Every summer, I begin yearning for the ideal beach house. Not that I am a particularly beachy person — sunscreen and sand being just two of my least favourite things. However, a sprawling house on the coast, within earshot of the waves and warm enough to enjoy an evening barbecue, is my thought of the ideal summer retreat. Were I to Reside in NYC, I love to imagine I would be zooming off to the Hamptons every weekend to get a Couple of Days of upscale R&R.
Although this could be just a pipe dream, which doesn’t stop me planning the ideal Hamptons beach house. The archetypal Hamptons home was captured in shelter mags and films for decades. It’s a combo of upscale Manhattan elegance using a tailored coastal vibe. Never cottagey, it’s, nevertheless, family-friendly, sand-tolerant and always, consistently, the kind of place where you want to kick shoes off and unwind. Here is the way I would re-create the style. — Lucy from Four Walls and a Roof
Dash & Albert Rug Company
Birmingham Denim Woven Cotton Rug by Dash & Albert Rug Company – $30
Among the most well-known fictional Hamptons homes was the one at the film Something’s GotId Offer. Who wouldn’t enjoy the airy rooms and comfy lighting of that wonderful beach house? The key rooms featured striped rugs very like that one — the ideal transparency for your own striped furniture.
Jonathan Adler
Sawhorse Dining Table from Jonathan Adler in Chairs, Dining Tables And Buffets – $3,200
Among those inside designers that finest espouses “Hamptons chic” is Thomas O’Brien. His own Eastport dwelling features a massive table in the middle of the living area, always covered in novels and other interesting collectibles. I love this notion for anchoring a space and making it seem both loved and lived in. This sawhorse table are the ideal fit for a large Hamptons living space.
Bunny Williams
Brush Stroke Lamp by Bunny Williams
This, to me, is timeless Hamptons. The gourd shape is a traditional alternative, but it is made slightly more informal with the painterly brush strokes. The blue and white palette is ideal for a coastal retreat.
Bunny Williams
Ohm Mirror by Bunny Williams
I love that this mirror will work in both formal and casual environments. The shape reminds me of waves, without being overly nautical. It would be ideal over a white brick mantel.
Seaside Interiors By Our Boat House
The beginning point for a Hamptons home is your slipcovered white couch. You may pick pretty much any style, but I like the simplicity of the one.
Seaside Interiors By Our Boat House
If you’d like a somewhat more customized and tailored alternative, this couch in gray linen is a good alternative. The sloping arms indicate longer diminutive proportions, which would work nicely in a more compact area.
Ballard Designs
Dunstan Wing Chair by Ballard Designs – $799
Remember that part about Hamptons style mixing casual and tailored? Well, 1 way to do that is to blend your slipcovered sofa with oversize wingchairs in white linen and nailhead trim. Obviously, these won’t stand up to sandy feet and swimsuits, so a striped linen may be a better option.
Mecox Gardens
Justin Dark Brown Console by Mecox Gardens – $2,050
White furniture needs dark wood to anchor this, and this X-base console table is ideal. It’s also from Mecox Gardens — a store that is a favorite of Hamptonites.
Urban Barn
Patong Branch Lamp by Urban Barn – $149
Every shore house needs just a small driftwood. Not too much, mind you. However, an occasional lamp like this one could be just sufficient to remind you that you are right next to the sea.
Ballard Designs
Malvern Dining Chair with Cushion by Ballard Designs – $319
The Something’s GotId Offer house also featured wicker casual chairs. I like the notion of using these as dining chairs. They are comfortable enough to promote lingering after a meal, but still clever enough to look great around a table.
Belgard Cabinet – $1,149
A true Hamptons dining area needs a bar area. I adore the bleached wood of the sideboard, and that I can just imagine it carried with glasses, a tray and ice bucket.
Seaside Interiors By Our Boat House
A favorite Hamptons pastime is antiquing from the island’s most classic stores. There you can grab quirky bits, such as this clock mirror, which would fit well over that sideboard pub.
Mecox Gardens
Round Top Table with Honeycomb Base by Mecox Gardens – $2,825
If you’ve got a large entry to welcome guests, then you need a round entry hall table. I would choose a pedestal table at a glistening dark wood.
Schoolhouse Electric
Hampton Pendant Light Fixture by Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. – $129
Hamptons kitchens have acres of white wood and a few vintage finishes. Thomas O’Brien is a master in introducing components from the ’30s and ’40s to his spaces. I like the utilitarian feel of lighting inspired by this era — ideal for a casual evening supper. This pendant is called “Hampton.”
Schoolhouse Electric
Ticking Stripe Sheet Set by Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. – $145
Beach house bedrooms should be relaxing retreats, and nothing says casual comfort more than ticking stripes. I like the thought of mixing different stripes and plain linens to get an easygoing vibe.
The Land of Nod
Children Spindle Jenny Lind Bed | The Land of Nod – $499
Hamptons homes are normally geared up for big family get-togethers, and that means you need at least one bedroom that’s kitted out dormitory-style for your youngsters. I like these twin beds because of their ease, and would delight in picking out mismatched patchworks and handblock prints for your sheets.
Mecox Gardens
Silver and White Coral Tray from Mecox Gardens – $325
A couple ocean-inspired accessories are inevitable, although you’d want to avoid going overboard (no pun intended) with the nautical theme. This coral-like bowl is amazing and subtle at precisely the same time.
Burke Decor
Marseille Knot Door Stopper or Bookend by Twos Company – $45
A couple tongue-in-cheek seafaring references are fine. I like this rope doorstop for introducing just a little wit to the plot.
COCOCOZY
Logo Throw by COCOCOZY – $333
A casual throw blanket in navy and white says shore house around it, however, the Greek key design carries it up a notch and retains the look refined.
Seaside Interiors By Our Boat House
The Hamptons has a vast selection of art galleries and you will find many of the homes feature amazing collections, but there are cheaper alternatives online. To complete my coastal retreat, I would hang this painting over a fireplace or dresser.
Next: So Your Design Is: Coastal