As we know, the Hamptons aesthetic has swept through Australia not only through home design but also the interior styling of this timeless design. At NHBB we can safely say that this style of home is one that keeps on giving and one our clients do favour (amongst many others of course) Have a look at some of our luxury home designs including Hampton style designs here.
Here are some helpful tips to consider so you can get the most out of this home.
Let’s be honest for a moment, no one really wants to be lectured on what is right and wrong, because as we all know style is very subjective, however it is important that no matter what you do to achieve or dabble in styling your home that you make sure there is a balance of both colour and texture. In this blog we will explore some key factors that may guide you in your Hamptons styling journey.
When we think about the Hamptons (the small yet rich enclave north east of NYC) we tend to imagine those mansions surrounded by luscious gardens, rich and vibrant in colour, tennis courts and gorgeous swimming pools, but despite the size of these homes they do tend to have similar stories…that’s to say, the homes are made of different colours, textures and materials.
One of the key things in a Hampton home is “natural” light and a lot of it. In Australia we are very lucky to have quite a substantial length of summery days and balmy nights to enjoy, so this style is perfect. Large windows, timber flooring, sheer curtains all contribute to this effortless style albeit coastal or traditional take your pick… each one invites a sense of retreat and relaxation.
Designing your kitchen space can be tricky however it’s important that you don’t get too caught up with shiny things (however pretty they maybe) and have a mix of colours predominantly white, timber flooring and some hardy appliances that ground the space. Mind you, we have been seeing some consistent colours being used that ground the kitchen, (especially if you go stainless steel for appliances) like deep navy or a black centre island with a contrasting marble stone top.
Depending on who you are and what you consider important, the kitchen is the heart of the home. However for some, the lounge room is equally as important. For a cozy feel and relaxed retreat, a soft muted colour palette is imperative to achieve that effortless look. Mixing textures, colours and materials are the key things that can make this style timeless as shown here…greys/accent cushions in navy, pale blue, stripes for that bit of coastal/whimsy.
Light fixtures are also an important feature…here our home owner has used both brass for the corner floor lamp, linen shade and iron for the centre fitting. Additionally, those items have been complimented by the solid curtain rods tying everything together. A contoured and textured rug in light marble tones rounds out the lounge room adding warmth atop the dark timber flooring. Also a subtle yet neutral tone for walls allows other items in the room to pop.
Colours: whether you like the warmth of beiges, off whites and creams or the coolness of white, pale grey and light blue selecting a colour that can act as a perfect backdrop by not overpowering the room is best so that your furniture can take centre stage.
Textures: these are super important as this makes a house a home. As well as colours, textures can make a real difference. They add warmth and nothing says home like that cozy rug or comfy cushion. External weatherboards to replace the American version of shingles, stone cladding and crushed stone also bring an area of interest.
Wooden Floors/Stone: whether you go for the white wash look or the more classic dark timber, or something in between, wooden floors are essential in creating a Hamptons home. Stone cladding for the exterior and marble for the kitchen benches/island is also crucial in obtaining that classic timeless look.
Accessories: Adding linen, cotton, wool and natural fibres brings this style to life. Keeping with the theme of soft muted tones you can’t go wrong with any of these. You can also see that we have chosen white metal handles to somewhat elevate the look with the shaker style cabinets. Plantation shutters are also known to compliment a Hamptons home.
Tiles: To maintain the aesthetic of the Hamptons look, images below show that the only key is to maintain neutral bases and have colours that complement each other as well as balancing that with textures.
With that said, we’d like to thank our client for sharing her home with us and her styling ideas. Again, no matter what you like it’s all about making sure you’re happy to have a home you love coming home to.
At NHBB we are always happy to help our clients no matter how big or small your questions maybe, because at the end of the day an “empowered client is a happy client”.
Contact NHBB for a Discovery meeting by clicking here if you would love to know more.
Natalie Beckman | Executive Assistant
Natalie has been in the service industry for over 20 years working for a number of large national business’s and ASX-listed companies. She brings an extensive background in banking/finance and financial planning at an executive level to the NHBB team. Natalie is our Hamptons expert, gaining experience in building her own home and has a passion for this timeless style. Coupled with a detailed focus on organisation, time management, and client liaison, she will be assisting Tristan as his Executive Assistant.