Guest Picks: Create Hamptons Chic at Home
Crisp whites, blues and subtle beach-theme accessories make for an elegant yet comfortable coastal look
Life is one big long renovation. I blog about design trends, inspiring spaces and my own experiences of renovating houses on both sides of the pond at FourWallsandaRoof.com.
Life is one big long renovation. I blog about design trends, inspiring... More »
Every summer, I start yearning for the perfect beach house. Not that I'm a particularly beachy person — sunscreen and sand being two of my least favorite things. But a sprawling property on the coast, within earshot of the waves and warm enough to enjoy an evening barbecue, is my idea of the perfect summer retreat. Were I to live in NYC, I like to imagine I'd be zooming off to the Hamptons every weekend for a few days of upscale R&R.
Although this may be just a pipe dream, that doesn't stop me planning the ideal Hamptons beach house. The archetypal Hamptons home has been captured in shelter mags and movies for decades. It's a combination of upscale Manhattan elegance with a tailored coastal vibe. Never cottagey, it is, however, family-friendly, sand-tolerant and always, always, the kind of place where you want to kick off you shoes and relax. Here's how I would re-create the style. — Lucy from Four Walls and a Roof
Although this may be just a pipe dream, that doesn't stop me planning the ideal Hamptons beach house. The archetypal Hamptons home has been captured in shelter mags and movies for decades. It's a combination of upscale Manhattan elegance with a tailored coastal vibe. Never cottagey, it is, however, family-friendly, sand-tolerant and always, always, the kind of place where you want to kick off you shoes and relax. Here's how I would re-create the style. — Lucy from Four Walls and a Roof
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
One of the most famous fictional Hamptons houses was the one in the movie Something's Gotta Give. Who wouldn't love the airy rooms and cozy lighting of that amazing beach house? The main rooms featured striped rugs very like this one — the ideal foil to your all-white furniture.
by Jonathan Adler
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
One of the interior designers that best espouses "Hamptons chic" is Thomas O'Brien. His own Eastport home features a huge table in the center of the living room, always covered in books and other interesting collectibles. I love this idea for anchoring a space and making it seem both loved and lived in. This sawhorse table would be the perfect fit for a large Hamptons living room.
by Bunny Williams
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
This, to me, is classic Hamptons. The gourd shape is a traditional option, but it's made slightly more casual with the painterly brush strokes. The blue and white palette is ideal for a coastal retreat.
by Bunny Williams
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
I love that this mirror would work in both formal and casual environments. The shape reminds me of waves, without being overly nautical. It would be perfect over a white brick mantel.
|
by OurBoatHouse
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| The starting point for a Hamptons home is the slipcovered white sofa. You can choose pretty much any style, but I like the simplicity of this one. |
|
by OurBoatHouse
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| If you want a slightly more tailored and elegant alternative, this sofa in gray linen is a good option. The sloping arms suggest more diminutive proportions, which would work well in a smaller space. |
by Ballard Designs
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Remember that part about Hamptons style mixing tailored and casual? Well, one way to do that is to combine your slipcovered sofa with oversized wingchairs in white linen and nailhead trim. Of course, these won't stand up to sandy feet and swimsuits, so a striped linen might be a better option.
by Mecox Gardens
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
White furniture needs dark wood to anchor it, and this X-base console table is ideal. It's also from Mecox Gardens — a store that is a favorite of Hamptonites.
by Urban Barn
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Every beach house needs a little driftwood. Not too much, mind you. But an occasional lamp like this one would be just enough to remind you that you're right next to the ocean.
by Ballard Designs
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
The Something's Gotta Give house also featured wicker occasional chairs. I like the idea of using these as dining chairs. They're comfortable enough to encourage lingering after a meal, but still smart enough to look good around a table.
by Ballard Designs
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A true Hamptons dining room needs a bar area. I love the bleached wood of this sideboard, and I can just imagine it stocked with glasses, a tray and ice bucket.
by OurBoatHouse
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A favorite Hamptons pastime is antiquing in the island's many vintage stores. There you can pick up quirky pieces, such as this clock mirror, that would fit well above that sideboard bar.
by Mecox Gardens
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
If you have a large entry to welcome guests, then you need a round entry hall table. I'd choose a pedestal table in a polished dark wood.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Hamptons kitchens have acres of white wood and a few vintage finishes. Thomas O'Brien is a master at introducing elements from the '30s and '40s into his spaces. I like the utilitarian feel of lighting inspired by this era — perfect for a casual evening meal. This pendant is even called "Hampton."
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Beach house bedrooms should be calming retreats, and nothing says casual relaxation more than ticking stripes. I like the idea of mixing different stripes and plain linens for an easygoing vibe.
by The Land of Nod
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Hamptons houses tend to be geared up for large family get-togethers, so you need at least one bedroom that's kitted out dormitory-style for the kids. I like these twin beds for their simplicity, and would enjoy picking out mismatched patchworks and handblock prints for the sheets.
by Mecox Gardens
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A few ocean-inspired accessories are inevitable, although you'd want to avoid going overboard (no pun intended) with the nautical theme. This coral-like bowl is beautiful and subtle at the same time.
by Burke Decor
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A few tongue-in-cheek seafaring references are okay. I like this rope doorstop for introducing a little wit to the scheme.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A casual throw blanket in navy and white says beach house all over it, but the Greek key pattern takes it up a notch and keeps the look refined.
|
by OurBoatHouse
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| The Hamptons has a vast range of art galleries and you'll find many of the homes feature amazing collections, but you can find cheaper alternatives online. To complete my coastal retreat, I'd hang this painting above a fireplace or dresser. Next: So Your Style Is: Coastal |
Comments
olldbobbi Lucy, I'm with you! But my beach house would be a year-round home with views of fishing boats and the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful white sands on the coast of Maine. The stuff of dreams!
12 months ago · Like
tjlindsay Love this picture. Where can I find it and who is the artist?
3 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on June 14, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
