Australian home design trends explained with James Hardie
There’s a lot to love about a laundry that sets you adrift. A Hamptons wash zone is picturesque, family centred and warm, reminiscent of that American fantasy of ‘summering’ in a lavish beachside haven. In Australia, this classic seaside look weaves in with our relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle and our liking for breezy, light-filled spaces.
Airiness and light define this American East Coast style. Embrace natural light wherever you can – through skylights, solar lights or generous windows. The palette is crisp and cool, reflecting the sunlight with shades of white and light grey.
Hamptons style lives in the sweet spot between modern and traditional, and at the centre is Shaker-profile cabinetry (try Kaboodle ‘Alpine’ profile). Elegant chrome door hardware and tapware, plus glass pendant lighting, keep the look simple and bright.
Cool, calm and full of interest, marble is a Hamptons mainstay. Make it work in a rough-and-tumble zone as wall tiles, or use durable materials with a realistic marble look, such as laminate benchtops or vinyl tiles.
White and chrome is the most classic Hamptons look and a light, bright and easy palette to work with, but you can change it to suit your style while still capturing the essence of the Hamptons. Swap chrome hardware for matt black, echoed in black-framed lights and even tiles. Hamptons style has an ocean-inspired palette, which you can capture in shades of sand or blues; try painting walls a pale sky hue like Porter’s Paints Newport Blue.
Extend the coastal look through to your bathroom. Take a look at our Hamptons bathroom design guide for everything you need to know about building this space.
Photo Credit: Alejandro Sosa 3D
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
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