Designing a Hamptons-Style House: Key Elements, Layout and Tips
Author: Joe Grbavac
Date: October 12, 2023
Joe Grbavac, Director OMNI Built Homes
With over 25 years of experience in the custom home building industry, Joe has overseen numerous successful projects from conception to completion. His deep understanding of the intricate processes involved and his commitment to quality and client satisfaction make him a trusted expert in the field.
Hamptons-style homes are more than just a layout—they are a blend of luxury, coastal charm, and carefully chosen design elements that create a sense of timeless elegance that doesn’t go out of style. The layout is designed for natural flow, prioritising functionality while making the most of Queensland’s climate. With a nod to local design influences, a Hamptons-style home complements the traditional Queenslander aesthetic while standing out in its own right.
Key Takeaways
- A Hamptons-style home combines coastal charm with timeless design, focusing on incorporating natural light and open spaces.
- Key design elements include weatherboard look cladding, double gables, and large windows with axent trims to create a fresh, airy atmosphere.
- Incorporating natural textures, soft neutrals, and light timber furniture ensures a cohesive flow from room to room.
- Materials like marble, stone, and timber floors add sophistication while reinforcing the coastal aesthetic.
- Building in Brisbane requires a balance of style and practicality, ensuring the home remains comfortable in the subtropical climate.
Key Elements of a Hamptons Home Layout
A Hamptons-style layout combines open, airy spaces with large living areas and natural light from large windows. They commonly include French doors that create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces and neutral colour palettes consisting of whites, blues, and greys to create a fresh, inviting atmosphere. Traditional Hamptons-style homes include large timber staircases with stained timber treads and painted risers, a timeless, functional design that combines coastal luxury and classic architectural style. For more details, visit our other blog, which explores in depth the Key Features of Hamptons-inspired homes.
What Makes a Hampton House Design Stand Out?
Outside of the key elements of this design, there are certain characteristic features that make this architectural style stand out in comparison to others. These design choices are a defining feature and are rarely used outside of this style.
- Weatherboard Look Cladding: Characteristic of the Hamptons look, weatherboard look cladding adds a clean, nautical aesthetic to the exterior.
- Double Gables: The symmetrical design of double gables creates a traditional roofline, enhancing the home’s classic appeal.
- Round Feature Vents: Positioned on the front facade, round feature vents provide a unique design detail that adds character to the overall appearance.
- Light colour palette: Incorporate whites, soft greys, and blues for an airy, fresh feel.
Room-by-Room Guide to a Hamptons House
A Hamptons-style home has overarching design elements, but getting the basics right in each room is key to maintaining a cohesive flow. From the living room to outdoor spaces, attention to detail in each area ensures the style remains consistent, balancing coastal elegance with functionality throughout the home. We explore the elements that transform each room into a Hamptons-style haven.
Creating a Breezy, Elegant Living Room
To create a Hamptons-style living room, blend sophisticated coastal style with practical elements that bring light into your space. Key features to include are:
- Classic, comfortable furniture featuring high-quality light materials like linen or cotton upholstery.
- Large windows or sliding doors that bring in natural light and connect the indoor space to the outdoors.
- Light timber finishes and subtle, beach-inspired decor tie into the light oak.
Mastering Your Hamptons-Style Kitchen
The kitchens in Hampton-style homes should be both practical and visually appealing, with a focus on productivity and quality. To achieve this, it is essential to include the following features:
- Shaker-style cabinetry creates a timeless look that flows seamlessly throughout the kitchen, pantry, and laundry for a cohesive design.
- Classic marble or Mineral Surface countertops offer both elegance and durability.
- Open shelving or glass-fronted cabinets to display beautiful dishware or coastal-inspired decor.
- Statement range hoods and pendant lighting that balance style and function.
Creating a Relaxing, Elegant Bedroom Retreat
The bedroom in a Hampton-style home should be not only relaxing but also inviting, with elements that create an open, airy atmosphere reminiscent of a coastal retreat with a touch of modern luxury. This can be achieved by including:
- Textured linens and bedding for added comfort and depth.
- Timber or upholstered bed frames create a sophisticated focal point while creating a coastal vibe.
- Light curtains that allow natural light to flow in.
- Nautical-themed images and artworks add more colour to the room.
Perfecting Your Hamptons-Style Bathroom
To achieve a Hamptons-style bathroom, incorporate elements that create a clean, inviting space ideal for relaxation. Here’s how to get the look:
- Stone or marble finishes add a sophisticated coastal vibe.
- Chrome, nickel, or matte black accents on tapware and handles for contrast and warmth.
- Textured surfaces like marble and ornate tiles enhance the dimension.
- Contrasting floor and wall colours to create visual depth and luxury.
Designing the Ultimate Coastal Outdoor Space
For Hamptons-style houses, curating an outdoor space that feels like a coastal retreat is essential. Include the following elements:
- Timber decking or paving to blend seamlessly with nature.
- Lush greenery and wide front lawns with shrubs create a facade that’s instantly recognisable.
- Textured cushions and throw blankets add warmth and comfort.
Design Tips to Enhance the Hamptons Layout
You can have the perfect layout for a Hamptons-style home, but if your decor and interior design choices don’t complement the space, it won’t quite hit the mark. To fully achieve a Hampton style house, focus on natural textures and coastal-inspired pieces. Light, airy fabrics like linen or cotton for cushions and throws help create a fresh, cohesive feel, while curtains that let in natural light make the space feel even more open.
For furniture, stick with soft neutrals or whites and add in natural wood accents. Matte finishes on cabinetry, benchtops, and flooring keep things unique but subtle. Bring in some beachy vibes with wicker, rattan, or jute rugs, and finish off with soft blue or seafoam green accents to really capture that coastal feel.
Check out The Ultimate Guide: Modern Hamptons Style Decorating for more tips.
Practical Considerations for Building a Hamptons-Style House in Brisbane
When building an Australian Hamptons-style home in Brisbane, it’s important to consider the local climate. Large windows and a front balcony are perfect for capturing natural breezes, helping to keep your home cool during warmer months. Weatherboard cladding and durable timber finishes not only add to the classic Hamptons look but are also well-suited to Brisbane’s harsh subtropical conditions. This approach blends style with practicality, keeping your home cool and comfortable no matter the weather.
Why Work with OMNI Built Homes
At OMNI Built Homes, we use our knowledge and skill to create stunning Hamptons-style homes suited to the Australian lifestyle. Design elements like spatial flow, natural lighting, and attention to detail require precision and experience, ensuring your vision is brought to life perfectly. We also offer full customisation, designing layouts to suit your family’s unique lifestyle while maintaining the highest standards of quality construction. Trust us to deliver a home that blends elegance, functionality, and durability.
Explore our Hampton-Style Homes to discover our latest projects, or contact us to discuss your vision for a Hamptons home.
Creating Your Dream Hamptons Layout
Creating your dream Hamptons layout is all about blending luxury with a relaxed coastal lifestyle. The right layout can bring this iconic style to life, creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and welcoming. A cohesive design maximises the Hampton style, ensuring every room flows effortlessly into the next while contributing to the overall aesthetic. Whether it’s creating open, airy spaces or using natural light to brighten every corner, the layout and design elements are key to capturing the Hampton charm.
Ready to turn your Hamptons-style home vision into reality?
Contact OMNI Built Homes today to start designing a home that perfectly captures the elegance and charm of the Hamptons style. Our team of experts will work with you every step of the way, ensuring your dream home is not only stunning but also perfectly suited to your lifestyle and the Australian climate.