The original summer house is still a popular choice for many people. Other beaches around the world have long coveted the romance and glamour of The Hamptons. A variety of prime locations along Australia’s coast, a pleasant climate, and constant feed of Hamptons visuals via magazines, movies, and other media, ensure that the ideal Hamptons-esque lifestyle and home design is still alive and well.
Gary Lawrance, a New York architect, wrote Hamptons 1880-1930. He describes the original summer homes built on Long Island’s South Fork with all the comforts you need for a summer far from New York City.
They had many guestrooms. Lawrance says they were meant to be enjoyed by living in them. They represented your status in the global world… and demonstrated that you are very successful. Women married to men who had the most money ran the houses. Women ran the schools and social worlds. It was hard work to manage a great house. The great house was managed like a hotel, with benefits, cocktails, balls, and garden parties.
The Hamptons had more freedom than Newport, home to the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. The Hamptons were a step up from the American Colonial shingle houses built by the working-class. They had Georgian, English Manor, and Tudor influences and included everything from simple ‘cottages’, to large mansions. Lawrance claims that many of the original summer homes have been and still are being demolished, along with some new casualties from the 1920s. (The Grey Gardens residence was sold in November for US$15.5million.
The Hamptons, a haven for America’s famous and wealthy, is still a popular destination for surf-loving Australian models, photographers, restaurateurs, and fashion designers who live in New York. Among the Americans who have made Australia their home are interior designers such as Linda Kerry, Thomas Hamel, and Diane Bergeron. They are all sharing their Long Island style experience.
Lynda Kerry says that “Hamptons are in high demand right now.” “I receive calls every other week. It’s still very hot. It works well in Australia. Queenslander homes and California bungalows all have a connection to the Hamptons aesthetic.
Natalee Bowen, a local interior designer and builder’s daughter, has been a prominent proponent of Hamptons design. She travels between projects in Perth and New Zealand and the US and New Zealand. We love the Hamptons style because of our love for indoor/outdoor living. Bowen says it’s timeless and has a long history. The interior details can be modified to achieve a particular look, such as coastal, traditional, modern, minimalist, or glamorous.
Architects and builders of volume homes report strong interest Hamptons style. Noting the trend, manufacturer James Hardie launched a weatherboard-mimicking product in 2007. The Scyon cladding range is made from fibre cement and transforms fibro shacks into bright, sunny cottages along Australia’s coasts.
Panelling and cladding products are great for renovations. Bowen, now a Scyon ambassador, says that they instantly give your home a facelift. “Panelling can be used to add character and texture indoors or to create a layer of protection around a wall in a wet area. It is cost-effective, easy to use and gives your home an authentic look.
Diane Bergeron, a woman who grew up in an old shingle house, agrees. I’m okay with using cladding. Weatherboard with Cladding. Bergeron suggests that the term “Hamptons” is used loosely here. However, it can be very effective when done correctly. She says that attention to detail is key.
CLASSIC HAMPTONS DETAILS
Roof: Gary Lawrance says that cedar shingles can be compared to raincoats. Diane Bergeron sources Western red cedar shingles from Timbeck Architectural in Melbourne. “They’re not cheap, but they’re easy to maintain,” she says. Lynda Kerry prefers the following alternatives: a standing seam copper roof with guttering; a Colorbond roofing system in Monument; Boral black tiles roofs; or an artificial slate.
Cladding “Shingles should be paired with white shutter frames and dark green or black shutters,” Bergeron says. Or, the CFC facade products. Kerry says, “I use Scyon’s ‘Newport” profile.”
Windows: French doors and double-hung timber windows with 12-pane glass. Bergeron says, “Only use shutters in the front.”
Balustrades – Square and painted White
PORCH AND ENTRY ARBOUR
Porch lights To either side of the external doors.
Columns: Square or Shaker style.
Eaves “With Lining Boards,” says Natalee Bowen.
Front door: Glossy white or black.
INTERIOR
Ceilings: 3100-3200mm high. Bowen says, “If space allows, add a vaulted or coffered ceiling.” A step-down to a living area will create the illusion of 3-4m ceilings.
Moulding Bergeron says that this is a key element. “Pay close attention to details such as capping, frieze panels, and banding.
Panelling: Use for a full room or feature, dado or entry. Bowen says that Scyon ‘Axon” board can be used in damp areas for entry and ceilings.
Flooring: Light oak flooring for a coastal style. Black is a sophisticated choice. Natural slate tiles. Sisal carpet.
Architraves With picture frame profiles
Benchtop White, Grey or Black
Paint choices: Bergeron: “White/grey/black/green for the exterior; Dulux Natural White with black shutters or Dulux Silkwort with white window frames and black shutters. “People don’t paint all their houses the same colour.”
