Montauk Pioneer - July 4, 2008 - Haven Home Is Great

The wonderful world of Kathi Cogen's many talents manifest in "Haven Home," her boutique in Montauk at 83 South Elmwood up the road from Nick's On The Beach is one of renewal in "good space." Haven is a statement of refined taste, ideas and imagination that brings beach house experience to the forefront through so many avenues. Whether it be one of a kind pieces of furniture, that have been painted in soft beach colors, clothing for the relaxing sophisticated woman, or accouchement for your home, Kathi Cogen delivers outstanding choices for the savvy. Haven now also features two new unique distinctions for Montauk, Cynthia Rowley's "beach boutique," and the talents of Richie and Sandra Winick in designing beachwear and nature oriented, high end jewelry. The elegant display case itself is a work of art and the diamonds and platinum settings are staged for an amazing fiery glow from the Montauk sunlight that now flows so easily into Haven's large windows.

Haven Home is an extension of how Kathi Cogen views life and its worth. She walks the beach, practices yoga, she is a mom (her daughter Alex helps at the shop), she is an artist, she's active in the community, she gives back to Montauk because it has given her and her family so much. "I am proud to contribute to Montauk with my time and my pocket book, I love it here."

Many of her pieces have an impressionistic touch with Americana. There is no doubt all of the above qualities made Cynthia Rowley partner up with Haven to market her designing and marketing talents in Montauk. Kathi is thrilled and proud of her association with the legend of Cynthia Rowley, who also is a Montauk resident.

When it comes to talking about Richie Winick's fine custom made jewelry Kathi almost can't contain her enthusiasm. Richie, whose family has generational roots in the Diamond district in Manhattan, has always been a surfer and understands the beach vibe. His Brazilian wife Sandra has an eye for designing natural pieces with her South American influences manifesting themselves in quite unique and distinctive works of art that also have the best of diamonds gracing the pieces. Her dream catcher earrings are very natural and pleasing to the eye. In fact, she and Richie designed a pendant necklace for the Real Surf Sun Contest that helped raised money for cancer research. The pendants are made of both silver and gold.

Other new items that have Kathi excited are the old boat wood frames that are so perfect for a Montauk beach house or the feeling of Montauk for your home wherever it may be. They come in all different sizes and styles and are very appealing, in fact just looking at them I could think of four or five photos I had that would look so at home framed in them. Kathi also presents a large barn wood framed scenic Montauk photo that is helping raise funds for The Concerned Citizens of Montauk. She is proud of their work and supports the organization with her time and money.

I could not help but notice a wooden hutch on which sat a display of Bluewick Blooms soy candles that have absolutely no petroleum products in them, and which emanate a light and fruity fragrance.

It goes without saying that the array of women's clothing at Haven is a reason why people come back. The light cottons with beach colors are pleasing to the eye and so very comfortable to wear. Kathi, with her model good looks and figure, wears them around the shop. It is a touch of morning sun every time you walk into Haven and Kathi greets you with her robin egg blue eyes and Texas big smile. Lastly, I couldn't write about Haven without mentioning the music that plays softly in the background. It all adds up to a formula that is win -win. It wins for the customer who usually finds a treasured item, and it wins for Kathi Cogen, as her successful track record at Haven portrays. Last year there was a minor setback to the building that houses Haven, but with a totally new and costly renovation, the place is brighter, and giving forth the energy of a successful idea reborn. A visit to Havenmontauk.com is just a peek into the magic of Haven. The phone number is 631 668 4845.