Living In… The Hamptons
I don’t know about you, but during the summer months, I always start to think about what it would be like to live somewhere else, I want to travel, see new places and mostly I want to be near a beach. I seem to be a lot less restless in winter when I tend to hibernate and be happy as long as I can stay inside where it’s warm…
One of the places (ok, amongst a thousand others) I’ve always wanted to visit are the Hamptons on the east coast of the US. It’s one of those corners of the world that seem to have some kind of magic draw.
Of course it might be the simple fact that it’s the summer playground of the rich and famous of New York City, but there’s more to it. For me, it’s mainly about the interiors and exploring what the “Hamptons style” is all about.
So I took a closer look. Admittedly, I didn’t board a flight to explore it for myself (though time and money permitting, I wouldn’t have minded), but I searched around to find out whether my preconceptions about the Hamptons styles are correct. And, I’m proud to say that I believe they are.
The overall style is fairly classic, even preppy, with lots of touches that match the outside: neutrals, wood, light colours, blues and even a nod to surf style – though only a nod, after all when one has a home designed there, one wouldn’t want it to look like a cheap surfer shack!
Elegant details are lightened up with the addition of sea shells and floors are mostly wood with some rugs rather than carpet throughout.
Even the homes which are clearly expensive are light on obviously ostentatious statements. Everything is kept subtly expensive and offset with pieces which look as if they had been handed down through the generations – though Pottery Barn is probably a good substitute for the lack of family heirlooms!
The overall style is inoffensive, easy on the eye, beautifully put together and a mix of traditional American and cool Scandinavian style. A coastal style at its best and most expensive.
The only thing I’m missing there is something maybe a little unexpected, a little quirky – but that’s probably because I’ve become rather accustomed to the British take on interiors! What do you think of Hamptons-style decor?
Image sources: Thomas Loof Photography for Architectural Digest / Scott Francis for Architectural Digest / Tommy Hilfiger via KD Hamptons / Simon Upton Photography for Elle Decor / William Waldron for Elle Decor / James McAdam Design / William Waldron for Elle Decor / François Halard Photography for Time Magazine
