Tag: hamptons interiors

Virtual home tours bring Susanna massive Instagram following

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 24, 2022
No Comments on Virtual home tours bring Susanna massive Instagram following

Do you remember when you were at primary school, and they told you the job you would end up doing probably wasn’t even invented yet? I certainly do and the prediction was quite correct in my case (blogging – who knew?) and it’s certainly the case for Sunshine Coast based interior decorator and presenter Susanna Tolo of Coastal Hampton Style.

After a career in beauty, the home enthusiast started an Instagram page – @coastalhamptonstyle – and began documenting her love of Hamptons and coastal interiors. Concurrently, she also began renovating a Queenslander home, documenting the process via Instagram Stories.

“I showcased the renovation process and started making friendships through the platform. I started doing tours of display homes also as I was visiting them for inspiration,” says Susanna who jumped on the IGTV wagon as soon as that launched – the format was perfect for her content.

“IGTV allowed me to post full home tours that wouldn’t disappear, and I must have gotten on bandwagon at the right time because Instagram seemed to boost my content,” says Susanna. And when the most popular videos on the platform included ones made by both Susanna and Will Smith, she couldn’t quite believe it. “I went up by 60k followers in less than one month – it was insane. Nobody was doing home tours and posting them to Instagram, so I guess I started doing it at the right time,” says Susanna whose popularity is no doubt in part due to her warm, approachable style.

Back then, Susanna’s home tours would get 500,000 views which is when the design industry started knocking. “Builders, designers and architects started asking me to do tours for payment and at that point I realised that it was something I could do as my own business,” says Susanna who has since grown her audience to 295k people.

Aside from creating video tours, Susanna also collaborates with brands including Zanui, One World Furniture and Montauk Lighting. “I just built a new home that was a collaboration with Brighton Homes and Stockland have hired me as their marketing face too,” says Susanna.

Her personal style has also caught on with many of her followers asking where she sources her signature linen shirts. After multiple requests Susanna decided to launch her own linen shirt line. “I see the shirts as a little piece of me that can be easily posted out. It’s not easy sending homewares overseas but as shirt is a way of supporting me. Plus, it’s still coastal and on-brand and something that I generally love wearing,” says Susanna.

Susanna's dining room — Susanna’s lounge room

As for her interior style, Susanna loves a variety of things in the the coastal, classic, and Hamptons vein. “People think of me as just Hamptons style but my taste is a combination of everything and it’s not too neutral. It’s coastal with pops of colour including pink, green and blue. Mostly it’s a combination of things that I love but it’s always fresh and airy.”

Photography: Louise Roche at Villa Styling

For more on Susanna Tollo | Follow Coastalhamptonstyle

Interior designer works with heritage features on Hamptons makeover

While it’s hard to compete with the many charms of a heritage home, the ubiquitous jarrah floor can be a hard one to reconcile with contemporary interiors – mainly because…

Tags coastal interiors, coastalhamptonstyle, design, hamptons, hamptons interiors, hamptons style, instagram, interior design, interiors, Susanna tolo

Before & Afters Design House Tours Interviews Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Hamptons style house: An amazing before & after in Queensland

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 5, 2021
2 Comments on Hamptons style house: An amazing before & after in Queensland

Located on the Sunshine Coast hinterland, this original Queenslander was built in 1940 and while it’s been renovated over the years its latest makeover is arguably its grandest, with its strong Hamptons style and bold use of texture and colour.

BEFORE front elevation. The property sits on two lush acres of land.

Overhauled by Claire Lawrence-Smart, of Plantation Collective Homes, the home’s nineties renovation was recently revamped with a budget of around $300,000. “I wanted to bring back character to the home and a breath of fresh air through colour. I also wanted to embrace the original character and redesign the expansive verandahs for a timeless effect,” says Claire who lives in the home with her husband and three children.

While the home had already been extended, a lot of the the elements added by the previous owner didn’t suit the original part of the home. From the stairs to the exterior balustrade and barn doors, cross details were added as well as VJ panels to match the existing features of the original Queenslander.

