Get the Look: Hamptons Interior Style

5/11/2019

Natalee Bowen / Indah Island

With its white-washed woods and coastal colour palette, Hamptons style is a timeless interior look. Light, airy and modern, it favours organic textures to allow light to flow freely, and breaks it up with flashes of navy and ocean blue to highlight its coastal charm. A laidback style that effortlessly transitions from room to room, Hamptons interiors bring the Long Island lifestyle home, and we’re here to show you how you can get the look for yourself…

The Colour Scheme

blue and white living room
Natalee Bowen / Indah Island

Traditionally, a Hampton’s colour scheme is comprised mostly of variations of white, with accents of grey and blue used as complementary shades. So, when it comes to colourways, we’re looking for very light, bright and neutral tones that allow the moulding to shine. All the moulding details (architraves, skirtings, ceiling, window trim) should be white to make them pop and bring out detail. I recommend pairing the bright white with very subtle neutral colours. The complementary paint colours shouldn’t be too dark but should just feature a tint of grey or a tint of taupe. - Natalee Bowen / Indah Island

Styling

patio style
Natalee Bowen / Indah Island

From natural linens to jute rugs and plenty of American Oak timber, layering is vital to the aesthetic. Think layer, upon layer, upon layer, like a Sara-Lee cake. Blue and white cushions, pops of black and white, floorboards are always American Oak or stained chocolate. Then, finish the look with greenery, including orchids and palms. I love the styled vignette too. Create little vignettes throughout the home – style with items you love and things you have collected on your travels. - Natalee Bowen / Indah Island

The Bedroom

coastal bedroom

Hamptons style is all about bright, natural light. And this is especially true in the bedroom. Keep things simple with crisp white linens, and make the bed the focal point with an upholstered or solid wood frame. Layer cushions, duvets and throws to make it look lived-in, and when it comes to materials think breathable cottons and linens. Hamptons style is all about celebrating the very best of natural materials. Soften white wood floors with a thick, chunky rug (faux fur gives a welcome Scandi nod, or keep it traditional with a woven pattern) and introduce coastal accessories in the form of decorative ornaments and picture frames.

The Dining Room

coastal dining table

Fresh is best. Use fresh flowers that contrast with table linens for a simple yet striking centrepiece. For a more subtle and elegant look, use blooms in a softer shade of the colour palette you’re using.

Table linen is your friend. Use a tablecloth with a pattern or stripe for a fresh preppy look, or opt for plain linens if using bright napery. For something different try using table runners horizontally across the table to act like placemats for settings across from each other.

Place fruit in a large bowl or vessel to add colour, shape and texture. If you are running short on time, a bunch of faux florals can look the real deal in a beautiful vase, champagne or wine bucket. Style with scented candles and a mirror tray for a romantic table setting that transitions perfectly from day into night time entertaining. - Julia Lynton / Hamptons Style

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The Bathroom

white bathroom

Start with your base colours and choose either a white and grey colour base or a white and beige colour base. In keeping with the Hamptons-style theme, we love bathrooms that combine creamy whites with natural timbers. Let the seaside inspire, think soft neutrals, creamy tones, sea blues and greens.

Mirror finishes and a multitude of whites work with chic lighting for a timeless appeal. Add a touch of tradition with a custom built timber vanity Shaker style profile, under-mount sink or mounted directly on a marble countertop with classic vintage inspired tapware. Aim for materials and fittings that are refined and not too formal. Walls can be fully or half tiled with a capping tile and painted above. Tiles on walls can be in a herringbone, hexagonal or basketweave pattern. Marble and stone are style staples of the Hamptons bathroom. A Hamptons bathroom wouldn’t be complete without a freestanding bath, if you have the space opt for a clawfoot or egg shape. - Christiana Masina / Design Divine

Lighting

Whether hung over the kitchen island bench, dining table or even used in a formal lounge, staircase, bedroom or bathroom, pendant lights are important for achieving the Hamptons aesthetic. I love a chandelier in a bathroom and wall sconces in entrances and bathrooms are a great look too. The finish should complement the rest of the home. Whether you choose chrome, black or brass depends on the other colour ways throughout the house. For example, if you’ve got brass taps and handles in the kitchen then you’d go gold over your kitchen island. Natalee Bowen / Indah Island

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