Hamptons
If you have your heart set on creating a Hamptons-style home, there is no better place to start than the exterior.
You can expect to find lots of mixed materials on the outside of a Hamptons abode so decorative elements, weatherboard cladding and exposed brick all help to build the theme.
Look no further than James Hardie’s gorgeous Scyon exterior cladding options which is fantastic for new builds but will also help you transform the outside in a renovation.
Inside, consider installing luxurious timber parquetry on the floor or a washed oak will also do the trick. Grand wooden staircases which combine both painted and natural surfaces scream Hamptons style.
In the kitchen, don’t skimp on decorative elements. Think marble benchtops, decorative handles, glossy painted cabinetry and awesome free-standing stoves. The team at Town & Country Designs are well-versed in creating Hamptons-style kitchens and chief designer Maggie Milligan is famous for her clever use of mixed surfaces and meticulous attention to planning.
In the bathroom, it’s all about luxury. Free-standing baths make a statement and you should also focus on top-quality taps, grand mirrors and plenty of good lighting.
Finish the look off with elements such as beautiful cornices, skirting and walls coated in white, grey and black.
For finishing touches, look no further than The Montauk Lighting Co. for stunning feature lighting and maybe even consider splurging on some shutters.
Ultra-modern
Ultra-modern homes are popular because they’re so easy to keep tidy and organised.
Sleek rendered exteriors featuring smooth poured concrete set the tone for what is to be found inside.
Starting with the kitchen, seek out a designer who specialises in creating seamless cabinetry that cleverly conceals all appliances. Sue Jansen at Kitchen Capital WA is a good person to consult. She has a wealth of knowledge in this area and can bring any kitchen dream to life.
Thick benchtops and finely honed concrete flooring or large-format tiles should be used throughout. Pay careful attention to sinks and tapware. Black taps are ultra-modern and stylish, check out the range available from Phoenix Tapware and Oliveri.
In the bathroom, opt for high-gloss cabinets and plenty of glass. High ceilings will give an architectural feel.
Glass and steel balustrades and large-format windows and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors help to complete the overall picture.
Good storage is a must in a contemporary home, providing places to hide the clutter.
Australian style
With a focus on eclectic and organic features and finishings, high-end homes with a distinctly Australian theme ooze character and are a perfect reflection of our relaxed lifestyle.
Exteriors typically feature mixed materials in combinations of exposed brick, render and weatherboard cladding.
Timber flooring featuring natural Australian hardwoods is a great inclusion in any home wanting to display parochial flair. Some of the most successful renovations of homes from the 1900s showcase hardwood floors juxtaposed with modern concrete flooring used in extensions.
Another key element of an Australiana home is the inclusion of plenty of natural light, delivered either via big windows, doors that allow seamless integration of outdoor and indoor entertaining areas, or stunning skylights.
Kitchens feature benchtops with mixed material preparation surfaces, arty cabinetry and gorgeous feature lighting.
Bathrooms offer a place for respite and relaxation, so they’re spacious and well organised with mixed materials creating an eclectic and arty feel.
Gardens are lush with mass plantings of flowering natives and towering gums. Silvery grey foliage and pretty blossoms beckon native fauna.
