This week we look at Hamptons style, the ever-popular summer aesthetic that is perfect for easy-breezy outdoor living as the weather heats up.
Decluttering is as therapeutic outside as in. It’s easy for planters and pots to multiply in a way that’s fussy rather than thought out. Weed out and replace any that haven’t weathered well - invest in stylish garden planters full of indoor style - many are made from fibre clay which makes them lightweight but very resilient. A maximalist approach can still work, but lift pots off the ground with a plant stand to draw the eye upwards or soften a corner, and position under a window to enjoy your pots from inside. See our Outdoor furniture care guide for tips on cleaning your outdoor furniture, and if replacement is on the cards – our Outdoor Furniture Buying Guide will help you choose.
What is Hamptons style?
The Hamptons are a group of towns and villages that run along the eastern edge of long island, it’s the getaway choice of the affluent New Yorker, and so to capture the mood it’s important to conjure up a timeless look, that talks of Atlantic Ocean comfort when planning your outdoor furnishings.
Go big or choose natural for Hamptons style outdoor furniture
This look is a sophisticated style away from the hustle and bustle - remember to keep the style simple and timeless when choosing outdoor furniture for Hamptons style. Typical Hamptons hot spots come with a gabled roof and super stylish weatherboard cladding, so match those vertical lines with pale-toned slatted garden furniture and mimic the coastal character. Alternatively, for a classic Hamptons look, go for ocean club exclusivity with a generous, traditional rattan set complete with plump cushions.
Design a Hamptons style outdoor room
As well as natural timber floors and staircases Hamptons style is all about space and light – easy living and entertaining. Arrange your outdoor furniture in a formal arrangement to capture the mood of inviting and collected Hamptons-style rooms. To make the look feel luxurious, keep it uncluttered; define your space with natural rattan planters and in the absence of a Long Island veranda opt for a parasol in a coastal stripe.
Create a Hamptons garden with a coastal tone
The essential Hamptons colour palette is a neutral base decorated with white, soft blues, coastal greens and the occasional ticking stripe - much like our French Blue trend. Choose sandy stone colours for your neutrals - this can include a scheme of rattan planters filled with coastal grasses. When it comes to layering, choose white roses for that recognisable white accent and with your outdoor decoration, go for soft greys, natural textures and soft furnishings in a Long Island blue stripe.
How to accessorise a Hamptons-style outdoor
Now that the tone is just right - decorate with everything you need to switch off and escape outdoors because that’s the ethos of Hamptons-style living. Add outdoor lanterns, outdoor mirrors and outdoor rugs and cushions so that your Hamptons outdoor becomes your coastal escape from everyday life. Have all creature comforts to hand - a cold drink with a stylish cooler bag and the luxe comfort of a hanging chair or lounge cushion so that all you have to do is switch off and imagine being beside the sea.