The Hamptons style can be integrated into almost any home’s exterior. Here are the 7 main criteria we employ here at Hotspace Consultants, to achieve this laid-back, chic aesthetic:
1. Start with a fresh coat of paint. The Hamptons vibe is clean and crisp, and painting is the #1 way to achieve this. You might paint your entire house, or just do the trims. Even if your home is brick or other surface you’re reluctant to paint, the right accent colours and details will give you a ‘nod’ to the Hamptons home exterior style, regardless.
2. Choose a neutral colour palette. Soft, muted shades like whites, beiges, greys and pale blues are classic Hamptons hues, and they’ll help create a calm, cohesive look.
3. Add small architectural details. The Hamptons look is all about classic, understated elegance, so consider adding elements like window mouldings, friezes, planter boxes, or patterned entrance tiles to give your home some visual interest.
4. Landscape with an eye for symmetry. The Hamptons style is known for its orderly, manicured gardens. Consider adding symmetrical plantings, ‘box’ hedges, and other formal elements to your landscaping.
5. Incorporate natural materials. Woven baskets, rattan furniture, and other natural elements will help bring a laid-back, beachy vibe to your exterior. Position these under cover at the front of your house to add beautiful charm to your street appeal.
6. Don’t be afraid to mix and match. While the Hamptons look is generally quite cohesive, it’s okay to mix and match different styles and periods as long as everything feels harmonious.
7. Use lighting to create ambiance. Outdoor lighting is an important element of the Hamptons look. Consider adding wall lights, pendant fixtures (in the entrance), festoon lights, or other decorative lighting to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
If you love these Hamptons Home exterior ideas, but not sure how to incorporate them into your place, Hotspace Consultants may be able help. Get in touch with me here to find out… https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
Jane Eyles-Bennett
Paint first, then landscaping? Or the other way round? If you’re updating the exterior of your home, you might be wondering about the order of trades – who should do what, when. Here’s a handy guide to help you plan your renovations in a way that makes the most sense for your home:
1st – Structural work: If your home requires any structural work, such as foundation repairs or adding a new entrance portico, this should be your top priority. Structural work is typically more involved and expensive than other renovations, so it’s important to get it out of the way first.
2nd – Roof: If your roof is in poor condition or nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s a good idea to replace it before tackling other renovations.
3rd – Windows and doors: If your windows or doors are ugly or in bad condition, replacing them can greatly improve the look of your home. Depending on your home, this step might be done at the same time as the Cladding/wall treatments mentioned below.
4th – Cladding/walls: If your walls are damaged or outdated, these should be your next priority. If you have a two story home, combine all projects that require scaffolding to minimise costs and disruptions.
5th – Lighting: If you’re planning to do any lighting updates, do these after you’ve completed other renovations so that you don’t have to worry about working around scaffolding or other equipment.
6th – Driveway and/or paths and Fences: If fences and driveway/paths are in disrepair or don’t match the style of your home, replacing or updating them can be a smart move.
7th – Painting: Once you’ve completed the other renovations (and all the dust and dirt has settled!), give your home a fresh coat of paint. This will help tie everything together and give your home a polished, cohesive look.
8th – Landscaping: If you’re planning to do any landscaping, it’s best to wait until after you’ve completed other renovations so that you don’t have to worry about damaging your new plants or hardscapes.
Before working out the order of trades, you’ll need to know WHICH trades you’ll need. And before that? You’ll need all the colours and renovation details for your exterior home make-over,. That’s where Hotspace Consultants can help. If you’d like to see how, you can get in touch with me here… https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
Jane Eyles-Bennett
Home renovations can easily spiral out of control. Here are 4 ways Hotspace Consultants recommends you tame your spending and keep your renovation costs on track.
Even with careful planning & preparation, unexpected costs and challenges can arise. So, if you’re planning an exterior renovation for your home, it’s essential to keep your budget on track to avoid overspending and financial stress.
1. Start with a realistic budget
One of the most common reasons that renovation budgets get out of control is because the initial budget was not realistic. Before you even start your renovation, be sure to do your research and get a good understanding of what your project will entail. Look at prices for materials, labour, and any other costs that may come up, and use this information to set a budget that is realistic and achievable.
2. Prioritize your needs
When it comes to home renovations, it’s easy to get carried away with all the fun and exciting possibilities. However, it’s important to remember that not every upgrade is necessary or even worth the cost. Prioritise your needs and wants, and be prepared to compromise on items that aren’t essential to the project.
3. Shop around for materials and contractors
One way to save money on your exterior renovation is to shop around for materials & contractors. Don’t just accept the first quote you receive. Compare prices from multiple sources to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best, but you can often find good quality materials and contractors at competitive prices if you’re willing to do your research.
4. Be prepared for unexpected costs
No matter how well you plan, it’s inevitable that unexpected costs will arise during your renovation. Always allocate at least 10% of your budget as a contingency for unexpected extras.
If you’d like help with setting your budget and coming up with an exterior renovation that will fit within that budget (and look amazing!), you can reach out to me here at Hotspace Consultants to see if we can help… https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
Jane Eyles-Bennett x
Updating your landscaping is a wonderful way to create a welcoming and appealing front facade. Even if you don’t want to do anything fancy, being mindful of the following will help you choose and locate just the right plants for your home! As a house facade designer and Street Appeal expert, here are my top tips on what to consider:
House colours: If your home is predominantly a darker colour, then consider using lighter and mid-coloured plants so they stand out. Conversely, if your house is a light colour, then go for a combination of mid and dark coloured species of plants.
Scale/size of your home: You’ll want to choose plants that are in proportion to the size of your home. For example, if you have a large home, you’ll want to choose larger plants to fill out the space and feel more in scale with it. On the other hand, if you have a smaller home, you’re best to choose plants that are more compact and won’t overpower the space.
