How to Harness the Hamptons Haven Style

Gatsby glam

When you think of the Hamptons interior design style, you probably picture seaside mansions, plush oversized sofas, expansive sundecks and sipping cocktails in the afternoon, like something out of The Great Gatsby. Effortlessly elegant, laidback, classic and cool with its creamy linens, plush velvets and tranquil blues, the Hamptons look is ever on-trend and it’s not hard to see why. In Australia, we’re blessed with thousands of kilometres of coastline. But you don’t need to live on the beach or have unlimited funds to harness the Hamptons look. Whether you’re coastal, country or in Western Sydney, creating an elegant Hamptons haven is easy with a few key elements — and your own Aussie twist.

KEY ELEMENTS

1  Neutral colour scheme accented with tranquil blues
2  Timber, linen, marble and velvet
3  High-quality fixtures and finishes like wainscoting and shaker-style cabinetry
4  Classic furniture and décor
5  Stylish and relaxed outdoor furniture

Provincial Oak Table White with 6 Cross Back Chairs Vintage White Package

Holiday in the Hamptons

Soaked in history, there’s more to this design style than the pairing of relaxed and refined. The Hamptons is, in fact, a place — a string of seaside communities less than two hours from Manhattan. The location has been long cherished as a holiday destination for cashed-up New Yorkers to bunker down over the balmy months in their lavish summer houses. These boutique beachfront homes filled with light, space and laidback luxe have created a design style of their own that’s spread around the world. Similar to the contemporary coastal design trend, the Hamptons aesthetic runs deeper — it’s laidback and beachy, yet with an opulent edge.

Relaxed and refined

Defined by breezy, open-plan white-on-white interiors seasoned with touches of soothing blues, the elegance of a Hamptons home comes from the high-quality finishes and attention to detail. Think rich timber flooring, superior window furnishings like plantation shutters, premium shaker-style timber cabinetry, wainscoting, shiplap, thick marble benchtops and enormous bay windows. But don’t get overwhelmed by all the multimillion-dollar homes you see in movies and online. If you don’t have the budget for a full refurb and top-end joinery (not many of us do!), you can still harness the aesthetic without the expense with a few well-selected pieces of furniture, quality finishes and beautiful décor.

Byron Wicker Occasional Chair 760mm – Linen Weave

Classic colours

Choose a classic scheme in calming colours, such as white, grey and royal blue, for a feeling of tranquillity and that will remain absolutely classic. You could refer to an online resource, like Dulux, to find a complementary palette that will work with your vibe. The Pantone Colour of the Year — Classic Blue — is a timeless choice.

Hampton Queen Canopy Bed

A sumptuous statement

Anchor your breezy, light-filled open-plan spaces with a few carefully chosen pieces of rich timber furniture, such as a beautiful buffet, dining table and coffee table. Be brave with a creamy linen or royal-blue velvet sofa to make a sumptuous statement. Soften your spaces with the relaxed looks of wicker, rattan, sheer curtains and plenty of indoor plants. You can add colour and character with wall art and cushions. Remember to keep them predominantly within your tri-colour palette with coastal blues and complementary hues reminiscent of the beach.

Lisette 3.5 Seater Sofa Indigo Velvet

Decadent décor

Choose oak and ceramic décor to bounce off your neutral backdrop. Create visual interest with an arrangements of Claymont ceramics filled with flowers and lush fernery. Metallic, glass and marble accents can offer luxurious touches to up the opulence. And nothing screams laidback-coastal-escape more than a gorgeous window seat to curl up into with a book, so if space allows, this can be an enchanting feature. Add lots of plush and textured cushions on your window seat and sofas, which can be easily switched up when you feel like a change. Allow the natural light to flood every corner of the home, or add some tables lamps and pendants for an uplifting ambience.

Claymont ceramics

Outdoor flow

Finally, aim for a seamless union of indoor and outdoor spaces, such a bifold or French glass doors opening off the primary living area to a sundeck. But even in smaller spaces, such as city balconies, you can get the coastal vibe. Again, choose natural materials, like timber or wicker when selecting an outdoor sofa, sunbed or dining table. Finish the space with a few hanging ferns and soft cushions and you’re all ready for a gin rickey with Gatsby and Daisy on the deck.

Othello dining table and Martinique chair

Make your home a Hamptons haven

We’ve got plenty more ideas in-store and online for transforming your home into an elegant Hamptons haven. For more inspiration, check out this stunning Hamptons home with an Australian flavour.