Creating a Hampton's Style Home

[Julie-Ann]

The Hampton's style of decorating seems to be very popular with so many of us. I think two of my favourite examples of this style is from The House That A-M Built blog and the movie Somethings Gotta Give. If you haven't seen pictures from both of these take a look- both homes are truly stunning.

I found this interesting eHow article on how to create the Hampton's Style in your home.

You don't need to live in the Hamptons to get the community's fashionable look for your home. Known as a preferred vacationing spot for New York's urban elite, the Hamptons is home to picturesque country houses infused with classic elegance. Many homes in the Hamptons are inspired by New England-style architecture and decor. You can give your home the look of a cottage in the Hamptons without breaking the bank.

Instructions

1. Freshen up. Paint walls white or another light neutral color. The idea is to keep things light and breezy, with a sophisticated feel. Replace patterned accent pillows with light-colored cotton or linen pillows. If you have decorative artwork in darker colors, add white frames or replace the art with something fresh and neutral. If you have dark window treatments, replace them with lighter colors such as ivory, white or khaki.

2. Bring the outside indoors. Incorporate beach and nautical themes with woven baskets and rustic accent pieces. Items such as driftwood and seashells make fitting accessories. Display the accessories in clear glass jars or as table centerpieces. To expand the look, add wood flooring; a staple in Hamptons homes. Wood flooring anchors a home by adding warmth and natural beauty. Add flowers and greenery native to the Hamptons.

3. Bathe your home in sunlight. Open curtains and let light pour into rooms. For more light exposure, consider installing a skylight.

4. Light-colored slipcovers brighten dark furniture. Neutralize your furniture. Invest in slipcovers to brighten dark furniture. A white or beige linen slipcover will instantly freshen up your living room. Wicker is also a popular choice of furnishings in the Hamptons. Blending wicker pieces with crisp, linen upholstery creates a clean look. In your living room, position a white linen couch with a pair of wicker chairs to create a casual beach-like setting.

What tips would you suggest to create this look?
If you have some Hampton's style features in your home we would love for you to share a picture with us.

[rosierose]

Love the hamptons style..........casual yet elegant........

Wish I could show you pics of my hamptoms house..... But I can say I had A-M's house in my scrap book.........didn't know I would be so fortunate to "meet" her on this forum.....

more pics of move Somethings gotta give attached"

[rosierose]

a few more shots

[Julie-Ann]

Gorgeous pictures Rosierose- thanks.
Yes it is lovely to have someone like A-M with all her style and experience on the forum.

[Elements]

Great little article J-A, I am saving this to my faves.
I think white on white with touches of linen seem to be the way to go for the hardware of your home and then just starting with the visible styled furniture that you can find most anywhere these days with a mix of canes and antique styled modern furniture. Then adding very subtle hints of colour in your accesories.
Here is one of my fave Hamptons Living Rooms.

I love that Hampton's Style! I didn't know it had that name. There is a shop in Wagga called Hampton's on Fitzmauriec street..it has the ,ost gorgeous looking house on a huge poster out the front. I figure Pete & I will do THAT sort of thing when the children decide to fly the nest.
Hamptons Everlasting Style The(02) 6931 7511
78 Fitzmaurice St
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

[a-m]

Hi, super love this topic... makes my heart stop actually. I dissected many a picture similar to those beautiful Hamptons rooms you have posted, prior to building my home. I was quite scientific about the whole thing and pondered and pondered about the detail! I started with the elevations..... (I wanted the house to look good from every angle.. I am particularly in love with the South (right side) elevation, the way it sort of stacks up the hill with all the different windows including the beautiful big stairwell feature window)....windows and doors were my biggest obsession.. I ensured French Doors took pride of place in the front elevation, (with a custom front door created from a stock door with bits added to it!.. to save money) transoms on the terrace doors bringing in more light and creating a feature for the living areas, pretty 4 x4 double hung windows on the lower level and 4 x 1 double hungs on the upper level (to enable a view from the bottom pane) and then worked my way up from the floors...darker, wider floor boards in a matt finish, deep skirting boards, warm white walls to tie in with the floors and rattan accessories and neutral soft furnishings, larger architraves around detailed windows and French Doors (ensuring lots and lots of light, which makes everything whiter and brighter), elegant but not too ornate cornices, use of pendant and task lighting, one main wow factor in every room (stone fireplace and shaker style cabinetry in Great Room, feature wallpaper and black theme in study, shaker cabinetry with glass doors in mud room/Laundry, butlers pantry in kitchen, pool house out on pool terrace). I agree with Elements, a mix of antique and casual wicker/rattan furniture with subtle pops of colour, gives it all a 'not too precious', 'I'm home' feel about it all. It's such a classic style and so open to personal interpretation. I threw a bit of French into the mix as well especially in the room with the piano, a couple of Louis chairs.. but then softened it with a casual linen slip covered sofa... so inviting to flop down and read on while son was doing his piano practice! .. the elegant and then casual pieces makes everything less 'precious'... I'm waffling now.. waiting for my morning coffee.. speaking of precious!... hubby is making me one now! Happy Sunday! A-M xx

[Lorraine]

When can you come over and make my home into Hampton's AM? Love it. xox

[Mrs B]

When I first started my blog, I came across one of the best written articles on the 'Somethings Gotta Give'by Joni (Cote de Texas)

http://http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2008/07/beach-houses-series-4-hamptons-house.html

She goes into great detail describing the elements that make up a Hampton styled room using the rooms from the film as an example. Terrific read btw if you havent already done so.

Mrs B

[Julie-Ann]

Thanks A-M for sharing so many of your secrets on how to create a Hampton's style home. So many fabulous ideas there and details that lots of us may never have noticed..
Great article MrsB - thanks for the link to it.