Hamptons Style
WHAT STYLE OF KITCHEN TO CHOOSE?
As with any style of kitchen you choose it’s extremely important to ensure that your kitchen design complements the style of your home. Imperial Kitchens can design any style of kitchen you choose. Recent trends have seen a surge of interest in the style typically referred to as “Hamptons”. Before electing for a Hamptons style kitchen, you should be aware that in a contemporary home featuring polished surfaces, hard edges, glass and bright “colour-blocks”, the Hamptons style simply won’t work because the different styles will “scream” at each other.
Similarly, a Hamptons style kitchen requires generous space, so if the area of your kitchen is modest, a Hamptons design may not be the most prudent choice. The Hamptons style is generally characterised as elegant, bright, breezy, stylish and sophisticated. It is definitely not “minimalist”. Modern designs have given rise to homes that lack the character and warmth favoured by lovers of the Hamptons design.
Hamptons designed homes feel like generously proportioned cottages, often coastal, light and bright with open-plan floor space and high ceilings. If some of these characteristics are present in your home, a Hamptons style kitchen may be the perfect choice. If choosing the Hamptons look it’s not imperative that you live near the coast, however the style we recognise today has been heavily influenced by its’ coastal origins.
What are the Design Features of a Hamptons Style Kitchen?
Door and Drawers
Perhaps the most recognisable features are the “shaker” doors and drawers. These doors and drawers have a frame and panel profile and are classic Hamptons. The edges of the panels may be bevelled; however, this is a matter of personal preference.
Handles
There are no rules as such, however discreet shell-shaped handles or small dark knobs are commonly chosen. There’s a huge range of handles available, many of which blend perfectly with the Hamptons design.
Splashback
Stone benchtops matched with stone or tiled splashbacks are a great match in a Hamptons kitchen. Subway tiles laid in a simple spreader or herringbone pattern are the most popular choice. Avoid stainless steel or coloured glass splashbacks that are much better suited to commercial and contemporary designs.
Island Bench
Large island benches with plenty of storage, acres of bench space and ample room for occasional seating are common to most Hampton kitchens. These large island benches make a powerful visual statement, while offering practical benefits. They’re also very warm and welcoming.
Wooden Floorboards
While not an essential element, dark timber floorboards contrast beautifully with the enduringly popular white or pale-coloured cabinetry.
Lighting
In keeping with its coastal heritage Hamptons kitchens often feature “nautical” lighting. Generous glass or metal pendants hung above a large island bench provide essential illumination above the work area and a design element that is sympathetic to the overall theme.
Other Considerations
Colours
Light and bright……white, sand, beige, pastels in blues and greens are the most commonly chosen colours. Just think “coastal” and you won’t be far from the mark. If you want to make a bold statement, consider a contrasting colour in the splashback tiles or on the cabinetry under the island bench, while preserving the integrity of the Hamptons style.
Doors
Timber-framed glass doors (usually painted white) have a pleasing “cottage” quality and are often used to give some relief to the design, also creating a pleasing visual aesthetic.
Chairs
When considering the Hamptons style our clients often think of striped blue and white chairs. While this is a perfectly reasonable choice it’s also worth considering natural wicker, painted timber (white) or linen covered chairs. Strive to use natural materials such as timber, linen and cane where possible.
Windows
The Hamptons style is light and bright, so if you can avoid covering windows at all, that’s the preferred option. If you must add window coverings avoid the ubiquitous Holland blinds. As an alternative consider natural materials such as bamboo or reeds, or painted plantation shutters.
Sinks
There’s a gradually expanding range of beautiful white sinks on the market, including the country-style ceramic sinks often featured in renovation programs on the Lifestyle channels. Regardless of which sink you choose you should avoid stainless steel. Stainless steel is very practical; however, it has no place in a Hamptons kitchen.
The Finishing Touches
Details
Hamptons style homes are warm and welcoming, light and bright, over-sized and graceful. The furnishings and decorations used in your kitchen and adjoining areas can really elevate the ambience of your home. Detailed mouldings, skirting boards and coffered ceilings are relatively low-cost architectural features that will take your Hamptons kitchen renovation to the next level.
Applicances
Left in full view, modern appliances can detract from the Hamptons kitchen as they are typically finished in stainless steel or bright colours. Try storing appliances in cupboards or the butler’s pantry. Integrated fridges, dishwashers and range-hoods can also be concealed in a manner that sees them blend seamlessly into the surrounding cabinetry.
Your Hamptons Kitchen
If you’d like to explore the possibility of a Hamptons style kitchen in your home please contact Imperial Kitchens for an obligation free consultation at a time that suits you. To find out more information on kitchen designs click here.
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2 Ellerslie Road, Meadowbrook
Logan City, QLD 4131
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