Hamptons-style houses on stilts were originally built for the British upper-class in India to deal with the unpredictable tides. However, the style was most famously seen in the summer homes of New York’s elite Long Island communities from the late 1880s. Over time, architects adopted the style worldwide, and many home designers today take inspiration from their classic elegance.
In Queensland, Hamptons style homes are becoming increasingly popular as their timeless nature allows them to slot seamlessly into a variety of neighbourhoods — from coastal towns to metropolitan suburbs.
WHAT DEFINES A HAMPTONS-STYLE HOME?
Hamptons style homes are elegant and simplistic and offer a relaxed, casual lifestyle. Outside, they are typically characterised by weatherboard panelling, large balconies, white timber window frames, and gable-style roof structures.
Interiors often feature light-filled rooms, oversized furnishings and a beautiful interplay between the indoors and the outdoors. Colour palettes include crisp white walls with splashes of soft neutrals like blue-greens and soft greys. Timber often features on the walls, cabinetry, stairs and floors, and is predominately painted in neutral colours like creams, blues and whites.
Floorings are designed to offset this neutral colour palette, and include stained or light coloured timbers in grey shades or warm chocolates and walnut. Carpets are often woven textures and rugs used to bring warmth and personality into rooms. Panelling, embossed wallpapers and textured paint finishes can also be used to add a decorative touch.
HOW ARE THE ROOMS TYPICALLY DESIGNED?
Kitchens in a Hamptons home traditionally feature cream and white marble, laminates and stone on bench tops, glass-panelled or open shelving, and white shaker or country-style cabinetry.
Colour palettes in bathrooms are kept light and bright, and often include panelled walls to add character. Colour is incorporated with accessories and potted greenery, and ornate tapware and pressed metal splashbacks are also popular.
Natural textures like cotton drill or linen are used on lounges, woollen soft furnishings and throw cushions added for warmth, and coastal scenery is often featured on artworks. Floor lamps in wicker shades, lighting pendants, and shutters and sheer curtains add to the ambiance of comfort and relaxation.
Outdoor entertaining areas often feature cane and wicker furniture, comfy canvas cushions, and dining tables are usually timber or stone-topped. And of course, an abundance of green foliage here is a must!
OWNING YOUR OWN HAMPTONS HOME
One of the most cost-effective ways of owning a Hamptons home is by renovating an existing home that is built in a similar ‘weatherboard’ or timber-clad style. Iconic Queenslander homes have many design and functional similarities already in place, so a transformation can be as easy as a renovation, extension or a ‘lift and raise’. And with so many of these beautiful homes already existing, often all that’s needed is a ‘face lift’ — internally and externally.
If you have a block of land and you are interested in building a Hamptons home from scratch, you’ll gain the benefits of 21st century engineering and building methods. And with the addition of modern floorplans and stylish finishes, you and your family can own your own slice of Hamptons-style heaven!
CURRRENT GOVERNMENT GRANTS
Government grants offering financial assistance to new homeowners are currently being offered by both the State and Federal governments.
The HomeBuilder grant will provide eligible applicants with $25,000 to build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home. All Australian states and territories are currently working together to finalise how the grant will be administered, and the Office of State Revenue is working to hard to make the grant available for Queenslanders as soon as possible. It is expected that an online application form will be available in early August.
The Australian government’s First Home Loan Deposit scheme (FHLDS) will also help first homebuyers purchase their first home sooner. Usually first home buyers with less than 20 per cent deposit have to pay lender’s mortgage insurance. With this scheme, eligible applicants can purchase a home with a deposit of as little as five per cent — the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporate will guarantee to provide up to 15 per cent of the value of the property purchased to a participating lender.
The Queensland First Home Owners’ Grant also helps homeowners get into their new first home sooner. If eligible, they can receive $15,000 that can go towards buying or building a new home. The grant covers units, townhouses and houses valued at less than $750,000 and participants can buy off the plan or choose to build themselves.
After a builder in Brisbane who will turn your dream of owning a Hamptons Home into reality? As a family-owned business with over 25 years’ experience, building is in our blood. Contact us or phone (07) 3050 5652.
