The Hamptons style is the look of the moment for both exteriors and interiors when Australians choose to build a house. This classic and understated style is everywhere.
If you are not sure where the rising demand for Hamptons-style homes came from, you can probably blame Hollywood.
Some architects and designers trace the trend back to Something’s Gotta Give. This film, featuring Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, was set in the home of Keaton’s character. Her classically styled Hamptons home stole the show. Blogs praising the home’s decor sprung up immediately and it has spawned a hundred or so Pinterest boards.
Later, those ubiquitous women from Sex and the City spent a few summers in The Hamptons over the six seasons of the show, therefore further implanting the region’s style on ambitious young women all over the world. Those same women are now grown up and dream to build a house.
Use the Hamptons Style to build a house
Long Island New York, Bridgehampton and South Hampton in particular are known as being the ‘It’ holiday destination of the rich and famous. The classic styling of the beachside homes includes large, elegant timber cottages, modern streamlined roofs in darker shades.
It’s not hard to see the attraction of the Hamptons style, using it to inspire you to build a house. The gracious architecture of the homes translates very well to the Australian climate. Additionally, pastel colour palette, slimline profile roofs and timber fretwork are now very much in demand in everything from kitchens to cushions.
There’s a certain coastal feeling about The Hamptons, which is, after all, a beachside holiday destination. Distressed white trims, understated grey tiles and sun-bleached colours form the cornerstone of the style – it’s cool and airy and postcard-pretty.
What is the Hampton Style?
Queensland designer Jared Poole has become known for designing Hamptons style homes throughout the Gold Coast. Poole admits that the Hamptons style has become the “flavour of the month” for those who will build a house.
“We’ve been doing them over the last three or four years,” he says, “but it’s really catching on now. In the last year and half it has been gaining momentum. You can tell it’s getting big when the real estate agents are using it in their marketing.”
Senior interior designer at Metricon Homes Qld, Melissa Colley, believes the popularity of the style is due to a shift back to a traditional facade when individuals build a house, adding that the style adding that the style “is such a perfect fit for our Australian lifestyle”.
“We have beachside suburbs all around our country so this is one theme that is universally popular to Australians regardless of which state they reside,” she says.
“It’s the overall feel of a Hamptons home that makes it so appealing, being a combination of both casual/relaxed and classic/sophisticated,” adds Colley. “It allows the home owner the diversity to dress the style up and down depending on their individual taste. It’s a rare theme where you can add a crystal chandelier or a recycled timber chest and both elements work harmoniously in a space.”
Colley stresses that when you choose to build a house and are determining the styling aesthetic, is often about the external finishes. “A tiled roof is a must, preferably a flat roof tile like Monier’s Horizon or Atura ranges. Mid toned grey walls with white windows and white architectural features are also popular additions.”
So is the Hamptons look a fleeting trend? Jared Poole doesn’t think so. “When you look at those big homes in America, when you do them properly they are timeless,” he says.
Like Hampton style homes? We share how to choose your new home design.
Poole admits that there is a similarity between the Hamptons homes and a classic Queenslander. This might explain their popularity in our northern states. Both styles are set high on their land to allow breezes to waft through, have timber detailing and white trims.
“To me Hamptons is a fairly broad style. There are so many interpretations of it, but I think materials certainly come into play,” says Poole. “It’s about the timber cladding and pastel colours.”
Many homeowners are also opting for a Hamptons-style kitchen. This includes white timber panelled doors, wrought iron lighting and soft shades of blue or green.
“Again, there are obviously levels of detail and interpretation of it,” adds Poole. “We are doing some kitchens at the moment that are very detailed and others that are pared right back and more of a contemporary interpretation of the Hamptons.”
Home owners can be passionate about capturing the full Hamptons look when they build a house. However, simply choosing a few elements to add a modern and fashionable touch to their home can fulfill the look.
Let us do the legwork for you.
- We’ll ask the right questions to better understand your needs
- We’ll create a recommended shortlist ideally matched to you
- We’ll answer specific questions or concerns related to home building, land purchasing or financing
Monier
With over 100 years in roofing experience, Monier is all about creating strong and beautiful roofs that their customers can be proud of
1800 184 284