AFTER bathroom. “I bought the Carrara marble in bulk online which was one of my best finds,” says Claire.

Other standout design features include new flooring in the entrance (with herringbone and marble inlay) as well as wallpapers, grass cloth, shaker style joinery and vibrant blue paint. “It’s a large house and I wanted to make it feel homely with textures, wallpapers, paint and panelling. And the home’s three-metre-high ceilings were ideal for a darker paint colour,” says Claire.

“My favourite part of the home is the kitchen, which was a labour of love as I hand painted all the cabinets myself,” says Claire of the bold blue cupboard fronts. That DIY element was necessary to offset the cost of the nearby stone benchtops. “The benchtops were the biggest splurge because the kitchen is huge – the island alone is nearly four metres long,” says Claire.

AFTER kitchen. Vibrant blue subway tiles complement the joinery.

With its enduring appeal in Australia, the Hamptons style is showing no signs of going anywhere fast – something that Claire attributes to its versatility and timelessness. “It’s a classic style and can be interpreted in many different ways – there’s Coastal Hamptons or American Hamptons and the style lends itself well to the classic Queenslander too.”

If you’re in the market, this home is currently for sale.

This renovated Queenslander is giving us all the feels

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Tags before and after, hamptons interiors, hamptons style, interiors, queensland, real reno, reno addict, renovation, sunshine coast

Decorating 101 Design Expert Tips Shopping Styling

4 easy ways to incorporate Hamptons decorating into your home

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date January 4, 2021
No Comments on 4 easy ways to incorporate Hamptons decorating into your home

What is the Hamptons approach to decorating?

The Hamptons approach combines elements from French interior design styles, specifically the Empire, Rococo, and Baroque genres. A composition of beautiful textures and cool, refreshing colours make up the Hamptons design aesthetic.

The design language speaks of the coast, tropics, and countryside mixed with contemporary attributes. These elements are reinterpreted towards evoking a calming, soothing look that flaunts subtle class and on-trend sophistication.

How Australia interprets Hamptons style

Modern yet timeless. Laidback but sophisticated. The Hamptons look, Aussie style, exudes a fresh, airy atmosphere inspired by beach living.

The look is achieved by crisp whites, whitewashed tones or light, neutral colours as predominant backdrops. Then blues, greens, pastels and neutral palettes are layered on to achieve that fresh, calming feel so typical of the coastal lifestyle.

Textures are tastefully overlaid as well. From natural materials to plush quality synthetics, textures add dimension and visual interest to the placid, elegant theme so quintessentially Hamptons.

To achieve the Australian-styled Hamptons aesthetic, typically start off with a light space: white or pale walls and ceilings; large glass windows to allow lots of natural light in; white cabinetry; and natural or whitewashed timber floors.

Now layer on the comfort with deep, plump sofas and side chairs in shades of white, naturals, or fresh colour contrasts like blue and white. Coffee tables, side tables or consoles can come upholstered or in natural timber, wicker, or metal to add to material and tonal variety.

Garnish your basic look with accessories. Here’s where you play with a little more colour and textural variety. Blue and white Ming jars, sisal rugs, a generous mix of cushions ranging from solids to colourful prints, glass and metal task lights, faux coral figures and greenery can very well bring the look up to speed.

Junie Lin from Hamptons Home shares her easy styling tips on how to achieve an Australian-styled Hamptons decorating approach in a pinch:

As with other design genres, the Hamptons look comes down to details.

1. Transform with cushions

One cost-effective way to upgrade the look of your living area to cozy Hamptons chic is to switch up your cushions. Cushions catch the eye instantly. These lounging accessories inject personality, style, and colour into your space.

For a start, have the blue-and-white colour scheme in mind. This classic theme never goes out of style. Opt to drop some striking blue-and-white patterns when you’ve been sitting around plains or monochrome pillows for a while.

Play with your cushionscape by adding dimension with textures like velvets, jutes and linens.

