Nothing says ‘easy living’ like a coastal vibe. How good would it be to extend that summer holiday feeling and have light and sunshine in your life throughout the year?

You can’t play wizard with the seasons but you can make a little magic happen and have your very own beach retreat whenever you need it.

The coastal-chic style combines classic décor with more casual and relaxed elements, and even rustic influences, for the ultimate in laid back comfort.

Check out some of our tips and tricks to make your escape – Hamptons style – without leaving home.

Colour creates atmosphere and, more than anything else, establishes your coastal style. Take your cues from nature. For fabrics and accessories, use neutral shades – white, cream, beige and sand – and team them with your chosen palette. You could stay with one theme and add variations. It might be tinted blues, borrowed from the sea and sky, ranging from duck egg blue to aqua or even navy. Or try warm corals, from the palest peach to muted terracotta. Choose furniture with bleached timber tones to complete the look.

If you decide to go with neutrals only, add extra life by adding one standout feature. For example, you could have neutral walls, set against dark timber floors or one statement piece in a bold colour, to draw the eye. Add interest and balance to the room with carefully placed splashes of colour in cushions, rugs or wall art.

The trick is to add drama with a contrasting colour and add some magic to monochrome.

Use symmetry & balance to create a warm & inviting space. The key is to create a focal point to bring the room together. Start with the large pieces first. Make one piece the hero, by purchasing the best you can afford. 

Style tip: Balance clean contemporary pieces, with rustic imperfect pieces.

A rustic piece, with textural imperfections – a reclaimed timber table, for example – might take pride of place among contemporary pieces with smoother lines. The contrast creates the focus.

A relaxed and inviting space is one where the elements work together and complement one another and don’t compete for attention. 

The relaxed elegance of the Hamptons look suggests generous sofas upholstered in natural fabrics. Select a more classic style, rather than a modular sofa, and choose cotton or linen upholstery, rather than leather or velour.

For a casual beach feel in less formal living areas, cane, rattan and wicker designs are perfect, with natural fabrics for cushions and upholstery.

Occasional chairs with a contrasting style and fabrics will add and a relaxed-chic feeling.

Use chandeliers or elegant pendant lights over a dining table and in stairwells for the ‘wow’ factor. Our Shell Chandelier and the Angelica Chandelier are not only super-distinctive but set the beach atmosphere at a glance.

Create ambiance in other areas with floor or table lamps. A ceramic Lattice Table Lamp would be a light touch of understated luxury on a side table or dresser.

For ultimate Hamptons-style elegance, a delicate and subtly toned bone inlay lamp has the power to create the magic all on its own. 

Dark timber floors work well to create the classic Hamptons look. For a casual-chic beach house look, driftwood timber tones are ideal.

Your beach escape calls for rugs made from natural fibres. Think sisal and jute for texture and interest and, of course, durability.

The Iris Royal Blue Jute Rug is an evocative reminder of sea and sand right there at your feet.

And for classic Hamptons elegance and comfort, the Sierra Rug, woven from luxurious New Zealand wool, is definitely for you.

Add your personality and your individual signature to your living spaces by adding homewares and decorative items with a coastal theme. Choose cushions and throws, baskets and bowls and wall art that evoke relaxed beachside living.

We love the Designer Boys range; it’s cool, relaxed and coastal – just what you’re looking for. (We can offer limited access to the entire Designer Boys online catalogue - reach out for details)

Close your eyes and allow yourself to fall under the spell of the Hamptons lifestyle. Now open them, follow our suggestions and search out some pieces that will make it real.

Sometimes magic happens!