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HAMPTONS COASTAL
“The Hamptons style is an upmarket, yet understated aesthetic. It is a true classic coastal interior style that is tailored and elegant, yet has a lived-in and relaxed feel.”
Casual elegance really describes the Hamptons style — oozing a feeling of laid-back luxury that feels fresh and gives a carefree vibe with just the right amount of cosiness.
The Hamptons style originally derived from a group of popular coastal resorts located on Long Island. The Hamptons chicness has made its way to homes across the world and gained popularity especially in Australia — which has resulted in the New Hamptons Style, also known as Modern Hampton style.
This New England style is a true lifestyle that is all about effortless chic, refined seaside relaxation that reflects the spirit of coastal calm (and charm).
Hamptons Style
The Hamptons style is a timeless and sophisticated aesthetic infused with light and natural elements. Nature is central to the Hamptons lifestyle with wide open spaces flowing seamlessly between the indoors and the outdoors. Elegant and calm interiors with natural, light colours and marine motifs are the hallmarks of this coastal style. The key design elements are a colour palette of white and cobalt blue complemented by beach finds. The style is eclectic yet uncluttered.
The Hamptons style is all about details and quality. Pretty shingle roofs are most often associated with Hamptons architecture. Character details such as timber panelling and weatherboard exteriors in neutral tones, natural cedar and white trims, wide cornice and architectural mouldings - as well as large bay windows and front entry porches all very much pay tribute to the Hampton style.
“The neutral palette of the Hamptons, with accents inspired by the sea, creates this feeling of a sanctuary with timeless and effortless style, which I think is exactly how a home should feel.”
Hamptons Colour Palette
The fundamental element to the Hamptons style is white, white and yes, more white (did I mention white in a low sheen finish?). The Hamptons colour palette is pared back in calm and warm tones. Neutral colours are key. The colour palette is taken from nature — creamy whites, beige, ivory, muted greys as well as natural wood brown and different shades of blue (such as cobalt/indigo, celadon greens and duck egg blues).
White, blue and brass are a fine match to fit the Hamptons style. Darker tones can act as accent colours for a bit more of a traditional Hamptons look.
Hamptons interiors apply something that is known as ‘the third colour’ to a lot of their designs themes. Essentially, this means that you start with a monochromatic colour scheme (for example a mixture of blues and whites in various shades). You then choose a ‘third colour’ for example green and in a subtle way work this into the overall design (not so much as a ‘pop of colour’ but as a reoccurring theme. Applying this technique adds depth to a space and creates more visually interesting interiors.
“A true Hamptons style should look like all the elements have come together naturally, instead of being carefully placed.”
The Elements of a Hampton-Style Home
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Materials, Fabrics and textures
Hamptons style delicately draws from the colours naturally found in driftwood and other beach finds. Pale timber floorboards with grey undertones, pure white or with a white-washed / distressed look are typical choices that give a feel of effortless coastal style and relaxed living. Decorative wall panelling that typically covers the lower third of a wall or floor to ceiling shiplap are typical design features of this style.
Marble countertops such as carrara marble with its soft grey white background and grey vein creates a beautifully subtle look. Metallics like aged brass give the space warmth and depth.
Rattan or cane is the key material for chairs, coffee tables and even pendant light shades. Opt for the natural fibres of a jute or sisal floor rug for a rustic edge. Sheer neutral taupe fabrics and white draped curtains complete the style. Layer floorboards with textural jute, sisal or dhurrie blue & white striped rugs in living or dining spaces. Natural stone such as pale limestone or light grey travertine lends itself for the Hamptons look.
A Hamptons style home shows off exposed ceiling beams (I absolutely adore them!). Timber floors (especially reclaimed or engineered wide oak longboards) are a trademark element for a Hamptons style home.
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furniture
Simplicity coupled with high quality of workmanship is the key here; the feel is very organic, one that has evolved over time through a careful curation of interesting pieces. Hamptons style is all about furniture pieces from different epochs, somewhat of an eclectic mix of old and new. It gives a sense of heritage coupled with modern elegance. Simple shaker inspired joinery with turned legs or solid crosses, shiplap backing to bookshelves and display cases are typical in this style.
The interior decorating style brings forth a relaxed coastal feel with generous proportions of upholstered linen sofas in white, greige (or blue) - typically with washable slip covers in a cotton fabric. Pair the sofa with plump upholstered cushions with piping edges and throws in blues, greens and greys. Rattan chairs are pretty much a signature element of this style. Leather accent chairs give a more sophisticated feel with fabric sofas (this is a signature look for Ralph Lauren). And not to forget upholstered window seats that give the impression of an upmarket East Coast summer beach house…
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Lighting
Statement pendant lighting with brass, bronze, nickel and glass are a key feature of Hamptons style. Table lamps tend to be in basket weave to enhance that casual look, or made from ceramic with a simple drum.
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ACCESSORIES and Decorations
Accessories should add personality and evoke that coastal feel. Oversized vases, hurricane lamps and coastal accents such as seashells, starfish and coral further enhance the look of the Hamptons.
It’s all in the details and play with texture – add a large piece of ornate driftwood, a collection of seashells on a leather or rattan display tray or incorporate large glass domes; glassware brings in a little glamour in the colours of seaglass. Rope baskets full of linen throws, cushions in various sizes and designs including floral and geometric patterns, statement coffee table books; and candles that infuse the space with the scent of the ocean — ... and, beautiful arrangements of white orchids. Wall art takes the shape of botanical and natural history prints.
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Florals
Floral features and foliage in unstructured arrangements with lovely hues are important in Hamptons style spaces. Plants and flowers make the interiors fresh without adding too much colour, think blue hydrangeas, orchids or ferns. Gardens are simple and uniform featuring plants that bloom white flowers such as magnolias, jasmine, dahlias and agapanthus.
“Collect artefacts over the years that give it that relaxed and lived-in appearance to create an individual and cohesive look that suits your life. Embrace the spirit of a relaxed coastal atmosphere.”
The Hamptons style is not a fad, or a passing trend, it is here to stay. It is a style that doesn’t try too hard. The style is refined yet relaxed. I find that this style has timeless appeal and fits right in with the Kinfolk slow living movement.
More than often, the Hamptons style that has emerged in Australia is not the same as East Coast of America Hamptons style, read about the Australian Modern Hamptons style.