Follow the tips below if you want to know more about cushion selection:

Styling cushions: bed or lounge, follow these helpful tips

Everyone says the right cushions can make or break a bed or lounge, but actually deciding which ones to put together gives many people a headache! It’s not as easy…

Just have fun building an attractive loungescape around a soothing colour scheme. You’ll get the Hamptons feel in no time.

2. Play up surfaces with wall art.

Walls carry much impact on design definition. Expensive repainting or texturising may not be necessary, however, for achieving the coastal look. Simple updates to a façade or countertop may be all that’s needed.

Artwork is a definite picker-upper. Framed paintings or lithos of corals, shells, beachside scenes, and marine fauna easily evoke that seaside feel.

Chinoiserie-themed wall art makes fabulous wall decor. These traditional blue-and-white compositions add that old-world uppercrust touch, a particular attribute of the Hamptons styling genre.

3. Decorate with blooms and greenery.

The ocean is not just the only inspiration for coastal living. Gardens and the lush, green countryside also inspire the whole Hamptons aesthetic. Flowers and foliage impart a calm, soothing sense very much in tune with the coastal feel. So the Hamptons look can rest on both garden and ocean-inspired elements.

Faux orchid arrangements and trees make marvelous, effortless decor for capturing the energy of lush greenery without stepping into the garden.

“Real-touch” floral and foliage arrangements are so artistically crafted to look like they’ve been freshly plucked from the garden. Fooling the eye by looking so lifelike, faux potted trees, orchids and tabletop bouquets succeed in bringing the freshness of the garden into the home.

Hydrangeas and orchids are hallmarks of the Hamptons aesthetics. Single stalks make effective decorative elements as well.

4. Bring the Hamptons look outdoors with planter boxes.

Simple, country-style planter boxes in basic white and natural colours add charming elements to indoor and outdoor decor.

Use these with large floral or foliage arrangements to make wonderful styling components that perfectly connote the beachside/countryside Hamptons style in patios, decks, and indoor spaces, as well.

Conclusion

Hamptons design is a classic and here to stay in the Australian market. Because the style’s versatility allows different plays of colour, texture, moods, inspirations, and expressions, it remains extensively on trend and creates the right ambience for entertaining or unwinding after a long day.

Julie Lin is the founder of Hamptons Home

Australian Hamptons style: how is it different to American?

The established Hamptons trend is being given a truly Australian makeover by homeowners from Perth, WA to Putney, NSW. The contemporary interpretation combines quintessentially Queenslander staples on today’s smaller blocks,…

Hamptons style house with just enough Aussie touches

Located in Thirroul on the south coast of New South Wales, this new build was completed recently by the team at Birdblack Design. Designed as a ‘forever home’ for a…

Tags hamptons, hamptons home, hamptons interiors, hamptons sryle

Design Designers House Tours Interviews

Hamptons style house with just enough Aussie touches

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date December 9, 2020
2 Comments on Hamptons style house with just enough Aussie touches

Located in Thirroul on the south coast of New South Wales, this new build was completed recently by the team at Birdblack Design. Designed as a ‘forever home’ for a young family of five, the house’s fusion of Hamptons style with laid-back Aussie coastal details makes for a gorgeous beachside abode. “Given it’s right on the beach, we didn’t want it to look too formal,” says the home’s interior designer Sarah Nolen.

The exterior features plenty of Hamptons hallmarks with its tranquil mix of soft blues, greys and crisp white; the perfect complement to its coastal location. Behind the home’s statement blue door lies a family-friendly mudroom which is the perfect spot for everyone to drop shoes, school bags, coats and umbrellas.

A design highlight of the home, the kitchen features tulip glass pendant lights above the island bench, smoky glass splash back, Carrara marble mosaic splash back and crisp white cabinetry. “The fusion of Hamptons Glam and Aussie Coastal Living is evident in the cabinetry finishes,” says Sarah.

The kitchen links beautifully with the outdoor alfresco dining and kitchen area via a practical bi-fold window. “This allows the owners to pass food and drinks through when entertaining,” says Sarah. The nearby kitchen features a beaded chandelier above the dining table.

