Australian home owners are gravitating towards contemporary weather board style “Hamptons homes” according to Scycon Walls ambassador Natalee Bowen. Natalee claims this trend can be easily created in an Australian backyard, sharing her essentials for creating the perfect bright, breezy and sophisticated home.

Natalee agrees that the Hamptons style usually conjures images of relaxed coastal living, of families enjoying light and spacious living areas and entertaining sophisticated guests over summer.

“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,” says Natalee.

Paramount to Hamptons architecture is exterior cladding, providing clean, horizontal lines that instantly evoke a sense of classic, coastal charm.

Timber boards are great as they seamlessly capture the Hamptons look, and are more durable in withstanding Australia’s harsh climate. Other elements essential for the exterior include neutral colour palettes, natural textures, internal paneling, high ceilings, and traditional cabinetry.

Mimicking the neutral colours of the coast is one of the defining features of a Hamptons home. A focus on neutral shades of whites, creams, linen tones and grays 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.

Traditionally, Hampton homes are designed for easy living and entertaining. Recreating this look depends on two elements – light and space. Natural light can transform a room, so it is worth spending time to consider ways to maximise light throughout the year.

Transitioning from exterior to interior, neutral tones help open spaces 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. For example, if you love blue tones then use navy, duck egg and cobalt blue in different areas as accent colours.”

Whether it is a new build or a renovation to create a dream home, the Hamptons 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.

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