Gone are the days of relaxed beach shabby chic. Renovators and stylists are exploring and modernising the classic Hamptons style which is favoured north of the “Big Apple”. As we aspire to be like the rich and famous with summer weekend getaways at Montauk and Southampton – we’re finding a way to bring the Hamptons style to our homes in an affordable way.
This fresh, classic, sophisticated look manifests into charming modern, beachside-retreat homes and we’re blending it with a bit of Australian coastal charm. So sit back and let your creative imagination run wild with these beautiful and inspiring ways to redecorate your home.
Colour me Hamptons
A good place to start is your colour selections. The Hamptons colour pallet is based on white and cream, which is paired nicely with light oak floorboards or white panelling along the walls.
If you want to add colour to your Hamptons style lounge room think about natural coastal colours, such as; duck egg blue, corals, soft lemon and greens. Colours outside of the white palette should be only used for decorative cushions, statement chairs, vases and throw blankets.
If soft colours aren’t your thing, the more traditional Hamptons style is navy and white stripes. To modernise the navy stripe look, use blocks of navy and pair with different navy-pattened smaller items.
Regardless of the colour palette you choose, you need to plan your colours first before doing anything else to your home and more importantly – keep it consistent!
Let the light in
Interiors should be bathed in as much natural light as you can possibly let in. Open spaces, high airy ceilings and gorgeous bay windows will flood the rooms with natural light and create an aura of relaxation.
Incorporate this with a Hamptons style kitchen, which showcases the timber supporting beams. Matched with some panelling and statement pendant lights – you’re well on your way to hitting the Hamptons look!
For the Australian climate, incorporate some stacked or French doors to capitalise on our beautiful weather and create adaptable entertaining spaces. Simply close the doors if the weather turns sour and add a gas heater or two to see you through the cooler days and nights.
Make a statement
Hamptons is all about show and tell as well – stunning focal points and statement pieces. Traditional stripes and textures, fabulous light fittings, chunky beach themed decor. Remember the rule of thumb is to keep it simple and don’t overdo it; you don’t want your efforts to go wasted by looking too tacky.
Life’s a beach
Nothing screams coastal charm more than an oversized chair hanging in the (sea) breeze and a few timber-topped bench seats. Wicker, rattan and linen throws add textured components to really push the classic Hamptons style into a more modern look. Pendant lighting, outdoor hanging seats and floor baskets break up the white on white and bring in some texture and coastal influence.
Beach up your walls and flooring
Panelled walls radiate beach vibes, no matter the room. From wide and skinny panelling to vertical and horizontal panels – think outside the box!
Bring new life to the old
Remodel old items of furniture with a clean lick of paint or reupholster to transform them into something stylish and sophisticated. Modern pieces work well in conjunction with old, styled items to create a trendy feel that won’t go out of date. Think ‘beach chic meets modern glam’ and you’ll get the balance right. Check out these clever DIY design ideas so you can bring some Hamptons into your home on a shoestring.
The great outdoors
Most Hamptons houses have luscious green gardens and beautiful inground pools, which might be hard to achieve in the harsh Australian summer but there are a few things here and there that you can do to bring the Hamptons outside too.
Hedges, white furniture and pretty flowering plants will get you half way there if you’re on a budget. If you’re able to spend a little more, look at adding a pergola near the pool and making sure that the grass goes right up to the tiled edge.
Modern Hamptons style is not that hard to achieve if you have a flair for imagination. If you want a hand crafting any of your DIY designs or styling up your place, get in touch with a handyman who can help. Hamptons styling should not just be the rich and the famous. This refreshingly cool beach vibe can be enjoyed by everyone!
I love this style, but have no idea how to go about starting a project like this. Is there someone that could give advise specific to my requirements.