingle-style architecture and a classic, Hamptons-style aesthetic, the search is on for estates that might prove irresistible with an open, clean layout embracing super-lux amenities.
Like the designs of his stylish, casual homes, Scotti’s own profile is one of understated elegance, even during black tie season. His formal look suggests that of an artistic Art Basel Miami Beach bash, choosing a bespoke Thom Browne creation. Of Brown’s superb tailoring and detailing, with shorter jacket, higher armhole and super trim pant, Scotti says, “The design is classic, but the cut is very European.” And in LA, like Miami, toning down the tux with black Tom Ford sneakers or Alden long wings, sans socks, is the right choice. Finishing with a white Oxford shirt and black silk knit necktie gives an effortlessly chic image.
Adapting fashion rules to his own taste, Scotti notes that formal doesn’t always mandate a tuxedo. His super-fitted Thom Browne suit in black and grey glen plaid is a good substitute. “I wore it to Elton John’s Oscar party last year.” Can’t disagree with that.
