How to get Hamptons style outside
If you crave the look of the Hamptons for your home, extend this classic decorating style to your outdoor living and entertaining spaces.
Achieving timeless Hamptons style is a matter of getting a few simple elements right and sticking to them for your whole decorating scheme.
This applies to your outdoor areas as well as interiors. The combination of coastal charm and sophisticated luxury, Hamptons-style is based around a look that will weather a beach-side location, so lots of white paint and a traditional weatherboard look to your exterior is the first place to start.
Whether your home is old or new you may be lucky enough to have a weatherboard home, or perhaps simply covet the look. Cladding your outdoor areas and painting in a light, bright colour will go a long way to nail the look of Hamptons coastal style. If not achievable for your whole exterior, use it as a key feature of your outdoor spaces wherever possible. Consider cladding a feature wall or entrance way, or perhaps you can bridge spaces together with cladded walkways.
Key elements of the Hamptons look
Light, bright, open spaces designed for easy living and entertaining
Neutral, coastal colour base palette of whites, creams, linen tones and greys
Add blues in a range of tones, inspired by the sea from duck egg through sea glass to a rich navy
Accent with natural textures
Natural light
Internal panelling
High ceilings – even in your outdoor entertaining areas
Weatherboard exterior
Add accents of colour with soft furnishings and greenery, particularly palms and orchids, to bring the space to life and let in plenty of natural light. “Natural light can really transform a room,” says interior designer Natalee Bowen. “It’s worth spending time at the start of a Hamptons-inspired build or renovation to consider key ways to maximise light all-year round.”
“The lightest shade of white paint for the ceilings is the final step in maximising space within.”
Natalie Bowen
Other elements to consider
Open-plan living areas
Raked or coffered ceilings
Oversized bi-folds and large windows
Lightweight voile curtains that drape to the floor
Upholstered seating in seaside tones
Ample deck space for entertaining and transitioning between indoors and out
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