The Hamptons, near the tip of the Long Island coastal escape that lies to the east of New York City has been the dream getaway of the rich and famous for decades. So much so that it’s here The Great Gatsby author F. Scott. Fitzgerald drew inspiration for his classic novel. It’s also where the fabulous women of Sex and the City set their hearts on making their summer break shine.
It’s all about embracing the fragrant spray of sea salt and leaning into that driftwood bohemia that’s captured imaginations forever. But even the classics need an update from time to time, whether it’s Baz Luhrmann’s big screen adaptation of the Fitzgerald novel or And Just Like That’s continuation of Carrie Bradshaw’s New York dreams.
We spoke to Metricon’s leading lights in the design department, Kristina Orban and Felicity Tragardh about what it took to breathe new life into the Hamptons look.
A brighter shade of pale
Sometimes the classics don’t need a major overhaul, just a loving touch-up. The old Hamptons look tended to favour white, but just like the ever-changing blues of the sea and sky, there’s room for slightly brighter colours in the latest update.
“We call this facelift ‘Relaxed Hamptons’,” says Felicity. “While the colour palette remains muted, for that blissed-out seaside feel, we’ve introduced denim blues and eucalyptus greens alongside earthen tones and stone-like grey hues, rather than the bright white and blue theme we had before. Though we still carry through some crisp whites in lampshades, sofas, linen and the like.”
Feel good
Kristina notes that the Hamptons feel has been updated as well, not just the look. “The overall look and feel is less formal,” she says. “We’ve moved away from the overly glossy finishes towards the textural beauty you find in woods aged by being on the beach. We wanted more of that weather-tempered feel that’s not so pristine.”
Interior design guru Felicity says that relaxed feel flows through to the furniture in the new-look Hamptons designs. “We’ve opted for overstuffed sofas that you just want to sink into at the end of the day, with lots of woodgrain detail inside tables and dining areas, and we’re bringing more of that beach feel to the fore through watercolours in the statement art pieces we’re hanging on the walls.”
Cooking up a sea-storm
Kitchen design wiz Kristina says that the all-important hub of the home, where families come together to cook and share stories, has had a bit of a refresh in the new Hamptons too.
“We’ve been replacing traditional white cabinetry in the Hamptons-look kitchens and introducing more of those muted colours mentioned above,” she says. “The minty freshness of cool matcha, a major colour trend this year, is perfect. Adding greenery brings a sense of tranquillity to a space, freshening and softening a room, or you can lean into the nautical look with a splash of navy.”
Find out more about this year’s biggest moves in kitchen design here. You can introduce the same idea to bathrooms too, to enhance the serenity of your dream home with its Hamptons escape vibe. Learn more about this year’s colour trends here.
Leave your mark, like the ocean
The best thing about embracing a look like the Hamptons is that it gives you plenty of scope to add your personal flourishes to the overall design, bringing that Long Island style in the details.
That can be as simple as picking up shells and driftwood from the beach to display on your sideboards or picking up seaside-feel nick-knacks from your local op shop,” Felicity says. “Or you can invest in statement pieces like coffee tables, eclectic artworks and accessories.”
“We’re constantly looking for bright ideas and new ways to do things,” Kristina says of the Hamptons update. “we’re all about gifting people more inspiration.”
Dreaming of a home like the Hamptons? Get in touch with one of Metricon’s trusted team members by clicking here or calling 1300 786 773.
