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Main Differences

We’ve highlighted the subtle yet powerful design differences in 5 main elements:
  1. Flora
  2. Colour palette
  3. Textures
  4. Space
  5. Patterns
Above: Urban Electric Swivel Sconce in Coastal Design
Basics

Coastal Chic is more relaxed; soft beachy vibes, brighter colour themes, raw/natural materials and open living spaces that support both leisurely and active lifestyles. Coastal, within itself, has a variety of substyles, including contemporary, boho, rural or modern coastal themes, with a lot of room to add your own personal twist.

The Hamptons style is simplicity with grandeur; clean lines coupled with elegant design features within the moulding, cornices and cabinet hardware. Basically, think comfort with a hint of luxury. Coming from the lush summer homes of affluent New Yorkers, it’s a mix of seaside relaxation and the divine indulgence that the rich and famous are so accustomed to. But remember, a design works best when it works with its natural settings; make use of local and native elements.
Calbourne Chandelier in this Hampton Style Bedroom by Vaughan Lighting
Flora
Soft landscaping and house plants can change a home’s aesthetic drastically; too many palms can lean more tropical than coastal, whilst shrubs and perennials create a classic garden rather than a modern theme.

For a Hamptons home, white flowers like roses and lilies, dark green leaves and provincial elements, such as hedging bushes, create a prestigious garden.

Coastal styles can make use of native grasses such as purple fountain grass, sand-loving ground cover and trees, bright green leaves, succulents such as aloe vera and agaves, and spiky plants like snake plants or flax.


Hampton Style Formal Front Entry flanked by Gas Lanterns from Fourteenth Colony
Needles Lantern by Urban Electric in this Coastal setting
Palette

Both styles thrive off clean, white canvases and neutral schemes, however the difference is within the accent colours used.

Coastal style is lifted with highlights – stick with yellows, light blues and marine greens like turquoise and aqua.

Darlana Lanterns by Chapman and Myers for Visual Comfort
Example of Coastal Kitchen
Hamptons works best with darker accents – explore schemes using navy blues, taupes, and stone or steel greys.
La Brea Wall Sconces by Troy Lighting
Textures

Natural and modern-rustic textures work well within these two schemes, such as linen and knits, whilst walls that encompass light patterns, such as weatherboard or slats, are commonly used. Wooden elements are big within these styles, yet are tackled slightly different within each.

Coastal homes are raw and rustic – light, rough wood, pebbles, stacked stone, driftwood, tarnished metals and wicker work wonders, whilst soft decorating elements work best with raw linen, loose knits, canvas, weaves or even shag. Upcycled pieces can also provide character and create a sustainable theme.

Hanging Shade Pendants by Visual Comfort
Boxbridge Lantern by Urban Electric in this Hampton Style Kitchen

Space
Both styles boast flowing, connected spaces filled with natural light; consider glass doors, walls/pool fences and skylights to create more opportunities for natural light. Windows should showcase both indoor and outdoor living areas to create a united aesthetic, whether you’re on the lounge or by the pool.

Hamptons homes thrive off high, tapered ceilings and large picture windows, whilst Coastal styles work best with open plan layouts that offer a harmonised indoor-outdoor flow.
Adjustable Floor Lamps by VC Studio
This works well as either Coastal or Hamptons Style
Patterns
Patterns can make a space really ‘pop’, especially when the rest of the theme is quite minimalist. Muted patterned wallpaper makes gorgeous feature walls, whilst rugs offer statement focal points in a room.
Coastal styles have more space to play around with bright feature pillows, artworks, throws and accessories, whilst Hamptons styles work best with deep blue brocade, paisley or geometric prints.
Hubbardton Forge Pendant in this Hampton Style Kitchen
Hampton Style with Bit small Wall Sconces by Urban Electric
Things to leave you with:
  • Less is more
  • Comfort and relaxation is essential
  • Balance and symmetry create a sense of calm
  • Lighting pulls everything together
Is this dining space, with Urban Electric Fixtures more likely to be found in a Hamptons style or Coastal Style home?
Maureen sourced the content of this newsletter using various Google searches including this link: https://shellshopping.com/blog/?p=311.

We hope you enjoyed taking a look through and thinking about how you might incorporate one of the looks and lighting into your home.

I think it's time for me to take Ellie for a swim. Have a great day!