For many, the Hamptons is a destination portrayed in countless films as the idyllic New Yorker vacation. The place evokes sun and salt bathed rooms, crisp linen and perfectly draw lines of horizontal paneling. But this style has since reached sandy Australian shores and is perfectly matched to our many coastal towns.
The Look
The Hamptons style comes as the name suggests from the coastal region north-east of New York. As a famous vacation get away location, the area is defined by its sophisticated and casual beachside lifestyle. Inevitably, Summer in the Hamptons sees a flood of weekenders seeking to retreat from the rigours of city life.
Because of this, its style reflects bright, light, airy feelings and is designed to create a calm and easy going atmosphere. Think white-wash boarded walls, bleached timber floors and multi-planed windows looking out over driftwood dunes and wind swept grasses.
Benefits to Australian Climate
In Australia, we know how to relax, and the allure of the beach is a no brainer. Needless to say, the Hamptons lifestyle is perfect fit for us and its home design suits the warmth of our sunny seaside towns impeccably. Furthermore, the large open style homes are well suited to entertaining and well-proportioned glass doors and windows create an effortless transition to wrap around verandahs and shaded decks.
Another benefit to the easy adoption of the Hamptons home is its similarity to existing building styles and techniques in Australia.
For decades we have clad our houses in weatherboard to resist the elements and this is one of the hallmarks of Hamptons architecture. Due to its ability to be applied to timber or steel frames, modern weatherboard cladding has the capacity to increase the speed of a build and are resistant to warping and splitting in our sunny climate.
Comparatively to Australian interpretations, Hamptons style homes traditionally have shingle roofs; clay tiles or ColorBond sheeting offer a longer lasting option to weatherproofing in Australia.
But even with its history as a beach-side retreat, the Hamptons look can be applied to many other Australian locations. This style can be appreciated anywhere between wild bushland and landscaped suburban gardens. Creating homes that maintain that holiday feeling is what it’s all about.
Colour and Texture
The Hamptons colour pallet is a balance of neutral and natural tones. Ever-so-slightly warm whites help keep the environment feeling bright and airy reflecting light into every corner. Layering creams, manilas and yellows help to add a little sunshine.
The modern Australian take is to throw in a few accents of colour, perhaps ocean greens or blues, or even dark grey and black shades with highlights of brass or polished copper.
Seaside textures such as driftwood, pumice and shells help bring the outside in and rustic antique timbers add interest to the simple whites. Soft layers of linen and cotton drill on cane or rattan furniture offer a sophisticated look while keeping it light and breezy.
Walls
Panelling, panelling, panelling. Interior walls are clad with tongue and groove board or the old ship-lap style for uninterrupted, clean horizontal lines. They are painted white or sometimes whitewashed to give a sun bleached look. Try Dulux Whisper White for a slightly warmer feel or for the brave, perhaps a Danish soap finish.
Floors
In keeping with clean lines the Hampton style utilises timber floorboards throughout. These can be bleached white also or deep browns to black for a contrasting finish. Throw on a fibrous rug such as jute or sisal for a bit of texture and softness under foot.
Depending on your individual tastes there are a myriad of options available when designing a Hamptons style home. Check out some of our previous Hamptons Projects for inspiration!