The lounge room is another sumptuous space with the fireplace a stylish focal point. “The fireplace is surrounded by natural marble with the mantle an elegant backdrop,” says Sarah. Either side of the fireplace are symmetrical display cabinets lined with seagrass wallpaper which adds depth and texture.

A Samsung Frame TV sits above the mantle displaying artwork and photography when not in use.

The upstairs wing houses all the home’s bedrooms and a series of gorgeous bathrooms that are accented with a series of statements tiles. The children’s bathroom stands out for its sea blue herringbone tile, double basin vanity and large, round oversized mirrors.

Children's bathroom — Children’s bathroom

The master suite has raked ceilings and exposed beams plus views over the escarpment and ocean. An expansive walk-in robe is housed in an adjoining room.

Birdblack Design bedroom — Bedside details

Colours and finishes aside, the owners wanted a house that would evolve as their kids grow up. “There is plenty of space for them to run around now but the home will still provide plenty of great spaces as they transition into the teenage years.”

Photography: Better Together Photo Co | Styling: Jessi Eve

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Tags coastal interiors, design, hamptons interiors, hamptons style

Architecture Design

Australian Hamptons style: how is it different to American?

Post author By Skye Viviers
Post date September 17, 2020
2 Comments on Australian Hamptons style: how is it different to American?

“It’s easy to see why Hamptons has been so successful in Australia with our shared love of indoor-outdoor living and entertaining,” says interior designer and principal at Indah Island, Natalee Bowen. “However, over the years we’ve adapted the style to our more modern tastes and the environment. Today, when we look at the homes that inspired us, it’s clear that a new Australian Hamptons look has emerged.”

Here, Natalee is joined by Sami Rahman from James Hardie America, to compare and contrast the look here and there, and help define Australian Hamptons.

Size isn’t everything

“The Hamptons look has spread across the east coast, from New York state to Cape Cod and one of the defining features is size – the bigger the better. These homes are made for any entertaining occasion from weekend getaways to functions and gatherings,” he says.

“Size has definitely inspired the Australian Hamptons look, but we’re building our homes on anything from rural farmland to inner suburb blocks,” adds Natalee. “It’s about using the area you have to create that open airy feel, often through open floor plans and lots of natural light.”

Environmental inspiration

“A basic tenant of the Hamptons look is reflecting the surrounding area. In America this means the whites, blues and other coastal elements, while in Australia, we take this principle and apply it to our locations. Colour palettes can range from eucalyptus greens and caramels in rural areas, to shades of greys in cities,” says Natalee.

Material choices

”American Hamptons style homes exude timeless charm and the sense of understated ‘old money’ luxury. The look relies on muted tones that are given richness with material choices, including old world materials like timber shingles and stone,” says Sami.

“After a long legacy of using red and cream brick, Australians are looking to use modern materials that give a feel of quality craftsmanship that will stand the test of time,” says Natalee. “A must have are Linea Weatherboards that create a classic Australian cottage look that has a colonial charm. This gives a familiar but more contemporary shadow line look that is used in America to add texture. The cladding is also better suited to the harsh Australian climate than timber, as it is made from fibre cement which is resistant to warping, flaking and damage from moisture and fire.”

Sami adds: “In America we have a range of climates to consider, so preferences vary from asphalt shingles to slate or tile roofs depending on which coast you’re on. Meanwhile, Australians prefer a corrugated steel roof, which is a big difference and a material that’s quintessentially Australian.”

Ornamentation

”Detail is everything for any Hamptons home. Australians hold true to this original thinking through the use of Axent trim, a fibre cement architrave used to enlarge window and door frames, which is finished in a bright white and extended onto eaves,” says Natalee.

She adds: “A gable roof is a classic Hamptons motif that stops the home looking blocky and creates beautiful ceilings inside. In America, they have multiple gables, dormer windows and cupolas, as money is no object for the extremely wealthy Hamptons homeowners. In Australia, where the look has been made more accessible, volume builders have figured out how to simplify the style with token gables.”

