How To Create Your Dream Hamptons Style Granny Flat

Looking to spruce up your granny flat but want something simple and universally loved? Suitable for near the beach to out in the bush and everywhere in between, embracing the Hamptons style for your granny flat can be a great way to create a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. Whether you’re building from scratch or are just looking for a new theme for your existing granny flat, the Hamptons style is an adaptable layout that suits a wide range of situations. In this blog, we’re going to take a closer look at what the Hamptons style is and provide some tips on how you can create this luxurious, coastal feel in your granny flat.

What is Hamptons Style?

The Hamptons style originates from the luxurious, beachside homes in the Hamptons, New York. Even if you don’t know it by name, the style is easily recognisable by it’s beachy, laidback, elegant vibe. Basically, when you think of a luxury beach house, you’re most likely picturing a Hamptons home.

Some of the most recognisable features of the Hamptons style include:

• High pitched roofs
• Light, warm colours – think tones that recall the beach and ocean
• Open floor plans
• Incorporating natural light through large windows
• Decor made up of simple, functional furniture and decorations with a natural vibe

The relaxed, beachy vibe of the Hamptons design suits the Aussie lifestyle, and we Australians have made the style our own. Here, Hamptons isn’t just for the rich and famous, and with a little ingenuity, it is a great way to get the feel of luxury without the huge price tag. Also, the Aussie Hamptons style has transcended its beachside origins and can be found in the suburbs and even in rural areas.

Should I adopt the Hamptons style for my granny flat?

Although it began as a beachside style, the Hamptons style has been embraced in a wide range of environments, especially in Australia. If you’re renting your granny flat, and you live near the beach, a Hamptons look is a match made in heaven. For example, for an Airbnb in a coastal area, tourists will love your embracing of the beach lifestyle. Whether you’re near the ocean or not, elements of the Hamptons style can be incorporated by anyone looking for an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere to their home.

Design Choices

Open Floorplans

Typically, Hampton homes favour open floor plan and space over lots of separate rooms. A popular example of this is having a kitchen, living area and dining room all a part of a larger area, rather than being walled off from one another. A well-designed open floor plan can create a spacious feel, which can make even a limited space like a granny flat feel roomy and open.

Large windows and glass doors are another great feature of Hamptons style as they’re fantastic for letting in the natural light and cool breezes on those hot summer days. Embracing the natural light, not only adds to the laidback, beachy vibe, it can do wonders for cutting down on energy bills, as you won’t have to use lights or air-conditioning as often.

Weatherboard Cladding

After the high-pitched roof, weatherboard cladding is the signature exterior look for a Hamptons designed home. With its clean, simple slated look, the second you see a picture of it, you’ll recognise it. It’s a popular look in Australia – regardless of if the homeowner is aiming for a Hamptons style – due to it being relatively inexpensive to install and easy to clean.

Plantation shutters are a natural match for weatherboard cladding but have a chat with your builder for a range of ideas.

Interior Decorating Tips

Creating the relaxed Hamptons vibe doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Once you wrap your head around the beachy look, you’ll be surprised how easy is to achieve that Hamptons feel. Like many themes, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find the Hamptons style easy to add to and change up as you go along.

Neutral Colours

When it comes to colours, you want to go for a restrained, less is more palate, embracing simple warmth over attention grabbing style. White is the go-to colour, but pale blues and greens can also work. Blasts of colour should be left to your decor, but even these shouldn’t conflict with the overall tone. We’ve got nothing against modern, striking pieces of furniture or art, but it’s just not going to gel with the coastal atmosphere. Some well-placed plants and paintings can add a splash of colour while keeping the overall chilled-out tone.

Furniture

Think of the type of furniture you’d see at a beach house or beachfront motel. We’re talking oversized egg shape chairs, soft furnishings, large cosy couches, and wicker. On-trend isn’t really what you’re looking for, instead aim for classic, timeless pieces. For tables, natural wooden pieces are perfect and for couches soft, plush and comfy. Anything too flashy and modern won’t suit your Hamptons style, which should be more functional, practical and neutral in colour.

Shaker Style Cabinetry

Shaker Style Cabinetry is a classic design that has stood the test of time and will likely continue to do so. Made from wood, its distinguishing feature is a rise in the cabinet door.

Embrace Nature and Natural Materials

Hamptons design is about embracing the natural so for interior design, use decorative features that are made of natural materials or have a natural feel.

Some simple decorations that will create that trademark Hamptons vibe include:

• Floral arrangements
• Seashells
• Pastel paintings.
• Jute rugs.
• Table lamps
• Pinecones, or other ‘found pieces’ of nature
• Pot plants – fake plants are a great choice if you’re worried about maintenance.

Designs to suit the style

While there are some distinguishing features that define the Hamptons style, it is an adaptable style. For best effect, the more open plan your granny flat, the better. If you’re renovating an existing flat, you may need to give the place a fresh coat of paint, especially if you’ve got sharp or dark colours. The great news is you’re not in it alone. Granny Flat Solutions are here to help with all your design needs.

Building from scratch and wondering how to create the perfect Hamptons style granny flat? We are here to help. We’re the granny flat experts and have never completed a project we weren’t proud of. With over 35 years of experience, we can guide you every step of the way to building your Hamptons Style Granny Flat.

Ready to get started on your granny flat or have some more questions? Get in touch with us by clicking here or calling us at 1300 259 677.