Soft coastal colours, relaxed styling and light, airy rooms – these are the hallmarks of a Hamptons style home, reminiscent of glamorous summer houses and lazy days by the beach. Hamptons style may be inspired by an exclusive, seaside community on New York’s Long Island, but it’s also a perfect fit for the our way of life. The Hamptons look has a comfortable, laid-back, beachy vibe – perfect for South East Queensland’s relaxed lifestyle. This popular style brings a timeless elegance to your home, both inside and out.
There are a few key elements that work together to create the perfect Hamptons style house. Here, we discuss the main components that bring it all together.
There’s something fresh and calming about Hamptons colours. Popular colours include greys, greiges (beige/grey), tans, soft blues, greens, and of course, plenty of white! Hamptons style combines a layered palette of soft, coastal colours and natural textures, perfect for a laid-back, indoor-outdoor lifestyle. If you prefer more contrast, add black accents through fabric, artwork and accessories. Duck egg or navy blue can help create a nautical theme often found in Hamptons homes. Simply add some overstuffed cushions, a chunky knit throw rug, or a classic blue and white vase to your decor.
Classic Shaker style cabinetry works extremely well with the Hamptons look. Typically used for both kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, it creates the perfect combination of classic and contemporary style. For a simple, fresh finish, complete the look with white, painted timber knobs. Or for a more elegant feel, consider black or brass handles.
When selecting flooring for a Hamptons style home, timber is the preferred option. If you would like to continue the soft colour palette, select a light, washed pine. However, if you’d prefer a more sophisticated look, opt for a dark shade that will contrast with the lighter Hamptons tones.
Lighting is a vital element of a Hamptons design. Natural light should flow throughout the home, so keep window coverings to a minimum. If you add curtains, make sure they’re light or sheer to avoid blocking out light. White plantation shutters are also a popular choice. When it comes to lighting, a layered concept works beautifully. A striking chandelier creates a stunning focal point, while wall sconces and table lamps make a style statement of their own, casting a soft, inviting glow. When choosing accessories, look to nature, and in particular, the beach for inspiration, incorporating things like shells, coral, driftwood and sea glass into your decor.
Hamptons style feels refined yet relaxed, and the furniture you choose should also reflect this. Choose comfy, linen sofas, upholstered ottomans, as well as natural timber or rattan furniture. In the bedrooms, statement headboards and luxurious layered bedlinen work perfectly to create a Hamptons feel.
If you’d like to give the Hamptons neutral colour palette a little boost, consider adding pattern and texture. Materials like linen, jute, cotton, sisal and chunky wool carpet help add depth to a room. Think subtly patterned wallpaper in soft, tonal colours. Nautical stripes and florals work particularly well in a Hamptons design. Natural stone, limestone-look tiles and marble are also popular choices, while vintage mirrors and chrome light fixtures add an elegant touch. Complete the look with a selection of glossy, green indoor plants throughout your home. Greenery really brings the Hamptons look to life!
Hamptons style works just as beautifully outside your home, as it does inside. Here are the key elements you need to give your home’s exterior the Hamptons treatment.
Similar to the interior palette, coastal colours are also the inspiration for your Hamptons style façade. Neutral tones such as white for trims, creams and light greys for cladding, and accents of duck egg blue create the perfect coastal-inspired exterior. Alternatively, a classic combination of pale grey cladding with white trim is a popular choice. To give your façade a contemporary edge, opt for black trim on white weatherboard. Remember, simplicity is the key, so restrict your palette to just two or three colours.
Weatherboard cladding is an absolute must when it comes to creating a Hamptons style exterior. It’s perfect for creating the classic, coastal charm this style is so well known for.
Give your Hamptons façade a soft, welcoming glow at night with decorative external lighting. Add beautiful sconces or outdoor lanterns in brushed steel, brass or wrought iron to either side of the front door. Position uplights and garden lights to create a subtle, yet welcoming ambience. Consider placing lights in garden beds, where the light will be softened by foliage to create a magical entrance.
Available in a wide range of colours and profiles, concrete roof tiles are a great choice for your Hamptons style home. For a classic look, consider pale grey or greige roof tiles. If you prefer a contemporary edge, contrast the soft colours of your façade with a bold shade of charcoal.
Complement your Hamptons exterior with classic flowering trees and plants such as magnolia, star jasmine and wisteria. For an inviting Hamptons entry, place a pair of white-washed timber planters at your front door featuring small fruit trees, roses or gardenias.
At Hallmark Homes, we can help you capture the classic Hamptons look perfectly. To take the hassle out of choosing colours and finishes to create this signature style, our Selection Centre Consultants can personally guide you through the design and selection process to create the ultimate Hamptons home – using colours and materials such as warm timber flooring, pale patterned tiles, soft grey cabinetry, fresh white walls, stunning stone benchtops and much more. They will also help you with all of your choices when it comes to appliances, finishes and fixtures, plus much more. Our Selection Centre, Select by Hallmark, is exclusive to Hallmark Homes’ clients, and entry is by appointment only.
If you’re thinking of building a new home in South East Queensland, contact Hallmark Homes to speak with an experienced consultant. We offer a wide selection of design styles to choose from, including the very popular Hamptons style. We also have a selection of beautiful Hamptons home designs on display at Kensington Grove, Park Ridge and Woodhill. Come and visit one of our display centres or check out our virtual tours and house plans from the comfort of your own home. If you have any questions about our single storey, acreage, narrow lot, home designs, or house and land packages, please contact us today.
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