Hamptons style house: How it’s becoming an Australian institution, style and design advice
The appeal of US culture on our homes hasn’t declined in the wake of the Trump presidency and America’s COVID struggles, rather it continues to be a beacon of aspiration.
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The broader appeal of US culture and its impact on our homes hasn’t declined in the wake of the controversial Trump presidency and America’s COVID struggles, rather it continues to be a beacon of aspiration – as the return of Hamptons-style homes shows.
AUSSIES MAKING HAMPTONS STYLE THEIR OWN
Architectural designs have long borrowed from other cultures and the New York’s Hamptons look is one that has transcended international borders, particularly here in Australia where we have fallen hard for the timeless appeal of white-washed weatherboard and smart interior details.
Trailea and Phil Stewart are just one of many local couples who looked to New York’s Hamptons coastline for inspiration when they embarked on building a dream home.
“The Hamptons look has been my passion for a long time,” says Trailea. “I mean, what’s not to love? It’s distinctively classic and it always looks refreshing and welcoming.”
Within days of securing their dream block of land overlooking the Hastings River, on the NSW mid north coast, Trailea had drafted building sketches and initial floorplans for what would become the Stewart family home.
From the street, the home may look like a traditional Hamptons home, but it has been tweaked to suit the local conditions. While it possesses the shingle look roofing, white ornate eaves and window trims, as well as a classic picket fence, the entire facade is wrapped in Guild Grey painted Linea Weatherboard cladding.
Natalee Bowen, principal of Hamptons building company Indah Island, says the Australian Hamptons style is simpler, eschewing much of the ornamentation of the American original. The palettes differ, too.
“A basic tenet of the Hamptons look is to reflect the surrounding area. In America, this means the whites, blues and other coastal elements. Here, we take this principle and apply it to our locations,” says Natalee.
“It’s a common misconception that Hamptons can only work on the coast, but the look was originally inspired by the farmhouses further inland. I’ve also seen some great inner-city Hamptons homes. Australian Hamptons has become a style in its own right. It requires the open plan living and coastal look of the American original, but it’s more down to earth, with a reduction in ornamentation.”
Trailea chose a facade in a dark shade to mirror her home’s riverside location.
“There’s a blue tone to it, which comes to life as the sun catches the cladding,” she says.
“I love that my home is a little unexpected, particularly among the modern builds in the neighbourhood,” says Trailea.
“The facade definitely follows a traditional New York Hamptons aesthetic, which would use shingles to get those quintessential horizontal shadows.”
Inside, the signature crisp whites and blues of the Hamptons feature throughout, anchored by dark wooden floors.
The staircase is the hero here, with white risers and balustrades and a glorious dark handrail.which contrasts perfectly.
The all-white kitchen features beautifully detailed joinery and Shaker style cabinetry. Window shutters, wicker stools, linen-look blinds and pendants all contribute to the Hamptons feel, as do the blue toile-patterned chairs in the open-plan living space. These signature elements, well-suited to Australian coastal living, are repeated through the home.
“No one was doing Hamptons when we started to build here — it’s now booming.”
The Stewarts recently sold this property and Trailea is now looking to re-create a Hamptons home in Queensland, this time by the sea.
The Hamptons look was created to reflect the surrounding shoreline, so coastal colour palettes of whites and blues are a must,” says Natalee Bowen, of Indah Island.
“The style is decorative and it’s all about adding beautiful details.”
While classic Shaker cabinets in the kitchen and VJ panelling are standard, the Australian Hamptons look is also honed with natural textures (from rattan to linen) and ornate lantern lights.
THE HAMPTONS PROJECT
The owners: Trailea and Phil Stewart and their children Dana, 26, Brandon, 23, Jaimee, 17 and Jesse, 13.
The plan: A plot of land along the Hastings River gets a Hamptons-inspired upgrade.
Progress report: The family has sold this home and are keen to recreate this experience on a new seaside site in Queensland.
BLAME HISTORY FOR LOVE OF HAMPTONS DESIGN
Yeong Sassall, Head of Brand, Vogue Living said the continued popularity of Hamptons has a strong link to Australia’s history and that the style works for our climate and lifestyle.
“Blame our colonial British past, but Australians have long had a love affair with cottage and farmhouse-style homes and interiors, and the resurgence of Hamptons taps into this. While the American Hamptons style differs from traditional cottage style in that it’s more seaside inflected, it’s not hard to see why the coastal influence is such a hit with beach-obsessed Australians,” she said.
American Hamptons style has been adapted and tweaked to suit the Australian climate and environment.
“Traditionally, the affluent beach houses of Long Island, New York (which typify Hamptons style) can be quite formal and opulent, with additions of chandeliers and dark timber floors, while the Australian Hamptons style is often more casual, with open-plan layouts and less ornamental details,” Ms Sassall said.
“While many might shy away from what they see as ‘American’ interiors, in truth, Hamptons style is very in tune with the Australian lifestyle. The crisp whites and oceanic blues pair beautifully with coastal living, while shaker-style cabinetry and window shutters give a home character and warmth.
“It’s certainly a far cry from the sleek, ultra-modern homes that have been popularised in the past decade, but chic minimalism doesn’t appeal to everyone. In fact, the Hamptons style’s blend of classic and familiar elements might just be the comforting design we need right now.”
HOW TO GET THE HAMPTONS HOME LOOK: 10 TIPS
Think New York affluence, prestige and elegance, the Hamptons style is a rich tapestry of prints and textures.
1 Cool & calm
The Kalkan Cornflower cushions feature a soft jacquard design with white embroidery. Priced at $89.95 each, they’re made from recycled plastic bottles.
weavergreen.com.au
2 Brass act
Traditional white candles, blown glass and brushed brass tick all the boxes for a fresh Hamptons look. The Chester brushed hurricane lanterns are prices from $99 each.
potterybarn.com.au
3 Blue state
Navy tones that have dominated Hamptons interiors have softened to tranquil blues and greys. This table lamp features a patterned ceramic base in a subtle hue, it’s $199.
domayne.com.au
4 Fine dining
White timber and a classic cross-back design make this dining chair a must. The Cristo oak dining chair is available in natural, white, whitewash and black. It’s $139.
ozdesignfurniture.com.au
5 Fairest of all
A large mirror will set the tone for your coastal-inspired home. The Cayman mirror is $499.
ricefurniture.com.au
6 Sea change
Decorative seaside pieces such as this coral sculpture, crafted from resin, will add a refined feel to your Hamptons home. It’s $59.95.
alfrescoemporium.com.au
7 The big time
Wall decorations should be understated but large. Try a piece such as this 60cm Hamptons clock. It’s $139.95.
dalisay.com.au
8 Classic catch
No Hamptons home would be complete without a decorative ginger jar. The Tapestry ginger jar is a charming hand-crafted piece with a traditional blue-and-white pattern. It’s $59.
hamptonlane.com.au
9 Simple style
A whitewashed rattan tray adds simple coastal charm to your Hamptons-style decor. This rattan tray with arched handles is ideal for your coffee table or sideboard. It’s $49.99.
luxefurnitureandhomewares.com.au
10 Elegant sufficiency
The key to the enduring style of a Hamptons home is elegant but relaxed. This occasional Candace chair features black timber legs and contrast piping for effortless luxury. It’s $2399.
livingstyles.com.au
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