Bree Leech
Creating a Hamptons home
A classic staple in interior style, the influence from the American east coast is a popular look for both exteriors and interiors in New Zealand. Here's some tips for creating a Hamptons look at home. By Bree Leech. Colour featured: Dulux Cardrona.
Classic detail
The Hamptons look is defined by classic features. It can be dialled up for a luxurious look or kept casual by pulling back on the detailing.
For a high-end look consider wainscotting for your walls or a staircase with beautifully detailed handrails and herringbone floors.
A ‘coastal casual’ vibe means more simple v-groove panels on your walls, a paired back staircase design and classic wide oak flooring.
Set the mood with lighting such as lantern-style shapes in pendants or wall lights with brass or matt black details.
Coastal colour
The Hamptons palette starts with white. Epspom is perfect for traditional homes, while Cardrona is ideal for a modern look.
Add colour to your scheme using cabinetry with classic greys and greens being a popular choice in a Hamptons home such as Willow Flat.
A deep charcoal such as Rāwene is great for contrast on interior and exterior doors.
Summer styling
The Hamptons look is basically a coastal one. So stripes and combinations of blue and white play a part in setting the scene.
Traditional details in furniture, such as high-backed chairs with turned timber legs or sofas with a rolled arm suit a traditional look.
Those wanting a casual look should seek deep comfortable sofas with easy-to-remove slipcovers in heavy cotton.
Oak timber works well for the more relaxed or luxe looks, but deeper timber shades are also popular in the more traditional Hamptons home.
The Hamptons exterior
The Hamptons exterior can also be more relaxed or more traditional. One thing is essential for a true Hamptons home – a verandah.
From here, the design details of the exterior can be more ornate in the posts or fretwork and panelling may feature to frame the front door. This will elevate the exterior to a more traditional style.
The colour scheme will also determine if the style is more casual or classic. A monochromatic scheme of Mt Aspiring Half, Boulder Bay and/or Rāwene will set a more traditional mood.
Alternatively, add lighter, more ‘breezy’ colours such as Grey Lynn or Ti Point paired with Southern Alps and Angora Blue for a more casual coastal look.
Trim
Mt Aspiring Half
Mt Aspiring Half is a popular soft white with a hint of grey. It can be used internally and externally as either a main wall or a trim colour. Team it with Mt Aspiring Double, Pūkaki Half and soft greys and charcoals such as Tīrau and Lyttelton Half.
Explore more guides
Helpful tips on how to choose a home colour combination to transform the exterior of your home.
