Home Beautiful Specials 2410

IT’S SAFE TO SAY the Hamptons aesthetic is still as popular as ever, however, the style is constantly evolving and there are plenty of ways to put your own personal spin on this traditional look. The fundamentals remain: easy-flow layouts, classically layered interiors and coastal-inspired elements, all reminiscent of the American holiday homes that started it all. But there’s also plenty of room for flexibility and self-expression. Today’s Hamptons homes are designed to feel calm, relaxed and comforting, with natural light, cocooning layers and thoughtfully displayed items instrumental to this. Meanwhile, colour palettes are expanding from the traditional navy and white to include greens, greys, pinks and beige, and once sterile spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and home offices are now enlivened with striking wallpapers, woven floor runners and scenic…

OFFERING THE FIRST GLIMPSE of a home, street facades, entries and foyers set the tone for what’s to come. In a Hamptons home, architectural elements of ornate gables, timber or sandstone-clad walls and neat window shutters will start the ball rolling, with a coastal-inspired colour scheme of white, blue and grey painting a picture of luxury and relaxation. Front porches might be decked out with a swinging chair, stone planter pots or nautical light fixtures, while front doors act as the perfect statement piece, painted a contrasting shade of duck-egg blue, charcoal or green for maximum impact. Inside, bright and airy foyers and entries instantly draw you in with their high ceilings, ornate chandeliers or sweeping staircases. A central table, console or bench seat helps to keep things neat and…

A PLACE TO GATHER AND CELEBRATE, a Hamptons-style kitchen is the beating heart of family life – perfect for morning chats over coffee, casual lunches and boisterous dinner parties. Usually located in the middle of the home, the Hamptons kitchen is spacious with a free-flowing layout and lots of storage. It typically features wide benches, a butler’s pantry and easy access to plenty of natural light. Materials, fixtures and fittings tend to be good quality and timeless; popular choices include marble benchtops and splashbacks, brushed brass or shiny chrome tapware, lustrous tiles, whitewashed timber flooring and Shaker-profile cabinetry. The base palette is almost always white with accents in oyster greys, soft smoky blues and serene greens, along with earthy textures from wood panelling, natural stonework and rattan furniture. Lean into…

GATHERING AROUND THE TABLE to share a meal with family and friends is a key part of the Hamptons lifestyle. These convivial occasions can be casual affairs, perched on bar stools at the kitchen bench or reclining in wicker armchairs, taking in the views and the sea breeze from the verandah. Or they may be more formal and intimate, seated around a table in an enclosed or open-plan dining room, enjoying scintillating conversation with music playing or the fireplace blazing in the background. Many Hamptons homes cater for all of the above eventualities. To give these rooms maximum impact, lighting is crucial, usually in the form of a sparkling chandelier, a statement pendant hung just above head height or natural light that comes courtesy of sliding doors, large windows or…

LAIDBACK AND ELEGANT, the Hamptons living room is designed with comfort and relaxation at its heart. Crisp white walls and expanses of glass ensure these spaces feel light and bright, while neutral floors lay the foundation for furniture and textiles. Seating takes the form of deep sofas, comfy armchairs upholstered in stripes, checks or florals and, in some cases, a cushioned window seat or corner snug to indulge in some alone time. A central fireplace or a wall of joinery helps to anchor an open-plan space, while pops of blue, white and green reference the coastal aesthetic. But it’s the little touches that really bring these spaces to life – gallery walls of art, neat vignettes of knick knacks, a potted palm, a shell found at the beach or a…

WHILE HAMPTONS HOMES were traditionally designed as a place to escape and switch off from the daily grind, these days we are lucky to live in these homes year round. Which means that along with the relaxing living spaces, generous entertaining zones, communal kitchens and retreat-like bedrooms, we also need to design for practical needs, such as working from home. With the Hamptons fundamentals of classic detailing, luxurious finishes and coastal-inspired colour schemes, these rooms can tie in nicely with the rest of the home, while adequate lighting, a mix of concealed and display storage and the prerequisites of a desk and chair should also be accounted for. Take your time decorating with personal details like a whimsical wallpaper, much-loved artwork or sentimental keepsakes to elevate your study to sanctuary…