Designing spaces where people come together, celebrate, and enjoy life’s everyday moments is an art. For Old Westbury resident Carol Konigsberg, it has been her life’s work.

Carol literally grew up in the design business, with her mother starting a firm out of their basement (see sidebar). Today, she carries that legacy forward as a principal at Langsam Rubin Interiors, the full-service interior design firm founded by her mother, Linda Langsam. Alongside the loyal and incredibly talented team at Langsam Rubin Interiors, Carol is guided by the lessons she learned early on from her mother: trust your instincts, work closely with clients, and remember there is rarely just one right answer in design,

only what feels right for the people who will live in the space.

While the firm has worked on a range of residential and commercial projects over more than 30 years, a few recent projects at local country clubs now hold a special place in Carol’s portfolio. It’s work she’s drawn to not just for the aesthetic opportunity, but for what those spaces represent.

She’s not just thinking about how a room looks. She pays attention to how it is used, how it moves from morning coffee to evening cocktails, how it shifts with the seasons, and how it works for every generation at once.

“I love creating environments where people come to gather, celebrate, and build community,” Carol says.

Designing for country clubs comes with its own set of expectations. Spaces need to feel elevated and welcoming, but they also have to hold up to constant use. Every fabric, finish, and piece of furniture is chosen with durability in mind, without sacrificing the comfort and elegance members expect.

It is an approach rooted less in a signature style and more in flexibility. No matter the style, each project begins with the client’s vision and evolves through a collaborative process built on trust.

This month, we step inside three of her recent country club projects, each with its own vision, challenges, and personality, to see how she brings that philosophy to life. Each club brought something different to the table. One leaned classic and traditional, another called for a more modern, updated feel, while a third embraced a relaxed, coastal point of view. By working closely with club ownership or a club-selected design committee, Carol and her team were able to shape each space in a way that truly reflects its membership and how it is used.

The end result is always the same: spaces that feel inviting, functional, and thoughtfully considered. In other words, places people genuinely want to spend time in.

When she isn’t working, Carol finds inspiration right here in our beautiful village. Life in Old Westbury moves at a slower pace, something she has come to truly appreciate. Whether it’s a walk through the neighborhood or time spent in her backyard, she finds beauty in the everyday. “I don’t need to travel to experience beauty and peace,” she says. “I mean it when I say my favorite summer destination is my backyard.”

Designed in close collaboration with hands-on ownership, every detail at Hampton Hills reflects a shared commitment to creating a space that feels both elevated, deeply welcoming and familial.

The Vision
Set miles from the shoreline, Hampton Hills was designed to feel like a coastal escape - “light, relaxed and inviting” - where generations gather.

The Approach
A reimagined dining room designed for flow and connection, and a layout that creates a natural rhythm throughout the space.

A banquette-lined focal wall featuring lightened wood and new moulding detail with decorative lighting and oversized metal golf ball art paired with carpeting that subtly echoes the movement of water.

With growing interest in hosting events, Cold Spring Country Club was ready for a transformation that would not only modernize the space, but reposition it as a true destination for both members and guests.

The Vision
To brighten the space and create a more contemporary feel that could support a growing demand for events and feel truly special.

The Approach
Layering materials to define each space created a sense of distinction while still feeling cohesive. Installing porcelain tile at the entry alongside warm carpeting and light wood flooring helped guide the transition from one area to the next, giving each space its own identity without breaking the overall flow.

Standout Detail
Statement lighting throughout, including linear pendants in the bar and striking chandeliers in the ballroom that elevate the entire experience.

The goal was to preserve the club’s classic, upscale feel while giving it a fresh update. A warmer palette of blues and beiges softened the space, and new wood flooring in the entire living room area helped open it up and improve flow.

The Vision
To preserve the club’s classic character while introducing a fresh, updated yet traditional feel.

Preserving its classic, elevated feel while introducing a warmer palette of blues and beiges for a more updated traditional look. Strategic changes like extending wood flooring and refining the lighting helped open up the space and bring a fresh sense of balance

without losing its character, while the intricate molding details on the ceilings and walls were thoughtfully preserved and subtly blended with paint to create a more cohesive, updated finish.

Standout Detail
The fireplace wall in the Great Hall became a real focal point, with updated finishes that brought a sense of balance and refinement to the room. The original mantle was fully reimagined using a hand-selected warm neutral stone and, above it, a wood veneer wallcovering was introduced that functions almost like artwork in itself. Along with refreshed lighting, the space now feels more timeless and in step with how the club is used today.

Long before Carol Konigsberg was reimagining living spaces, she was a student of the craft in the most personal of settings, her childhood home. Her mother’s design firm operated out of their basement, a bustling office complete with designers, drafters, and the hum of constant creativity. For Carol, design was not just a career path; it was the backdrop of her life.

Carol’s mother, Linda Langsam, taught French for several years and then went into the art business. She later decided to attend design school because a friend suggested it was something fun they could do together. As she visited clients’ homes, Linda’s keen eye for detail didn’t go unnoticed. Soon, those clients were asking for her vision on layouts, selections, and the “bigger picture.” What began as a side passion evolved into a powerhouse firm led by a woman Carol describes quite simply as “Wonder Woman.”

After completing her formal studies in interior design, Carol joined the firm, beginning a multi-decades-long collaboration. “Working together has been incredibly meaningful,” Carol reflects. “We’re close, but our conversations almost always find their way back to design. It’s woven into our relationship; I am proud of her, and she is proud of me.”

That sense of family heritage is the firm’s heartbeat. Linda started the business and was later joined by her partner, Judith Rubin. Today, the second generation is carrying the torch together. Judy’s daughter, Loren Lieberman, is an integral part of the team, also following in her mother’s footsteps.

Beyond the technical skills, the most meaningful gift Linda passed down to Carol was the gift of confidence. “One of the most valuable lessons I learned is that it can be difficult for clients to choose, but the truth is, there are often many good options,” Carol says. “The key is to simply choose what you like. A good designer can work with any selection.”