Verandas

“Alfresco and outdoor entertaining areas capture that love of indoor-outdoor living areas. The additional Australian twist on this is the addition of verandas,” says Natalee. “In Australia, we have a tradition of wraparound verandas which are reminiscent of country homes and Queenslanders.“

“Additionally, using HardieGroove linings in veranda ceilings and as internal feature walls works well with the Hamptons style and is consistent with Queenslander style homes,” says Natalee.

While the Hamptons look may speak to a refined and relaxed way of life, it’s important to understand the details and nuances that makes the style at home in Australia.

For more on how to get the Australian Hamptons look for your home

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Tags Australian Hamptons, hamptons, hamptons interiors, hamptons style

Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: Hamptons dream home in North Balgowlah

Post author By Phoebe Bates
Post date October 3, 2018
No Comments on Real reno: Hamptons dream home in North Balgowlah

Taking inspiration from Queenslander and Hamptons architecture, this beautiful home in North Balgowlah on Sydney’s Northern Beaches is a contemporary beach house with serious style.

“My dream house is Queenslander meets Hamptons,” says owner Elizabeth Webb. “I’ve always been drawn to crisp lines, clean white and peaceful blue colour palette, and gorgeous natural materials.”

Working closely with architect Adam Presley from All Australian Architecture and her building company Beaches Building, the home spans across two levels with five bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a large kitchen and living area with feature fireplace.

One of the most important items on any renovator’s wishlist is often increasing the amount natural light in their home. According to Elizabeth, the main challenge to achieving an airy interior from a design perspective was that the property’s dimensions were very shallow.

“We wanted to create an expansive space, but had limited land,” she says. “We decided to build vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and use large glass windows and doors to extend the visual sightline and make the space feel much larger.”

On the first floor, French doors feature across the entire back wall of the living room, allowing the adjoining deck and back yard to become an unobstructed continuation of the main living space.

A neutral colour palette and a mix of raw materials throughout the home create a serious Hamptons feel, while the weatherboard exterior fulfils Elizabeth’s wish of paying homage to her childhood Queensland home.

We love the use of bi-fold windows in the kitchen, which are always a popular design choice for entertainers!

Capturing the sea views from the second floor, large double hung windows were installed which offer practical ventilation. To complement the exterior and Hamptons look, colonial-style glazing bars were applied to the windows and doors.

“The windows and doors from Stegbar not only seamlessly merge the indoor and outdoor spaces, but they also enhance the beautiful raw materials and mid-century craftsmanship traditionally used in Hamptons construction,” says Elizabeth.

Love this light-filled family home? Head on over to the Stegbar website for more on their window and door solutions

Tags family home, hamptons interiors, hamptons style, northern beaches, queenslanders, real reno, renovating, stegbar, stegbar doors, stegbar storage, stegbar windows

Design Designers Interviews Styling

Six must-have features for a Hamptons style home

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date September 21, 2018
2 Comments on Six must-have features for a Hamptons style home

Hamptons style 101

Fresh from my much-Instagrammed trip to the Hamptons courtesy of the lovely people at Scyon Walls, I thought I’d kick off all the info I’m going to share with you, by getting back to basics!

Bringing to mind a mix of coastal charm and sophisticated luxury, Hamptons-style home design remains a winner amongst Australian homeowners. Whether it’s the classic weatherboard look, or deep shadow lines, the Hamptons design is an inspiration for contemporary or traditional weatherboard-style homes. Unfortunately, not everyone gets it right. Here, interior designer Natalee Bowen from Indah Island describes the essential must-haves for creating a dream Hamptons-esque home.

Hamptons – just this one word conjures images of relaxed coastal living, families enjoying light and spacious living areas; and entertaining in sophisticated elegance reflective of the summer retreats of affluent New Yorkers along the Hamptons coastline. It is the attraction of this easy-going elegance and coastal charm that appeals to a growing number of Australians looking to capture this slice of paradise for their own dream home.

Despite its popularity, it can be easy to be led astray from the defining features of a Hamptons-style home. Whether it’s the high-end, antique look, the relaxed coastal charm, or the mixed classic and eclectic feel – a Hamptons-style home is not complete without the neutral colour palette, light and spacious living spaces, detailed touches in cabinetry, and the hallmark exterior look of weatherboard cladding.

