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MODERN HAMPTONS
“Modern Hampton Style — a truly classic look with a relaxed feel; a sense of class coupled with a beach vibe for an effortless and calming appeal, and Australian flair.”
Hamptons style encapsulates all the comforts of a beach house; and the Australians have created their very own laid-back style of the distinctive Hamptons.
The Hamptons style that has gained popularity in Australia is not the same as East Coast of America Hamptons Style. The Modern Australian Hamptons Style has become its very own unique coastal style that has evolved over the years — with an Australian twist.
While the Hamptons look may speak to a refined and relaxed way of living, it is good to understand the nuances that creates the Australian Hamptons Style. Personally, I am in love with this style and I have carried over many influences of this aesthetic into my own home and my way of living.
Modern Coastal Hamptons Style
The traditional Hamptons style is visually very crisp; bright white against bold blues. The new Hamptons style is far more visually calm, serene — and modern; a coastal style that is quintessentially Australian. This style is often referred to as the Modern Hamptons Style. The modern style maintains the minimal and fresh approach to living but with an abundance of relaxed Australian attitude and takes that relaxed vibe of beachside living up a notch! The Modern Hampton Style is all about comfort and style — breathtakingly beautiful in an unpretentious way - and certainly not too precious to live in!
The New England Hamptons style traditionally features gorgeous shingled external walls. Instead the Australian style emulates the look with horizontal weatherboard cladding, white balustrades and render. The white timber finishes work beautifully in Australian homes in a modern and clean way. Open-plan living embodies the spaciousness of the Hamptons look. The interior is defined by lofty ceilings, eggshell-white walls, blonde wood or whitewashed timber, with luxury light pendants and plush upholstery as finishes.
“Modern coastal design is all about creating a sanctuary. Clean simple lines. Balance and symmetry without abandoning that relaxed-elegant coastal essence. Less is more.”
Modern Hamptons Colour Palette
The traditional Hamptons style is fairly rigid in colour (white on white). The Modern Hamptons styling embraces a wider range of the colours, but sticks to the natural tones of the coast such as bleached whites and neutrals (cream and ivory) and soft greys which are natural and relatively pale — accentuated with earthy/eucalyptus/khaki greens, the spectrum of blues (from ocean blue, sky blue to denim), sandy yellow and a touch of coral — primarily the colours that reflect the Australian coastal landscape. The new Hamptons colours are less contrasting and the style is far more visually calm and serene.
Monochrome interior schemes are not uncommon in the Modern Hamptons style, or black with accents of brass and white paired with natural materials.
“The Australian interpretation of the Hampton style combines a love of entertaining and coastal living in an elegant way.”
The Elements of The Modern Hampton-Style Home
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Materials, Fabrics and textures
The Australian (Modern) Hamptons style uses modern materials that give a feel of quality craftsmanship, and reflect traditional cultures. The Traditional Hamptons tends to incorporate nautical-themed furniture and art with ocean motifs and pieces of driftwood or coral; Modern Hamptons stripped back the patterned textiles in favour of more relaxed woven wicker, cane, woven grass textures or dried palm wall hangings.
Modern Hamptons decorating is all about the use of natural and authentic textures. Natural materials such as wood (especially hardwoods that will weather naturally to grey), stone, and marble all form part of this style, and can be included in both the exterior and interior of your home through various furniture pieces, surfaces and finishes. I am a fan of using sustainable mango wood which to me resembles windswept beaches along with whitewash timbers. Beach-style living is very tactile, so texture plays an important role — such as natural cotton cushions, jute or sisal rugs, merino fibres; or wicker, rattan, bamboo chairs and side tables, native tree trunk stools, matte black appliances, brushed nickel or brass fixtures - just to name a few. This style is big on layering patterns in textiles to create a sense of warmth and comfort. Natural textures keep the style authentic.
Flooring is typically rustic hardwoods, be it weathered, raw, stained or painted white. For fixtures and fittings, these tend to be marble splash backs, brass tap ware and plenty of shiplap cabinetry. Warm metals are added in spades; it makes the aesthetic more layered by introducing such ‘rougher’ materials.
Modern Hamptons uses linea weatherboards (with a deep shadow line appearance) to create a classic Australian cottage look that has a bit of colonial charm. Also, don’t just think mid-wall panelling, try floor to ceiling for a modern Hamptons style — having an entire wall panelled is a great way to visually connecting spaces and creating flow. In terms of roofing materials, the New England style often uses shingles, slate or tile roofs — Modern Hamptons uses a corrugated steel roof, which is a material that is quintessentially Australian.
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furniture
Think oversized yet simple shapes and traditional craftsmanship. The Hamptons look is about neutral pieces of furniture and adding colour through soft furnishings. The look is about adding distressed timber furniture in limed oak, washed grey or dark timber. The overall look and feel beautifully combines the rustic comfort and practicality of a seaside home with the relaxed glamour of a luxurious retreat.
Clean lines are the benchmark for a Modern Hamptons-inspired home. All-white finishes for kitchen cabinetry is desirable to achieve this aesthetic; marble bench tops and farmhouse sinks, light-coloured stone or crisp white laminates for benches. Patterned tiles don’t tend to feature much in the Modern Hamptons, as they are too ‘busy’ for this style and will detract from the natural detail of the space.
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Lighting
Natural lighting is highly emphasised in the Hamptons style of decorating and big windows and the inclusion of skylights is emphasised. Window treatments are kept as minimal as possible. Large exposed windows or sheer cotton drapes work best. For a Modern Hamptons kitchen’s lighting, pendants are very much a must-have, such as light fittings in woven wicker and cane, polished chrome or black iron eye-catchers, or lantern-style lights in metal and clear glass. Also, industrial-themed lamps (made of brushed metals like steel, brass or copper) work well within a Modern Hamptons aesthetic.
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ACCESSORIES and Decorations
Traditionally Hamptons style interiors tend to be rather minimalist and uncluttered, styled with sophisticated and timeless pieces. The Australian take on this classic style is slightly more relaxed but equally as chic. The decor is usually light, bright and airy, often including faux shells or coral. Decorations come in the shape of coastal-inspired wall art or photographs and tactile woven wall hangings. Elements of clay and ceramics in ocean-inspired hues are handmade and not finished to perfection (wabi-sabi style). Modern Hamptons avoids the temptation to over-accessorise and maintains a rather minimalistic feel. Remember that simplicity is key. Upmarket pieces of decor add a touch of relaxed sophistication.
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Indoors / Outdoors
For a Modern Hamptons style, it really is all about embracing nature and bringing the outside indoors. Outdoor entertaining areas capture that love of indoor-outdoor living areas. Living spaces often wrap around a central pool, and outdoor entertaining areas create a seamless flow between indoors and outdoors. An Australian coastal home typically has comfortable outdoor seating, dining options, outdoor heating and even outdoor rugs.
As for plants and greenery, draw upon the Hamptons itself for inspiration, add magnolias, jasmine and wisteria. Palms, hydrangeas and orchids complement this sophisticated style. You’ll find indoor greenery in every room.
“Australian Hampton style is all about comfort and style — breathtakingly beautiful in an unpretentious way - and not too precious to live in! I call it casual luxury.”
The Modern Hampton style creates a relaxed, natural, yet luxe feel. This style is so incredibly versatile — it can take the shape of a coastal aesthetic or can be more rustic, farmhouse style.
Simplicity and style come together in perfect harmony. There are not many styles that put comfort first and create an interior that is crisp yet relaxed, and coastal yet classic.