Boho meets Hamptons

How to create the perfect Boho/Hampton space

We love transforming spaces, from start to finish, its so exhilarating seeing it all come together, from selecting the style to the furniture to the colour palette, we love every step. We often share the before and after photos of spaces we have done but we never share the "in-between" (the design process) so id love to take you through our process for this stunning design.

Our clients had moved around a lot and had accumulated different furniture pieces and decor items over the years, most of which were rich, dark woods, with moody tones, bulky pieces, with an African theme to them. They had finally decided to settle done and find their forever home, a beautiful home along the western coast of Cape Town, South Africa.

The collection of pieces and furniture although absolutely stunning did not suit their new coastal space, they overwhelmed the space, made the space seem smaller and darker, creating a moody feel to a space begging for light.

When styling a space our first step is to find the focus point of a space, what makes it great? it could be a high ceiling, an art work, a feature wall or large bay windows or in this case a view, this space has a magnificent view of the beach and a sunset to die for, and this was all being lost and overshadowed by the furniture, layout and lighting.

"first step is to find the focus point of a space, what makes it great?"

Our second step is to find out what the client wanted the space to be? what is the clients personality? and how do they want to experience the space?

For this space the clients wanted a space to relax, to enjoy the view and enjoy their piano.

They wanted a comfortable space, a space that felt warm and safe and inviting, they wanted a space where they could come together after a hard day.

The piano which you see in the

above image was a beautiful

cherry wood but the client always

wanted a white piano, not

wanting to get rid of the

one she had, we gave

the piano a make over too,

transforming it to crisp white.

"second step is to find out what the client wanted the space to be? what is the clients personality? and how do they want to experience the space??"

Step three we put all our thoughts down on paper and create a moodboard of our vision for the space, giving our clients an idea of what the space will look like, style, colours, inspiration and furniture and decor types. For this space, we decided a Boho meets Hamptons style would be perfect.

"Step three we put all our thoughts down on paper and create a moodboard of our vision for the space"

So how do you create the perfect Boho/Hamptons space?

With Boho style its all about emphasis on textures: blending of different textures or layering textures, like chunky fur rugs contrasting with soft off white leather and adding textured cushions and throws combined with soft velvet cushions.

Boho style is also about adding natural elements like different timbers, rattan or bamboo and of course greenery, from indoor plants to dried leaves and pampas grass, boho style uses natural elements to ground a space and to create a connection with the inside to the outside.

and let's not forget the oversized pendant lights that adds that boho flare.

Boho style has very little boundaries and its a fun style to play with.

Hamptons style is a more simplistic style, it focuses on light, airy, earthy natural tones, relying on neutrals and whites to soften a space, it creates comfort, calm and safety and makes a space seem larger. Just like boho style layering is vital to this style. Decor items are important in this style, pieces that have meaning are used, like items collected while travelling or gifts from someone special, not just any item for the sake of filling a space but items that are loved.

Our main focus was to accentuate the stunning beach view and brighten up the space.

When creating the furniture layout it was important to design a space that encompassed the large windows overlooking the beach, making the window the focus point of the space.

Using different timber (not only in texture but colour) we created a lighter and more open space by using lighter shades of timber instead of the dark woods used before. The timber also adds warmth to the space.

We added natural elements like pampas grass stems, dried palm leaves and plenty of greenery to bring nature in, creating comfort and peace.

Our colour palette consisted of natural tones, keeping the space soft and comforting, opening and brightening up the space.

and of course layer, layer, layer. We had so much fun working with different textures, from a fluffy fur rug to smooth leather couch to chunky textured throws and cushions to smooth soft cushions, we layered them all.

and finally adding the finishing touch; the beautiful (again textured and layered) pendant lights to lighten up the space and give it that boho flare.

We loved working on this space bringing two magnificent styles together to create the perfect space and a happy client makes a very happy designer!