Out with the old, in with the blues

The breezy, sophisticated Hamptons interior aesthetic is making a confident move outdoors.

And the colour of the moment designers are embracing outside is blue. From deep oceanic tones to sky-like hues, blue has become the hero colour for creating elegant outdoor environments that echo coastal vibes of the Hamptons. Steely Resene Hammerhead and icy Resene Halcyon are the perfect contrasting pair in this Hamptons-inspired deck area.

Derived from the luxurious seaside homes of New York’s elite, the Hamptons aesthetic has gained global popularity in recent years. It’s characterised by its relaxed yet upscale style, combining natural materials, crisp whites like Resene Black White and Resene Quarter Blanc and blues with a focus on understated elegance. Social media has played a huge role in the rise of this aesthetic – beautifully styled Hamptons interiors have consistently graced our Pinterest and Instagram feeds. The appeal of the Hamptons look both indoors and outdoors lies in its timelessness; it’s a style that evokes a sense of relaxation and sophistication.

The continued popularity of the Hamptons aesthetic amongst designers and homeowners as is no surprise. The trend endures as it offers such a sense of escapism, a way to bring the tranquillity of the seaside into our homes – whether we live by the coast or not. Its emphasis on airy spaces and soothing colour palettes resonates with a growing desire for homes that feel like sanctuaries.

Designers are increasingly taking the Hamptons look outdoors – this creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living, perfect for our warm summers. Blue is the hero colour of the Hamptons outdoor trend, with shades like Resene Bluff, Resene Hammerhead and Resene Solitude taking centre stage.

Resene Bluff painted on our V-groove horizontal walls sets the scene for our Hamptons-inspired deck area. While white walls are often associated with the Hamptons look, Resene Bluff offers a subtle departure from this norm. The smoky blue-grey tone is a great option as it offers some moodiness without being too dark. The V-groove wall adds texture and is a nod to the traditional panelling often seen in Hamptons interiors. By taking this look outdoors, it offers good indoor-outdoor flow. For contrast, we added soft, cool blue Resene Solitude to add a hint of lightness to the wall.

A table painted in soft, warm white Resene Quarter Blanc pairs beautifully with Resene Bluff and our wicker chairs. This combination adds a touch of classic Hamptons elegance; the wicker chairs introduce some natural texture. Resene Quarter Blanc keeps the space feeling light and airy, ensuring that the darker tones of the walls and other elements don’t overpower our elegant aesthetic. For extra seating, we opted for a bench in Resene Hammerhead. This deeper blue adds a sense of richness to the space, and offers a strong visual anchor that balances our lighter shades. Resene Hammerhead’s rich, maritime-inspired hue is ideal for outdoor settings, where it evokes the deep blue of the ocean.

To bring more life into the space and extend the deck area visually, we added DIY concrete tiles in a pattern of semi-circles in Resene Bluff and Resene Halcyon. The combination of these blues creates a layered effect that adds interest to the flooring.

Striped plant pots in Resene Hammerhead and Resene Pale Prim are a subtle touch and a spot for greenery. For those looking for more contrast, Resene Halcyon can be used instead of Resene Pale Prim to add a zesty touch. Stripes are a classic pattern that works well with the Hamptons aesthetic, adding a nautical flair that enhances the coastal theme.

We chose Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain for the decking, a warm, timber tone that contrasts beautifully with the cool blues of the walls. This warmth is needed to balance the cooler tones, adding a touch of cosiness to the space and ensuring that it feels inviting and comfortable. The stained timber also complements the wicker and other natural textures. No Hamptons-inspired outdoor space would be complete without plenty of greenery. We added a crawler vine that climbs gracefully along the walls, softening the edges of the space and adding a sense of life and movement.

A striped shade sail is the star addition to this outdoor space. Stripes are a classic element in Hamptons design, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance. The choice of black and white stripes creates a striking contrast against the blue tones. Shade sails are very practical, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be chic.

Creating a Hamptons-inspired outdoor space is all about balance – balancing cool and warm tones, natural and refined materials, light and dark elements. Whether you’re relaxing with a book on a sunny afternoon or hosting an evening gathering, a Hamptons-inspired deck offers a dreamy setting for making the most of indoor and outdoor living.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Styling by Melle Van Sambeek. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2024