The Hamptons, on the eastern end of Long Island, NY, have a such a reputation that an entire style of decor has been born from this iconic area. The Hamptons are predominantly a coastal holiday retreat for the wealthy and the decor very much matches this vibe. When doing Hamptons decor, you want to think ‘old money on vacation’, looking understatedly expensive and luxurious, yet casual and airy. Hamptons decor is never gaudy or over the top.
Thankfully, this look does not need to be expensive and, because of it’s beachy aesthetic, lends itself to Australian homes seamlessly.
The Hamptons style is that based around vacationing, so spaces must be great for relaxing and entertaining. Dining and living areas should be warm and inviting.
Hamptons styling is all about the details, so we’ll need to break things down into sections to fully explain the look.
We’ll start with the big one: Colour.
Colour palette is extremely important for the Hamptons style, get this wrong and it will completely throw off the entire aesthetic. The most important colour in your arsenal will be white, white and more white (with touches of contrast… then add some more white). But seriously, we’re going for light, airy and luminescent, so you’ll want to pick some various harmonious shades of white (I’m personally partial to ones with warm or mauve/greige undertones to keep it more inviting and less clinical) and some accompanying light greys for the bulk of your palette. For your contrasting colours you’ll want to pick soft/desaturated ocean/beach colours such as navy, duck egg blue, mint, seafoam and sandy/linen colours. Natural timber colours, bronze, chrome and matte black are also great when used in moderation.
Next is texture. You’ll want to keep your finishes as matte as possible on the bulk of your surfaces (such as walls, soft furnishings and furniture), shiny reads as cheap and is not the look we are going for. A small amount of gloss is acceptable in decorative items, but should be used as a contrast rather than the main finish. Gloss white is also good for the kitchen tiles and sink (which should be farm-style, by the way). Cabinetry is shaker style, often in a satin finish with stone counter tops and semi industrial tap fixtures.
Large, beautiful mirrors are also a must and help with the grand, open plan style we’re aiming for.
Soft furnishings should be natural and effortless, so linen and other natural fibres are a great choice. Curtains can either be solid with sheers behind, or sheer with linings behind. Additional soft furnishings should be natural in texture and either solid or patterns such as soft florals, ticking, geometric and stripes in the same soft colours. Realistic faux fur can also be used sparingly in cushions and throws. Upholstered (particularly tufted) bedheads and an abundance of cushions are a must in the Hamptons style bedroom.
Another popular choice for curtains is linen-look drapery fabric (that will also cut the cost of your project down considerably), here are a few great examples of textured fabrics that would suit this look well .
While we’re discussing window treatments, white plantation shutters can also be a gorgeous addition to Hamptons-style homes as they give a classic yet casual feel.
Some fabric companies such as Zepel and Charles Parsons Interiors specifically cater to this style, these fabrics would make some gorgeous cushions and curtains!
As light is so important to this look, lighting fixtures should be abundant and slightly industrial, but sophisticated. Framed glass pendants, particularly those with Edison blubs, are a popular choice.
So in a nutshell, Hamptons style is about creating a bright, clean, casual look, with a mix of classic and modern elements to create a timeless look.
If you would like to discuss soft furnishings, curtains or plantation shutters to create this look or any that you have seen, please do not hesitate to contact us!
