WHAT’S THE FUSS ABOUT HAMPTONS STYLE?
Key features of the Hamptons Style include soft neutral colours, use of natural materials, classic and comfortable furniture and reference to the coastal landscape.
I think the words “Hamptons Style” are one of the most bounced around words when it comes to interior decorating. I often feel my eyes roll when I hear it mentioned. Not that I’m opposed to the style. It’s very relaxed yet sophisticated and certainly makes me think of the amazing seaside home of Diane’s Keaton’s character in “Something’s Gotta Give”.
According to ChatGPT, “Hamptons style in interior decorating refers to a classic and sophisticated coastal aesthetic inspired by the homes in the Hamptons, a group of villages and hamlets on Long Island, New York. Overall, Hamptons style exudes a sense of casual elegance, combining the relaxed beach lifestyle with classic and timeless design elements. It's a popular choice for coastal homes as well as urban dwellings looking to evoke a sense of serene escape.”
Key features of the Hamptons Style include soft neutral colours, use of natural materials, classic and comfortable furniture and reference to the coastal landscape.
For me, interiors don’t need to resemble one particular style. They should represent the people living there and how they want to feel in their home. I start with how you want to feel, how the room should function and then how it should look.
Often the most interesting interiors are a combination of different styles or elements. In one project I worked on, my client had collected some antique furniture, a rug purchased from overseas and art work from her previous home. Moving into a new apartment with a view of the sea didn’t mean that she had to decorate in the Hampton’s Style. What mattered was how she wanted her apartment to feel like and to include her important pieces in the mix.
A problem I see in sticking to just one style (Hamptons or otherwise) is that your home may begin to look a bit too themed and resemble a display home. You may start to overlook the pieces that are important to you for the sake of sticking to a formula. Also for many clients, they don’t know what their style is. So its not always helpful to label it.
I believe there needs to be a balance between the styles. That’s where the magic and personality starts to show.
To find out how I can help you find your style, book into for a no obligation phone call or contact me at katie@katieriddell.com.au. To receive helpful tips and inspiration direct to your email inbox, please sign-up to receive my “All Things Interiors” newsletter.
