The Hamptons Come to Queensland

Taking an understated approach to coastal style, a Hamptons-inspired home is more than just a look – it’s a lifestyle. Blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living, this timeless design is ideally suited to the Australian environment and can be achieved easily with a few key considerations.

A LOOK THAT LASTS

Casual, chic, beachy, sophisticated… these are all qualities synonymous with Hamptons style. Inspired by New York’s summer playground for city dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle, the Hamptons look is coastal living at its best – elegant, classic and fuss-free.

Whether your property is on the water or a suburban street, a Hamptons-inspired home is designed to make you feel relaxed and comfortable – like you’re on holidays all year round. And the best part? When created using the right design and materials, a Hamptons-inspired home will stand the test of time both physically and aesthetically.

Hamptons home in Queensland The epitome of the Queenslander-meets-Hamptons-look by McCarthy Homes. Located on Queensland’s Gold Coast, the owners of this home wanted a ‘forever’ Hamptons home that embodied a laid-back coastal vibe.

THE PERFECT MATCH

A Hamptons-inspired home draws many similarities to a traditional Queenslander, which is why it’s so well suited to the Australian lifestyle. Both are built with climate in mind – a verandah is a standout feature of the classic Australian home, while a Hamptons abode commonly has a covered outdoor area that is used as a second living space.

However, there are some differences – while classic Queenslanders often have numerous smaller rooms dotted along a hallway, the modern Hamptons home is all about natural light, high ceilings and open plan living. A layout that encourages cross-ventilation is important in locations that experience warm and humid weather, and the bright and inviting approach of a Hamptons home is favorable in these conditions.

Queenslanders are often built high off the ground, the two main reasons being to encourage ventilation and protect the home from termites. While traditionally made from timber, there are modern alternatives available to homeowners such as fibre cement cladding weatherboards. They look the same as traditional timber weatherboards but offer a longer lasting option. Termite and bushfire resistant, cement based cladding gives you the traditional Queenslander-meets-Hamptons look without being prone to warping or shrinkage.

Bulimba home a distinctly Hamptons look Gables, masculine features and clean Linea weatherboard lines give this Bulimba home a distinctly Hamptons look.

GET THE LOOK

COASTAL COLOURS

Choosing a classic colour scheme that you’ll love forever will save you a lot of time and money, and a Hamptons-inspired home has the perfect muted palette that will never go out of fashion. Take inspiration from the surrounding environment for your home’s cladded exterior ­– soft grey is a quintessential Hamptons hue, while muted pastels of blue and mint are also perfect for beachy abodes.

When it comes to windows and trims, a chalky white will add a crisp and elegant finish. If opting for a darker colour, a shade from the same colour family – for example a dark charcoal paired with light grey – is a great choice. White is a very versatile option throughout the interior, from floors to wall cladding, making the space feel light and airy and allowing you to furnish your home with ease.

The epitome of the Queenslander-meets-Hamptons-look Soft blues offset by white trims are the essential Hamptons colour palette. These colours also create a fresh, relaxed to suit the Queensland lifestyle.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

Clean lines and quality fixtures are key to the Hamptons look. The exterior – whether you are starting a new build or renovating your existing property – sets the tone for the rest of your home, and a classic weatherboard facade with a crisp, long-lasting finish is the perfect combination of traditional and contemporary that will fit in effortlessly with its surrounds.

Scyon wall clad home exterior This home in Coorparoo is clad in Linea weatherboard for a classic Hamptons look. The strong horizontal lines also reference a classic Queenslander style.

As with the outside, less is also more when it comes to interiors. Rather than worrying about what’s on trend, look for classic pieces – from cabinetry and lighting to tapware and door handles – that will stand the test of time.

INSPIRED BY NATURE

When it comes to furnishings, look to hardwearing, natural materials. Think sisal or jute rugs that can withstand sandy feet, oversized palm leaf and rattan baskets to hold sandals, towels and sunscreen at the front door and linen covers for cushions and sofas that are durable and easy to wash. And don’t forget to bring some greenery indoors for a lush touch.

INDOOR-OUTDOOR APPEAL

Oversized bi-fold doors that open onto a deck, pool area or grassy backyard encourage a seamless transition between your lounge room and dining space and an alfresco area – the idea is to embrace outdoor living year-round, opening up your living area to expand your entertaining space and getting the most out of your home every day.

Modern Hamptons house interior McCarthy home used natural materials and bifold doors to create a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. The owners of this home love that they can be in the kitchen while chatting to guests on the deck.