Coastal, Beach and Hamptons Decor - What style do I want?
When it comes to decorating a seaside retreat or bringing a touch of the coast into your home, three styles often come to mind: Coastal, Hamptons and Beach décor. While they all share a connection to the sea, each style has its own distinct characteristics and vibes. Let’s delve into what sets them apart.
Coastal Décor:
Coastal décor embraces a relaxed, breezy feel inspired by life by the sea. It often incorporates natural materials like darker aged and weathered wood, rattan and jute, reminiscent of driftwood and beachcombing treasures. Soft, neutral colour palettes are used, dominated by whites, creams, blues, moody greys and sandy hues, which evoke a calming essence of ocean waves and sandy shores.
Historical nautical elements such as ropes, anchors and shells are often used as decorative accents, adding a touch of maritime charm. The overall ambiance is casual, inviting and infused with a sense of tranquillity.
Hamptons Décor:
Hamptons décor exudes sophistication and timeless elegance, reflecting the upscale beachside communities of the Hamptons on Long Island, New York, USA. This style combines classic coastal elements with a more refined, tailored and luxurious aesthetic. Crisp whites and soft pastels are paired with rich navy blues and touches of gold or silver for a sophisticated colour scheme. Furniture tends to be more formal, with clean lines and elegant silhouettes upholstered in natural fabrics like linen or cotton.
Decorative wall panels and shiplap are common architectural details that add a sense of understated luxury. Furniture may be whitewashed and include the signature “X” shape.
Accessories are carefully curated, with a focus on quality over quantity, showcasing timeless pieces like crystal vases porcelain lamps and framed coastal artwork.
Beach Décor:
Beach décor captures the carefree, laid-back spirit of a day spent lounging on the sand and soaking up the sun. This style is all about embracing a relaxed, casual vibe with a playful twist. Bright, cheerful colours like turquoise, coral and sunshine yellow are often used to evoke the vibrant energy of beach umbrellas and surfboards.
Natural materials like driftwood, seagrass and rope are incorporated into furnishings and accessories, lending a rustic, organic feel. Textiles are lightweight and breezy, with fabrics like cotton and linen in beach-inspired patterns such as stripes, chevrons and waves. Quirky accents like surfboard wall art, shell-encrusted mirror and whimsical beach- themed décor add a sense of fun and whimsy to the space.
In summary, while coastal, Hamptons and beach décor styles all draw inspiration from life by the sea, each one offers its own unique interpretation. Don’t be afraid to mix and match all three styles in your home. Here is a photo of how I mix and match the three styles in my home.
We hope that you will explore the handpicked pieces from www.beachvibeliving.com.au to showcase in your own home. We would love to see pictures of how you are styling your BVL pieces.
Please be sure to take a photo and share with us on Instagram or Facebook. Or feel free to comment here.
