Hampton style homes are based on the unique, masculine design style of New York’s Hamptons area. In Australia, they have become a trendy style for new homes or renovations characterised by their stately columns, external windows cladded with weatherboards, white marble interiors and upscale furnishings. Hampton style homes are where the seaside meets luxury.
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Hamptons style interiors are generally bright, light, fresh and airy, with a coastal atmosphere that makes you feel relaxed from the moment you enter. They offer a refined yet relaxing beach vibe that comes across as easy and relaxing. In recent years, Hamptons style homes have come to the forefront of Australian design with their quiet summer style that effortlessly satisfies the Australian lifestyle.
White, neutral, yellow and green are all common colours for the interior of the Hamptons. A combination of warm neutral colours with coastal blue, or layers of different shades of blue, from dark blue to children’s blue.
Another alternative: grey shades of color like blue duck egg and mint green. The classic look is cream with black accents, or all black with bronze and white accents, paired with natural materials for heat, such as real inlaid stone floors and black wood.
The Hampton style is simplicity with grandeur; clean lines combined with elegant design elements in stucco work, cornices and cabinet accessories. Think especially of comfort with a hint of luxury. From the sumptuous summer homes of the wealthy New Yorkers, this is a mixture of seaside relaxation and the divine indulgence to which the rich and famous are so accustomed. But remember that design works best when it works in a natural environment; use local elements and places to develop the Hamptons style in an Australian context.
Coastal chic is more relaxing; gentle vibrations on the beach, more vibrant colour themes, natural raw materials and open living spaces that support both playful and active lifestyles. The coastal style, within itself, has many underlays, including modern, ‘boho’, rural or contemporary coastal themes, with plenty of room to add your own personal touch. More and more Australian homes are embracing and incorporating elements of the local bush to create a truly unique aesthetic inspired by our stunning coastal setting.
Soft landscaping and home grown plants can dramatically change the aesthetics of a home; too many palm trees can bend more in the tropics than on the coast, while shrubs and perennials create a classic garden rather than a modern theme.
For a Hamptons house, white flowers like roses and lilies, dark green leaves and provincial elements like hedge bushes create a prestigious garden.
Coastal styles can use local herbs such as purple fountain grass, soil and sandy trees, bright green leaves, succulent plants such as aloe vera and agaves, and irritating plants such as snakes or flax.
Both styles thrive on pure white canvas and neutral designs, but the difference is within the accent colors used. The coastal style is lifted by light accents – yellow sticks, light blue and marine greens like turquoise and aqua. Hamptons work best with darker accents – explore schemes using dark blue, grayish brown and stone or steel grey.
Natural and modern rustic textures work well in these two schemes, such as linen and knitwear, while walls covering light patterns, such as weather boards or slats, are commonly used. Wooden elements are large in these styles, but are treated slightly differently in each.
Coastal houses are raw and rustic – light wood, rough, pebbles, stacked stone (as shown in the image above), logs, faded metals and wicker wonders, while the soft decorative elements work best with raw linen, loose meshes, canvas, weave or even fuck. Recycled objects can also give character and create a sustainable theme.
In the Hamptons, it is possible to cut darker and deeper types of wood, such as rosewood and walnut, and they generally prefer a finished floor polish. Stamped porcelain, glass and polished metals work well in these spaces, while soft jewellery should look more luxurious, such as thick merino knitwear and exquisite posters.
Paint the walls white. We prefer creamy shades because they look less clear. Reviving the results, we paint architectural elements, such as ceiling beams, in a bright shade. For additional contrast, windows, doors and frames can also be painted in vibrant colours.
Make the ceilings above your porch or living room look taller with a hint of blue ocean. Remember, a small colour goes with the times. The effect should not be dramatic, so choose a delicate shade.
Paint the wooden floor. The result is fantastic and fun, especially on balconies or in kitchens. Paint solid, striped or create a seaside mural under your feet using artificial sand, shells and coral.
Design suggestion: Use interior/exterior porch and floor enamel for durability. Cover the walls with transparent polyurethane.
Going out at a relatively low price with natural floor coverings such as sisal, sea grass, jute or bamboo. They all make large surface carpets, and seaweed and sisal can be applied from wall to wall or as stair corridors.
Replace formal cloths or metal blinds with shades of fabric, bamboo or linen to create a feeling of relaxation in any room. Roman shades are cheap and folded to let in lots of natural light.
Unexpected pieces of colour stored in ink. For inspiration, think of a summer icon like a beach umbrella or even a swimsuit. Look at the sidewalk or check local garage sales to find out you can reinvent it. And remember: imperfections give character.
Furniture in a suitcase to bring a bright heart, a beach feel to any room. Fabrics can be changed according to the season and are easy to clean. Linen fabric is a natural fibre, suitable for both upholstery and draping. Its texture and neutral colour create a background for warmer accents such as cushions and painted objects. Cotton duck fabric is a stronger option for upholstery.
Combine a beach in search of sea treasures. Sea stars, sand dollars, driftwood, rocks and pieces of coral create unique pro bono accents when cleaned and bleached. Sink always makes a great display, no matter if you combine them in a bowl, leave a sink alone or use a mirror, cloak or chandelier to encrust. (Be sure to check local laws before removing shells, corals, or other natural objects).
Create an album of beach memories or search for books on the coffee table that mark the beach. You can also add subtle accents such as coasters, paperweights or hand towels, which are printed with a coastal image.
Fill the air with sea smells. Foggy bed linen or whole rooms with a soft spray, light an aromatic candle or place a potpourri.
Do the Queenslanders and the Hamptons really come from Colonial India? Do you believe me?
The Indian bungalow, commonly known as a “Bangla”, was introduced in Bengal (about 1760-1850s) as the main stage of operations for British colonial officials at the time. Bangla” is a one-storey apartment building consisting of a large open space at the front, which then moves onto an open balcony, like the Queensland style of housing that can be seen throughout Australia.
The bungalow was the solution to the sudden demand for housing as the population of colonial officials in India grew after the events of 1857. Changes to previous homes were made in response to climate change for the British and the social demands of South Asia.
In terms of design, the shape of the pyramid roof was the climate regulator to cool the house during the warm seasons in India. The famous balcony had many applications, it was a way to regulate the house temperature and keep the main walls cool and dry. It served to observe the work of the planters and served as a meeting point for officials and royalty living in nearby towns. Public events such as tea parties and garden parties justified the vast areas of the building.
We build & renovate houses in Brisbane just like these. Download a copy of our Capability Statement to find out more.
We take your privacy seriously, and never spam.
Any construction work has impact, so we make offsetting our priority. For every home we build, we will plant 125 trees in partnership with Trees for Life to help offset our carbon footprint.
