Annette’s key features for Hamptons decor.
1. Give attention to doors and windows.
If you’re building or renovating, give careful attention to doors and windows. Consider French and bi-fold doors as well as double hung windows with colonial bars. These add traditional Hamptons inspired features to your home.
However, if you’re renovating an established property, crisp white internal plantation shutters are a great way to disguise plain windows as they provide the window with framework and filter natural light. For smaller areas like bathrooms and laundries, consider roman blinds in pretty patterns or crisp linen look fabrics. Pinterest is a great resource for ideas.
2. Set a statement with your ceilings.
Don’t forget your ceilings. Raked, recessed, or coffered, there are many ways to make a bold statement with this area of your home. I absolutely adore a porch with a painted pretty blue ceiling and it’s a really pretty way to introduce a splash of colour.
3. Do your homework with flooring.
If you’re choosing hardwood or hybrid flooring for your beautiful Hamptons inspired home, find out where you can view it laid or at least check the reviews from other consumers. If you’re looking at flooring from a picture on Instagram or Pinterest, keep in mind that many photos are filtered and may look different in real life.
Display homes are a great resource for interiors and most often, the sales rep will be able to tell you the details for the flooring or at least point you in the right direction.
Area rugs are also a fantastic choice for defining a space. There are many patterned rugs available in store or online but you can also choose a beautiful textured carpet from a retail outlet and have it cut to size and the edges bound.
4. Find the right paint.
Here are my favourites. Dulux Vivid White low sheen for walls, and semi-gloss for doors and trims. Here’s something I’ve learned along the way… oil based enamel is tougher (fantastic for stair risers and can take the knocks) but it yellows over time (ugh!). In our own home, we recently re-painted the doors with a water-based enamel in Dulux Vivid White.
If you’re looking for a pretty blue for a bedroom, I can recommend Taubmans Smokey Mood. Looking for an interior grey, my pick is Dulux Snow Season.
5. Wallpaper is another beautiful addition to Hamptons styling.
I absolutely adore wallpaper and have used a Designers Guild wallpaper in our powder room. If you’re on a budget I would recommend using wallpaper in smaller areas such as a powder room or pantry. Based on the fact that my kids always had air bubbles in their school books that I had covered with self-adhesive contact, I’ve always used a professional for wallpapering 😊
6. The overall styling.
Overall, I think when it comes to Hamptons interior styling, it’s all about the edit. Space is the ultimate luxury. Keep your spaces free from clutter. Add the most beautiful patterns and soft accent colours in cushions. Keep it fresh with greenery or flowers. White orchids and hydrangeas are my choice. I have a mix of fresh and faux in my home. If you follow me on Instagram you probably already know I add faux orchid stems to my real orchids to keep them looking amazing all year round. I also add faux hydrangea stems to vases of fresh cut flowers.
Pair whites with natural textures. A white coffee table always works well with a rattan tray.
Not everything has to be new. Some of the most beautiful pieces in my home were pre-loved and then upcycled.
Last but not least, it’s all about you, your family and your home. Enjoy!