“When you say the Hamptons, it evokes images of the beach and a relaxed lifestyle,” says owner Belinda Vanden Boom of Gallerie B Interiors. “In house design, this equates to light-filled, open rooms with a strong connection between indoor and outdoor, something that suits the Australian way of life.” In Hamptons homes, natural light pours in from bifold French doors, classic multi-paned windows and skylights.
2. Hues of blues
Add blues in a range of tones to your Hamptons palette, inspired by the sea from duck egg through sea glass to a rich navy. Don't be afraid to mix and match.
3. White Walls
At its heart, the Hamptons look is “sophisticated, relaxed, timeless, airy and light”, Indah Island interior designer, Natalee Bowen, an ambassador for Scyon Linea Weatherboard told Home Beautiful. The best place to start is with a fresh coat of paint, and white is always on point for true American East Coast flair.
4. Stand tall
Add height for dramatic lighting options and space for classy elements such as a vintage claw-foot bath. But make sure there’s also room for functional storage like behind-mirror shelves.
5. Coast to coast
Let beachy tones be the inspiration for your palette. Think (but don't limit yourself to) soft neutrals, creamy tones, sea greens and blues – and make sure you apply them throughout. “Ensure the colour palette flows from inside to out,” says Highgate House’s Leigh Boswell. “This doesn’t mean they have to be the same colours, they just need to sit comfortably together.”
6. Kitchen go-to's
For a Hamptons, kitchen choose all white finishes on cabinetry with either open shelving or glass paned doors. Opt for marble, light-coloured engineered stone or crisp white laminates for benchtops and stools drawn up to the island bench are non-negotiable!
7. First impressions
Don't let your exterior let your interior down. Natalee Bowen, Interior Designer and founder of Indah Island told Home Beautiful "decorate as you would the interior spaces in fabrics to reflect the Hamptons style."
8. The bigger the better
Create a sense of luxurious space by super-sizing it. Start with large mirrors, an abundance of plump cushions, sumptuous classic lounges and don't forget room-sized rugs.
9. El Naturale
It is important to add depth and texture when you're working with so many neutral tones. The best options? Linen, rattan, sisal and natural timber flooring is a must. It offsets white cabinetry and white-washed wooden boards give your space a high-end beach resort vibe.
10. Quality is key
"When the Hamptons were settled in the 1600s, homes were designed with long-lasting materials to withstand the elements,” Belinda Vanded Boom told Home Beautiful. Add luxe with a marble benchtop or side table to your home for a touch of luxe that will last.
