We all look forward to our weekends on the east end after a grueling weekday stretch at work – monotonous meetings, difficult people, tight deadlines, hectic schedules. If only you could spend your Hamptons sojourn at your very own mini retreat…
Ahhh, but stress no more. You CAN have your very own backyard oasis, somewhere you’ll feel like you’re really getting far away from it all. With some planning and design considerations, you can turn your property into a peaceful escape.
Your home haven should tie in elements of a zen space – combining fire, water, greenery, and divided spaces for function and privacy. Keep it simple yet elegant, using natural elements of rock, sand, wood, and gravel.
There is a current trend toward a splash pool or oversized hot tub. Many Hamptons homeowners like the idea of a pool but don’t necessarily want it to be the main focus or take up a lot of their precious property. A modest-sized pool/spa is just enough to refresh, and roomy enough to relax with company.
Landscaping is ultra-important, and we’re lucky enough in the Hamptons to have so many native perennials, shrubbery, specimen trees, and annuals to choose from. Lush foliage creates boundaries that help carve out different areas, creating more intimate and defined spaces. In the summer months, we also have the option to create a balance with tropicals, which add a feel-good flair that sweeps you away. An infusion of color makes the canvas pop – blue hues of hydrangeas, a palate of pinks, subtle streaks of lavender, and the vibrant yellow of black-eyed susan bring your gardens to life.
The hardscaping forms the backbone of your sanctuary. Stepping stones nestled in river rock create welcoming pathways, while plank pavers lay out a chill vibe around splash area, giving you a place to relax your weary head on beckoning lounge chairs.
Nights get chilly no matter what season it is in the Hamptons, so a fire feature not only contributes to the zen-feel but also keeps you warm well into the evening. Fire bowls, fire pits, and fireplaces are not only alluring focal points – they are also a perfect place to gather after a long day playing on the beach or taking on a rigorous tennis match.
Hamptons weekends are made for relaxing…and creating a space that lends itself to serenity and calm is just what the doctor ordered.
Check out Peter Anthony Landscaping, Long Island’s only HGTV winning designer, for more outdoor living inspiration. www.peteranthonylandscaping.com