THE RIGHT PALETTE

Mimicking the neutral colours of the coast is one of the defining features of a Hamptons-style home. A focus on neutral shades of whites, creams, linen tones and greys provides the foundation palette for this look, while blues in a range of tones, from duck egg to a rich navy, offer the ideal contrast.

THE MUST-HAVES For the exterior of a Hamptons-style property, the lines of the cladding take centre stage so a muted palette is best. As well as the more muted colour palette, exterior cladding colours see blue and white proving popular among those looking to carry the nautical-inspired colour scheme. Transitioning from exterior to interior, neutral tones help open spaces up and bring an instant feeling of freshness, while also providing a blank canvas for decorating.

From here, Natalee suggests adding accents of colour in the form of soft furnishings and greenery, particularly palms and orchids, and finding a colour scheme to bring the entire home together. “Find a colour scheme that flows through your home,” she says. “For example, if you love blue tones then use navy, duck egg and cobalt blue in different areas as accent colours.”

IT STARTS OUTSIDE

Synonymous with relaxed coastal living, it’s no surprise that Australian homeowners gravitate towards Hamptons-style home designs. While particular elements, such as neutral colour palettes, natural textures, internal panelling, high ceilings and traditional cabinetry all remain definitive features of a Hamptons look, nothing is more Hamptons-esque than the hallmark weatherboard exterior. Paramount to Hamptons architecture, exterior cladding provides clean, horizontal lines that instantly evoke a sense of classic, coastal charm. Given Australia’s harsh climate, traditional timber weatherboard cladding can be prone to splintering, fading, warping and collecting moisture. With the same charm as timber boards, but more durable, Scyon Linea weatherboard cladding is hard-wearing, low maintenance and resistant to damage from termites, rot, moisture and fire. It can also be gun nailed, is easy to cut like timber and seamlessly captures the Hamptons look. Perfectly complementing Scyon Linea weatherboard cladding is Scyon Axent trim – a thick and versatile edge treatment for windows. Scyon Axent trim is the finishing touch to internal and external corners, as a design enhancer at butt joints – plus Axent can be used with any James Hardie cladding and any domestic window, eliminating the need for special window orders to match different cladding.

Another hallmark of Hamptons-style design is timber decking, again, a difficult material to upkeep with Australia’s unforgiving climate –cement composite decking such as HardieDeck is the ideal alternative. Creating consistent flow between the indoors and outdoors.

While weatherboard cladding exteriors may be associated with living by the sea, it doesn’t mean it can’t be brought to life in places far from the coast. What makes Scyon Linea weatherboard cladding a popular look is its versatility in capturing resort-style luxury and easy elegance anywhere in Australia – be it the country, a leafy suburb or a family home in the hills.

LIGHT AND BREEZY LIVING

Traditionally, Hamptons homes were designed for easy living and entertaining, with interiors evoking sojourns by the sea. Recreating this look depends on two key elements – light and space. Natural light can really transform a room, so it’s worth spending time at the start of a Hamptons-inspired build or renovation to consider key ways to maximise light all-year round. Think expansive open-plan living areas with soaring raked or coffered ceilings, oversized bi-folds and large windows, to bathe indoor areas in natural light. High ceilings are the most effective way to boost natural light when paired with tall windows. To maximise light, lightweight voile curtains that drape to the floor will increase sunlight and give the illusion of height. A gabled roof will promote higher indoor ceilings and superior spatial awareness, while the lightest shade of white paint for the ceilings is the final step in maximising space within. Whether it’s a new build or renovation to create a dream home, the Hamptons-style look offers an ideal design blueprint for capturing Australia’s love affair with the outdoors while ensuring a relaxed and stylish space for entertaining family and friends.

For more about Scyon products.

Disclaimer: I was taken to the Hamptons as a guest of Scyon with other Australian homes journalists.

Tags american, coastal interiors, hamptons, hamptons interiors, hamptons srtyle, hamptons style, Indah Island, Natalee Bowen, new york, the hamptons