4 minute read
Coastal Hamptons Interior designer Natalee Bowen explains how to adapt a prized Hamptons look for life Down Under
COASTAL HAMPTONS
HAMPTONS DESIGN EXPERT NATALEE BOWEN TAKES US ON A TRIP TO THE COAST THIS MONTH
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Words NATALEE BOWEN
The Coastal Hamptons style is more relaxed in design than its high-end counterparts. It is not contrived in any way and depletes the fuss of a classic look. Its simplicity is a favourite among Hamptons looks – pared back to simple lines and layers of white on white.
A true Hamptons home is more than just an interior design trend. It ’ s a complete way of life! Australia ’ s beach-loving culture leads to a no-fuss, relaxed lifestyle that starts from the moment you see the home and continues throughout, with soft linen sofas, chairs and furnishings. Our climate is perfect for an indoor-outdoor flow of living spaces and for endless hours of backyard entertaining. We strive to create an eternal holiday at home.
THE FEATURES
A Coastal Hamptons home has a deliciously simple recipe – you could even call it Design 101.
The linear weatherboard is an immediate giveaway that these homes are a Hamptons coastal favourite. With a distinctive palette of white, the layers of detail include clean lines with architraves and popping mouldings that entice a relaxed feel. The external balustrade influences the look, either a simple spindle or a cross style that adds a touch of beach house, and a porthole detail blends beautifully.
You see a sea of white and immediately feel you can kick off your shoes, flop in a comfy linen chair and hear the rolling waves in the background.
On the walls, Hardie Groove Lining replaces your traditional wainscoting and can be taken up the walls and across the ceiling. When paired with white, exposed beams in a roof with a higher-than-normal pitch, this offers subtle texture. Timber floorboards in whitewashed oak are a must, dressed in layered jute and cotton rugs. The staircase should have square lines with simple spindles and continuing washed oak steps and handrails, to bring out the coastal feel.
As always in a Hamptons home, the kitchen here is a standout – but instead of heavy detail, adopt a less-is-more approach. Use simple shaker door fronts with little-to-no glass and a square post on the island. Hardware in antique brass gives a nod to the classic and creates an on-trend look that will last.
In the bathroom, vanities with a touch of rattan in the shaker front panel create the relaxed look, with vertical-joint wall panels to emphasise the space.
THE FURNITURE
There are two different looks under the Coastal Hamptons banner – nautical and modern coastal.
The nautical style leans heavily into a palette of navy and white, with lots of striped upholstery, while timber furniture complemented with rattan textures keeps the space grounded. Linen sofas in a deep navy blue with contrasting white piping are dramatic and gorgeous, and a white console behind the sofa is an excellent opportunity for some vignette styling with collections of seashells, coral and glass cloches. Striped slipcover dining chairs will keep it relaxed while incorporating another layer of patterned linens.
Lighting is always a feature, but with the nautical look we use more wooden finishes, with wrought iron touches and glass. Art could be layers of yachts, coral in blue tones and ocean images. It is not uncommon to have boat oars in a room, and you will likely find white Adirondack chairs around the pool.
The modern coastal style is lighter, with white on whites and touches of linen neutrals and light blues. It speaks to our love of beachside living, with pastel blues to bring the beachy vibe inside. Whitewashed oak and white furniture with blonde rattan accents keep the space modern and cool. Soft blue linen sofas to relax in are essential, and forever-classic cross-back dining chairs with rattan seats are an easy choice.
Get creative with the materials used in statement lighting, with beautiful, beaded pendants in shell or wooden beads to communicate a beach aesthetic.
In a Coastal Hamptons home, you will find bowls of shells, coral and collectables around the coffee, side and console tables. Finally, add layers of books, to give height and an ease of picking up and flicking through pages of images to your heart ’ s content.
Natalee has been in the design industry for over 20 years. An interior designer and principal at Indah Island, Natalee ’ s awardwinning work has been featured in magazines, social media and TV programs such as Dream Homes, Ready Set Reno, Luxury Homes Revealed, Best Houses Australia and Through the Front Gate.
Above, from top: Room+Co
‘Santos ’ armchair (includes cushion), $959, Living Styles.
‘Seashell Amon ’ print, $395/ 46.5cm x 56.5cm (framed), Verandah House. Rexington Home ‘Evelyn ’ fabric-covered stool, $775,
Temple & Webster. Rattan lamp (includes shade), $468.95, and
‘Havana Sable ’ cotton cushion, $79.95/50cm x 50cm, both Alfresco
Emporium. ‘Clam Shell’ ceramic dish, $44.95/28cm, French Knot.
Layers of linens, neutrals and plenty of nods to the sea with large shells and corals evoke coastal bliss in Natalee ’ s home.
