Bringing to mind a mix of coastal charm and sophisticated luxury, Hamptons-style home design is popular among Australian homeowners.
Interior designer Natalee Bowen describes the must-haves for creating a dream Hamptonsesque home.
It starts outside
While particular elements, such as neutral colour palettes, natural textures, internal panelling, high ceilings and traditional cabinetry all remain definitive features of a Hamptons look, nothing is more Hamptonsesque than the hallmark weatherboard exterior.
Paramount to Hamptons architecture, exterior cladding provides clean, horizontal lines that instantly evoke a sense of classic, coastal charm. Look for weatherboard cladding that is hard-wearing, low maintenance and resistant to damage from termites, rot, moisture and fire, such as Scyon Linea.
The right palette
Mimicking the neutral colours of the coast is one of the defining features of a Hamptons-style home.
A focus on neutral shades of whites, creams, linen tones and greys provides the foundation palette for this look, while blues in a range of tones, from duck egg to a rich navy, offer the ideal contrast.
For the exterior of a Hamptons-style property, the lines of the cladding take centre stage so a muted palette is best. As well as the more muted colour palette, exterior cladding colours see blue and white proving popular among those looking to carry the nautical-inspired colour scheme.
Inside, neutral tones help open spaces up and bring an instant feeling of freshness, while also providing a blank canvas for decorating.
From here, Ms Bowen suggests adding accents of colour in the form of soft furnishings and greenery, particularly palms and orchids, and finding a colour scheme to bring the entire home together.
Light and breezy
Traditionally, Hamptons homes were designed for easy living and entertaining, with interiors evoking sojourns by the sea. Recreating this look depends on two key elements – light and space.
Think expansive open-plan living areas with soaring raked or coffered ceilings, oversized bi-folds and large windows.
High ceilings are the most effective way at boosting natural light when paired with tall windows.
To maximise light, lightweight voile curtains that drape to the floor will increase sunlight and give the illusion of height.
A gabled roof will promote higher indoor ceilings and superior spatial awareness, while the lightest shade of white paint for the ceilings is the final step in maximising space within.
- A Domain advertising feature.
