Architecture Styles in The Hamptons
Architecture Styles in The Hamptons
The Hamptons is a collection of coastal hamlets that make a traditional summer destination for affluent New Yorkers. Its splendid views, breathtaking beaches, and luscious farms form its desirable landscape. The opulent retreats and exotic homes make the Hamptons the ideal relaxation destination. Let’s look at the three popular architectural styles in the Hamptons if you’re considering building your second or forever home.
Shingle Style
The shingle style is an American architectural style that became popular in the late 1800s. A house is called shingle style when the shingle is used in several elements of its façade. It was initially introduced by architects who wanted to break free from the highly ornamental Victorian designs. Thus, the shingle style was born, which borrowed elements from the colonial houses; however, it was more plain with a focus on horizontality.
Apart from shingled surfaces, shingle-style houses also appear to have a pronounced mass and asymmetrical façade, which gives them a bold exterior. The roof is usually a bunch of steep and sloping forms that are grouped in a complex manner. Upon entering the house, you are greeted by a spacious and wide porch. These porches create a welcoming ambience and can also be designed with various pieces of furniture to spend summer outdoors. Large groupings of windows are placed throughout the house to let in ample summer sunshine. The ceilings are often vaulted, which allows the homes to have heightened living rooms and halls. Weathered materials are used for furnishings to create a vintage aesthetic.
Colonial Revival Style
Colonial revival is another common architectural style that appeared in the late 19th century, post-World War II. It is known for its stately formal expression and symmetrical façade. The colonial revival style borrows elements from the architecture of Dutch and English settlers. Homes designed in the colonial style are best characterized by their white façades and Greek pilasters. The sturdy white monumental designs look stunning against the coastal landscape of the Hamptons.
Colonial revival homes are typically two-storied with a low-pitched roof and tall double-hung windows. Upon entering the house, you are greeted with an accented doorway with two windows on either side. The houses are spacious and are usually decorated with country-chic, vintage furniture.
Farmhouse Style
The farmhouse style is about the rustic, country-style home look inspired by elements we usually see on a traditional farm. While there is the notion that country style does not appeal to the city seekers, it has been debunked by the many Hamptons visitors that find warmth and comfort in the rustic farmhouse homes.
Farmhouse-style houses are mainly distinguished by rectangular mass, high pitched roof, and use of natural materials throughout the exterior and interior of the house. Local materials such as wood and timber are heavily used in the farmhouse décor. The farmhouse-style home tends to have a pristine white façade with dark-colored doors and windows. There are often board and batten sliding details on the exterior with a contrasting gabled roof. The interior of the houses is spacious, with enormous fireplaces, wooden beams, and shiplap walls.
The color palette primarily consists of earthy and neutral tones such as beige, whites, and grays. However, the homes in Hamptons often go for the coastal farmhouse design, primarily using shades like clean white, gray, and blue. The coastal farmhouse style is ideal for the seaside hamlets of the Hamptons as it mimics the color palette of the village itself.
Consult A Local Hamptons Architect on Styles
These were the three most prominent architectural styles in the Hamptons. Recently newer styles have emerged on the map of the Hamptons, such as the contemporary style, modern styles, etc. However, these three styles are timeless and merge exceptionally well with the coastal landscape of the Hamptons.
To build a house or summer retreat in the Hamptons, you can pick a style that best matches your taste or hire a Hamptons architect who will guide your home-building journey. If you have a classical taste, you can go for the shingle style, if you want something more formal and regal, then the colonial revival style is just for you, but if your taste is rustic and homely, then the farmhouse style should be your ultimate pick. No matter your style, a local Hamptons architect can make your vision come to life.
Hiring a local architect is essential as they know the Hamptons for its beauty, but also its challenges. A local architect will help you pick the best plot and the ideal materials for building out east. They will know the weather and the climate better and can design your house accordingly. A Hamptons architect can design a home that maximizes views and takes precautions for the seaside weather. The Hamptons have the best teams of local architects that have designed luxurious homes for high-profile clients and celebrities. If you’re looking to make your next retreat out east a traditional Hamptons style home, hiring a knowledgeable local architect is essential.
I’d love to hear more about your vision and dreams. Let’s talk.