A sweet spot between sophistication, relaxation and luxury
The term ‘Hampton Styled” is thrown around quite a lot these days, but what does this interior style really represent and how is it best achieved? Well to answer this question we first need to understand the history of Hampton interiors.
Originating from the upscale beachside communities of the Hamptons on Long Island, New York, this aesthetic is known for its timeless elegance, coastal charm, and relaxed sophistication. A key element that plays a pivotal role in achieving the Hampton style is the flooring. In this blog, we'll explore the magic of Hampton style flooring and how it can transform your living spaces into havens of beauty and tranquillity.
For those seeking a luxurious yet relaxed feel to their home, a Hampton style interior is the perfect choice. A Hampton house is characterised by light, open living spaces, light neutral, grey or darker oak flooring, and white tones throughout. These spaces work well with splashes of blue or green, so for those household horticulturists, this could be the style for you. A mixture of timber furniture, plush couches, and outside wicker furniture is always encouraged, but remember to balance this with rugs and decorative cushions for the best results.
Here are a few flooring tips to achieve a Hampton style home.
- Take me to the beach – Lighter, neutral coloured timber flooring is perfect at bringing that coastal feel that you look for in a Hampton home. The subtle knots and grains of European Oak flooring lends itself well to this style.
- Don’t waste your samples! - When using your samples make sure you create a design board, incorporating all the colours and elements you are considering for your home in conjunction with the floors. Do they work in harmony together?
- Whitewashed and Weathered Finishes – Hampton style is all about creating a sense of relaxed luxury, and whitewashed or weathered finishes on flooring perfectly capture this essence. Whitewashed hardwood floors, in particular, are a popular choice. This finish imparts a coastal feel, reminiscent of the sun-bleached driftwood found along the shoreline. It's an ideal choice for creating a beachy, fresh ambiance.
- Don’t be afraid of Wideboards – Wideboard flooring can be a great way to create an expansive look in your home, something which is a hallmark of the Hampton style. These planks provide an ideal canvas for showcasing the natural beauty of the wood grain, adding to the overall visual appeal of the space.
- Stand apart with Herringbone – Herringbone flooring is characterised by a zig-zag pattern which draws the eye and can create a flow within your home. Herringbone makes your home stand apart, adding an additional element of luxury to your coastal interiors.
- Harmony is key – If you already have an idea of what timber furniture you want in your home, make sure your flooring and furniture complement each other. Lighter floors are better at working with a variety of furniture types – think of it as a blank canvas.
- Incorporate Area Rugs for Comfort and Definition – While hardwood flooring is a quintessential feature of the Hampton style, it's often softened and defined by the use of area rugs. Natural fibre rugs, such as sisal or jute, add an extra layer of texture and warmth to the space. You can also use patterned rugs in soft, muted tones to infuse some visual interest and break up the monotony of the floor.
Final Thoughts
Hampton style flooring is an essential component in achieving the timeless elegance and coastal charm that this interior design aesthetic is known for. By embracing natural materials, whitewashed or weathered finishes, wide planks, and a light color palette, you can create spaces that exude the relaxed sophistication of the Hamptons.
By Ebony Fraser
