Hamptons chic is out and bold statements are in
After years of soft, cream hues that whisper ‘serene coastal chic’, the Hamptons look is finally taking a hike to make way for a bold set of luxe trends marching their way into Australian high-end homes.
Led by capricious curves and striking wallpaper that screams “big-city sophistication”, the mode of the moment prioritises pizzaz in a post-COVID world, property pundits say, with kitchens that boast four ovens (or more) and resort-esque outdoor spaces ready-built for those sunset margaritas.
These trends began dancing their way into innovative new builds and renovations last year, said CHS Building Brisbane director Corey Stone, with 2022 already seeing a continuation of the vivacious luxury look that also favours bigger … well, everything.
“I love that we’re stepping away from the Hamptons. People are pushing the friendship with patterns instead … and people aren’t scared at the moment to do colour,” Stone says.
“But in general, houses are just getting bigger and more complicated and more expensive. The average build cost has gone up and it’s not stopping.”
From Sydney to Melbourne, and up in sunny Brisbane, these are the key luxe trends making their magnificent mark in prestige homes this year.
From the full gamut of ovens (think steam, convection, microwave and rotisserie), to industrial ice makers – “we’ve seen a huge increase; people want to make their afternoon margaritas” – Stone says fully-equipped kitchens capable of a restaurant-worthy feast were dominating luxury home trends this year.
Bold colours are also being used in the kitchen – in lieu of the traditional white or cream – with an onus on high-quality appliances stealing the show, says Michael Bacon of Place Estate Agents Kangaroo Point.
“Tech has evolved people’s thought processes and they are now aware of what’s out there. Before, they couldn’t tell the difference between Miele and Gaggenau appliances, but now at this higher-end price point, they are asking more questions and they want the stories behind them,” he says.
The trend is on display at the meticulous 29 Laidlaw Parade, East Brisbane, which was designed by Greg Natale, executed by Stone, and is now on the market for $12 million through Bacon.
Multiple ovens were incorporated into the statement kitchen.
The curved walls, archways and staircases that were laboriously ripped out over the past decade in lieu of sharp edges are now being fastidiously put back in, with Venetian plaster walls and glass also taking centre stage in dozens of luxury builds.
Bold wallpaper and walls splashed in deep primary colours are adding to the mix, says Damon Krongold of Kay & Burton South Yarra, and for many, it’s a refreshing shift.
“We have come from an era or a trend that was minimalist in colour,” he says.
He’s marketing a striking five-bedroom home at 62 Park Street, South Yarra, that recently underwent an incredible three-year renovation orchestrated by Julie Johnson of Foxwood Design, and it’s brimming with statement colours and a unique style that couldn’t be further from the Hamptons.
“This home is the complete opposite. Between the timber and the marine ply, and the strength of the green in the kitchen and the rustic copper splashback … it’s definitive and decisive rather than the muted colour palette [previously favoured],” Krongold says.
Back over at 29 Laidlaw Parade, $50,000 was spent on Gucci wallpaper alone, with de Gournay wallpaper also on display.
The incorporation of steam rooms, lush baths, double showers and heated floors are on the rise – alongside that outdoor entertainment area that plates up the ultimate retreat for the evening wine – with a view of course.
This look is captured at 46a Louisa Road, Birchgrove – one of Sydney’s most tightly-held precincts – and it can all be yours for $13.5 million.
Selling agent Katrina Wilson of BradfieldCleary, says the home, which was flawlessly designed by John Greenwood & Associates was all about beautiful bedroom suites, high-end finishes and that sun-drenched entertainment terrace that luxury home hunters continue to crave.
“What’s also hot with prestige properties is people want something that they can move straight into. I think just with COVID, everything has taken so much longer, including renovations and approvals. So, just finding something that is all done is what people are after at the moment,” Wilson says.
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