The Linen Look: A Fresh New Spin on Hamptons Style

Warm tonal shades and texture galore. Discover our ‘Linen look’ for your new home.

With its casual, coastal feel, the Hamptons look is a perennial favourite in Australia. But all styles evolve and this year sees it take on a more sophisticated edge with classic blues and crisp whites taking a backseat to warmer, tonal shades and texture galore.

We call it the ‘Linen Look’ and it’s one that we can’t get enough of. So much so that our interior designers have used it to decorate the interior of our new Montpellier Grand 54 display home at Smiths Lane Estate, giving it an unmistakably elegant and inviting feel, without sacrificing any of that classic Hamptons charm.

Here are the seven key ingredients of the on-trend Linen Look.

1. Soft earthy colours

New-look Hamptons sees less emphasis on blue and white (although they’re still there, just in smaller doses) and more focus on gentle, earth-drawn shades such as oatmeal, creamy beige, muted brown and grey-green. Use these tones across everything from walls and flooring to joinery and soft furnishings to create a serene and welcoming feel. Punches of black in furniture legs and picture frames add a modern edge.

For a modern Hamptons exterior, classic weatherboards still reign supreme. But rather than crisp, bright white, consider soft grey or ecru paired with charcoal roof tiles.

2. Ramp up the texture

Opt for linen-covered sofas and armchairs in slubby, natural tones, sheer linen curtains that filter the light, and V-joint ceiling to evoke that quintessentially coastal feel. In the master bedroom, consider an upholstered bedhead in textured fabric to bring in a dash of luxury.

And don’t forget bathrooms – tiles with a lustrous, marble-like finish on bathroom walls and splashbacks are a great way to create depth and a retreat-like feel.

3. Play up the pattern

Pattern plays a starring role in the Linen Look. Think pinstriped, plaid and check patterned wallpapers, which are perfect for creating a feature wall in a bedroom, hallway or study nook. The trick is to avoid patterns with lots of colour contrast – instead chose ones in gentle, tonal hues.  

Or introduce pattern through flooring; consider a chevron or herringbone patterned timber floor for your living area or hallway, layered with cosy patterned rugs in earthy tones.

4. Focus on comfort

Consider how your home is used and where you can add extra moments of comfort and convenience. You might, for example, add a built-in upholstered bench seat near your front door where you can pull off your shoes, a large-scale, linen-covered armchair to curl up with a book, and comfortable, upholstered dining chairs that encourage long, relaxed meals.

5. Kitchen is the heart of the home

An inviting kitchen where the whole family can come together is a classic feature of any Hamptons look. Start with a generous island at the centre where people can gather, with oversized glass pendants above that add a touch of chic.

Country-style Shaker or V-joint doors are smart choices for cabinetry, with glass doors to some of the upper cabinets so you can display your favourite cookware. When it comes to cabinetry colour, choose earthy tones such as sage green or warm white that blend in with the colours of your living room in order to create a sense of connection.

Marble-look benchtops, splashbacks and ornate cabinet hardware in nickel or brass complete the elevated Hamptons look.

6. Add gentle curves

Introducing a few curves will soften your interior and make it more inviting. Look for armchairs with curved arms and rounded ottomans for the living room; and in the bathroom consider a round mirror and basins with curved edges.

Having symmetry in a space is innately soothing, and is another way to add to your home’s appeal. Lighting is a great way to achieve it; consider installing a pair of wall sconces either side of the living room fireplace or a pair of statement lamps to the hallway console table.

7. A great outdoor entertaining area

Nature takes centre stage in any Hamptons look. Turn your alfresco entertaining area into a year-round wonder with a cosy outdoor fireplace, an outdoor sofa and armchairs, or a pair of adirondack chairs where you can relax and enjoy your morning coffee in the sunshine.