Consider the climate: Different plants thrive in different climates, so it’s important to choose plants that are well-suited to your area (including type of soil). For example, if you live in a hot and dry climate, succulents and plants that require minimal watering are a perfect choice. Likewise, if you live in a cooler climate, be sure to use plants that suit the cool and probably plenty of rain too!
Take into account the amount of sunlight: Different plants have different sunlight requirements, so choose plants that will receive the right amount of sun for their needs. For example, if the front of your home is north facing, consider plants that will tolerate full sun. If it’s south facing, you’ll need plants that like some shade – particularly those that are located close to the house which will be in shadow most of the day.
Think about maintenance: While it’s always nice to have a beautiful garden, it’s important to consider the amount of time and effort you’re willing to put into maintaining it. If you don’t have a lot of time to devote to gardening, choose more low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for.
Get creative: There’s no rule that says you have to stick to traditional plants when it comes to your front garden. Consider using herbs, fruit trees as well as a combination of other more traditional species to add some interest and functionality to your space.
When it comes to choosing plants for the front of your home, the most important thing is to choose ones that you love and that will thrive in your specific environment. With a little bit of research and planning, you can create a beautiful and welcoming front garden that adds value and charm to your home.
Jane Eyles-Bennett x
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There was a murder in our beautiful sleepy little suburb last week! Just awful and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the lovely family this has affected 💟
It got me thinking about security doors and the fact that many home owners won’t have one because of the (usually ugly) aesthetics.
As much as we all want our front doors to make a statement and be a beautiful feature of our homes, the reality is that security is just as important. And while it’s true that security screens can be unsightly, there are options available that can blend in with the style of your home and provide the protection you need without sacrificing on looks.
First and foremost, it’s important to consider the purpose of a security door. While they may not be the most attractive feature of a home, they serve a vital purpose – to protect you and your family from burglaries and intrusions. Don’t skimp on security just because you don’t want to cover up your beautiful front door. Instead, focus on ways to highlight and showcase your front entrance without relying on the door itself.
For example, you could consider adding a feature wall or a portico above the entrance to add dimension and depth and detract from the door a bit. Or, you could incorporate elements that nod to the era in which your home was built. Another way to add a welcoming feeling is to add plants at the front door. I’m a fan of various oversized pots grouped in 3’s if you have the space. Lighting is also an excellent way to add small pops of interest. Even during the daytime, your light fixtures can make your front entrance look interesting.
When it comes to choosing a security screen, there are options available that can blend in with the style of your home. Rather than choosing a plain, utilitarian screen, look for options that incorporate design elements that match the rest of your home. OR go for a plain screen and play up the surrounding surfaces.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to prioritize security while still finding ways to make your front entrance a welcoming and attractive feature of your home. Don’t waste money on an expensive front door if you’re going to cover it up with a security screen – focus on other ways to highlight your entrance and make it a standout feature of your home.
Jane Eyles-Bennett x
To render or not to render is one of the biggest decisions facing renovators of brick homes.
On the surface, the pros and cons appear to be fairly straightforward. On the plus side, rendering can cover old-fashioned bricks and freshen up the facade. However, on the negative, there is always maintenance to be done because render tends to crack and deteriorate over time.
But as a professional house facade designer here in Australia, I can share that it’s usually not as cut and dried as that. Rendering won’t deliver the beautiful facade you’re hoping for without actually assessing what else is wrong with the facade. Have you ever seen a brick house you like? Probably! So then, it’s likely not just the bricks that are the problem here. There are other factors at play. Below is an example of one brick home I redesigned for a client. For more examples and inspiration, visit https://hotspaceconsultants.com/gallery/
Typically, a renovator will render a blocky 1970s, ’80s or ’90s brick home and not do anything else. Even if they have gone one step further and painted the gutters and front door, or done the garden up a bit, it still ends up looking like the same house, just in a different colour.
In part, this is because older style brick houses have those skinny windows, often in bronze or silver-anodised finish or cream powder-coated. This window style usually gives the house quite a flat appearance.
When the house is rendered (even if the windows are repainted), the entire facade becomes one featureless surface with little that adds interest or appeal.
To really give a home a designer-style makeover, begin by determining what aspects of the home aren’t working.
It may not be all the bricks’ fault. For example, a lot of older brick houses don’t have a clear focal point at the front. A good facade design can fix this by incorporating elements that will emphasise the front entrance so that the eye is naturally drawn towards the front door.
Consider adding a feature wall or a portico or some sort of roof structure above the entrance so that the entrance gains some dimension, depth and focus.
The most common reason for rendering is to cover up old-fashioned or unattractive bricks. The downside is that while rendering might give the house a better colour, you lose the visual interest that the mortar lines and texture of the bricks bring.
With a bit of creativity and planning, you can add this texture and interest back into the look of the house by adding some other elements. You might even retain some of the bricks and integrate them into your facade design.
However you choose to update your house, it pays to be respectful of its heritage (yes, even if it’s a ’70s or ’80s box). You can still achieve a more modern design, but incorporate some elements that give a nod to the era the house was built in.
For example, you might incorporate door handles from that era or add a timber feature that is both modern and reflective of that time period. It’s not about compromising on a modern look, but about blending the old with the modern to achieve a new one.
Achieving a great facade for an older brick home requires more than just updating the windows, choosing a nice colour for the render and overhauling the garden.
It’s about introducing new materials and combinations of materials in such a way that they transform an otherwise flat and featureless house into something with texture, depth and visual interest.
Jane Eyles-Bennett x
https://hotspaceconsultants.com/.
