How the Australian Home has embraced the Hamptons style
Mentioning ‘Hamptons Style’ for most people instantly conjures up an image of the grand weatherboard or shingle-clad holidays homes of America’s rich and famous that dot the coastline of Long Island, NY.
The timeless coastal interior style of the region has also become instantly recognizable and highly sought after right across the globe. Defined by a light and airy, sophisticated yet beachy vibe, it has also proven perfectly suited to our Australian climate and lifestyle. Its no wonder it has become increasingly popular amongst stylish homeowners Australia wide.
Whether you’re building new or remodeling, in order to create the perfect Hamptons house, there are some key architectural features to consider. Read on to find out how to design your very own Hamptons home!
Image via Studio McGee
1.Floors
As the literal foundation of your home, your flooring choice is an incredibly important decision. Whether you’re going for a classic look or more modern take, extra wide floorboards are key to the Hamptons style. Today engineered timber floors offer all the sophistication of solid wood without the hefty price tag. Blonde or light grey woods will best suit a modern design while darker or whitewash woods will help create a more classic look.
Preference Floors Prestige Oak Grey Mist 
Preference Floors Prestige Oak Glacier 
Preference Floors Prestige Oak White Wash 
Preference Floors Prestige Oak Slate While wood flooring throughout is becoming increasingly popular, if you still prefer carpet in the bedrooms make sure to go for a highly textured tufted carpet in a natural sandy tone.
Tuftmaster Rawcliffe Airstream 
Victoria Carpets Macarthur King For tiled areas like the bathrooms and outdoor patios stick to natural stone in soft sandy or grey tones. Consider a large format square tile laid in a stacked or grid pattern for a modern look. For a traditional feel stick to a smaller square or rectangle tile laid in an offset or herringbone pattern or you could even consider doing a mix of small and large tiles to be laid in a windmill pattern.
2. Walls
To help achieve that light and airy quality essential to the Hamptons look stick to a low sheen white paint for all the walls. If your budget allows consider adding traditional wainscoting or shiplap for an extra authentic touch over a plain drywall or plaster finish.
In addition to all-white walls, large symmetric paneled windows and glass doors will maximize natural light and add sophistication. You can’t go wrong with classic white plantation shutters but for a more modern touch you may consider sleek black metal window frames layered with white or off white linen curtains.
3. Ceiling
A common feature in most Hamptons style homes, exposed beams in natural wood, or painted white to match the ceiling, can help create either a more modern or rustic look but you could also consider adding paneling or shiplap for the ceilings for a more traditional and sophisticated feel. Make sure to add simplistic yet statement pendant lighting throughout and your Hamptons home is almost complete!
4. Furnishings
When it finally comes to styling go for oversized furniture and wall art to achieve that grander scale. Start with a large solid wood dining table, and look for solid wood or white case goods, and a large deep sofa is a must. For Occasional furniture stick to natural materials like wood, wicker or leather with touches of wrought or cast iron.
For your upholstery and soft furnishings choose muted cool tones like soft blue-greys and stick to durable opaque fabrics like wools, linen or even a matte cotton velvet (avoid anything shiny or metallic).
For a modern look keep the furnishings minimal and clean. Alternatively, use the soft furnishings and decorative items to create extra layers for a more traditional and eclectic feel.
written by Jane Thorburn @jane.thorburn