There’s a certain allure to the Hamptons – a blend of luxury, relaxation, and timeless elegance. But what if you could capture that essence in your own backyard? Is there anything better than having a garden that makes you feel like you’re always on holiday? Recently, I sat down with landscape designer Olivia Harding, who specialises in crafting bespoke Hamptons Style gardens, to discover how you can create a luxurious, classy retreat tailored to your tastes.
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Olivia welcomed me into her home office with a warm smile, her desk adorned with sketches of gardens and swatches of greenery. Her passion for landscape design was immediately evident. “The Hamptons style is all about balance,” she began. “It’s about creating a space that’s both structured and relaxed, capturing that quintessential holiday vibe without losing sophistication.”
The Art of Balance
According to Olivia, the secret to a Hamptons Style garden lies in balancing formality with a sense of looseness. “You don’t want it to feel too rigid,” she explained. “The charm of the Hamptons comes from its ability to be both polished and carefree.”
To achieve this, Olivia suggests incorporating elements of structure through hedges, topiaries, and standard plants. These provide a sense of order and symmetry, serving as a backbone to the garden. “Think of them as the frame for your masterpiece,” she said, gesturing to a beautifully detailed sketch of a garden layout.
Adding Softness and Flow
Once the structure is in place, it’s time to introduce softness and flow. “This is where your personality really shines through,” Olivia noted. “You can play with flowers, border plants, trees, shrubs, ground covers, and climbers to add depth and character.”
She advised using cooler shades as the primary palette, with any warmer colours like magenta introduced sparingly. “The cooler tones will give your garden that breezy, relaxed feel,” she said. “But a pop of colour here and there can add a bit of unexpected fun.”
Personal Touches
When it comes to personalising your garden, Olivia emphasised the importance of choosing plants and features that resonate with you. “Your garden should be an extension of your home and personality,” she said. “If you love roses, find a way to incorporate them. If you’re drawn to the scent of lavender, let that be a guiding element.”
Olivia shared a story of a recent project where a client wanted to incorporate a small vineyard into their garden. “It was such a unique touch, and it added a personal dimension that made the space truly their own,” she recalled.
Creating Spaces for Relaxation
A Hamptons Style garden isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about creating spaces where you can unwind and enjoy life. “Think about where you want to sit with a book or entertain friends,” Olivia advised. “Consider adding comfortable seating areas, maybe a hammock or a charming garden bench.”
She highlighted the importance of pathways and how they can guide you through the garden, encouraging exploration and leisure. “A winding path can lead to a secret nook or a sunny spot perfect for morning coffee,” she suggested.
Bringing it All Together
As our conversation drew to a close, Olivia emphasised that creating a Hamptons Style garden is a journey. “It’s about experimenting, seeing what works, and allowing your garden to evolve over time,” she said. “Don’t rush it. Enjoy the process.”
Olivia’s passion for her work was infectious, and it was clear that her approach to designing these gardens was not just about following a formula but about crafting a unique space that brings joy and serenity.
In the end, creating a Hamptons Style garden is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about designing a personal retreat that captures the essence of a permanent holiday, a place that’s always ready to welcome you home.
Fabrice Fèvre
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