Learn about the difference between a Hamptons Elegance and a Coastal Modern home
Everyone has their own approach to achieving a certain look. When it comes to coastal related styling, we love these two options – Hamptons Elegance or Coastal Modern. We have perfected our formula for both interiors and have mapped out the must have features for both styles below.
Hamptons Elegance
‘Understated luxury’ sums up this interior in a nutshell. It is all about traditional detailing reimagined and uncluttered to combine elements of the coastal lifestyle. Often very formal, aspirational and detailed with dark timber floors, chandeliers, grand staircases, ceiling sconces and heavily panelled walls. Tasteful elegance is key, combined with a sophisticated coastal edge. This opulent coastal style embraces the very essence of casual elegance with tasteful décor that mixes old and new.
Furnishings should be a mixture of tailored comfort and relaxed elegance – think big bold lamps, glass pendant lights, large comfy fabric sofas and glass or marble coffee tables are perfect. Mix with soft furnishings in coastal colours – navy, duck egg blue, fresh white and soft greys.
Light-filled, open rooms with a strong connection between indoor and outdoor are classic Hampton-style life – French doors, classic multi-paned windows and skylights. Windows should be dressed in white plantation shutters or floaty floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains.
Timber floorboards are a must for a Hamptons-style home – American or European oak natural boards create warmth or, when stained black, add a dramatic feel. Timber panelling, dado walls and shiplap add to the Hamptons-style feel, and detailed trims like architraves, cornices and skirtings are important.
Highly styled laid-back living is synonymous with Hamptons style. Wicker furniture, dark timber, soft fabrics and clean lines help to create a relaxed feel in a structured environment.
If you are looking for some inspiration of a Hamptons Elegance styled home, check out our Boston 42 MKII on display at Newport.
Coastal Modern
This style is all about crisp and fresh interiors and colour accents from the sea. Think simplicity in tones with layers of texture. Elements of the coastal lifestyle but reimagined with an Australian essence of relaxed living.
Inspired by the beach and nautical themes, Coastal Modern pays homage to our surroundings without being too predictable. It’s all about functionality and creating space with open plan living, clean lines and a minimal colour palette. Crisp and clutter free whilst being cosy and comfortable, relaxing and serene.
Light coloured floors, walls and wooden furniture are key to this look, with blue and white textiles and detailed coastal hard finishes to add a fresh and breezy touch. Create a relaxed décor palette with whites and creams accessorized with blues and greens.
Blur the line between indoors and outdoors, with windows everywhere and glass doors and skylights allowing sunshine to flood in. There is a distinct lack of window treatments – plantation shutters, bamboo blinds or sheer curtains. Big, comfy sofas and armchairs, linen fabrics, slipcovers, floaty sheers and pure white or washed out pastels are great choices for this look.
The key word is restraint. Barely-there blues are important coastal colours, reminiscent of the sea and sky, but tone on tone rather than contrasting. Hints of classic nautical hues like navy and white can look fresh too. Light and weathered woods work perfectly, timbers worn smooth and bleached out.
For inspiration on a Coastal Modern home, take a look at our Noosaville 25 on display at Bayan Hills estate in Ballina.
We have a wide range of affordable Hamptons and Coastal homes, so contact us today to find out moamptons/re. If you have any questions about coastal styling, ask our design experts at your selection appointment.
