When Mum and Dad built their beach house, one thing they knew they wanted right from the start was a big deck to take in their glorious sea views. The deck spans the entire width of the living area + kitchen, so there is room for a huge table for family gatherings, a BBQ, AND a cosy sitting area.
Let’s take a tour! We step out from the living area through a set of sliding stacking doors.
On the left is the dining area. The dining table is easy-care powder coated aluminium, which gives the look of slatted timber without the maintenance. The seat cushions make it a really comfortable setting, too.
They have a relaxing and private outlook on this side with a swathe of trees and hillside.
On the other side, the next-door neighbour’s house is quite close, so they installed plantation shutters for privacy. I am so in love with plantation shutters – they really help nail that Hamptons vibe, and of course they’re a wonderful way to control light and airflow.
The combination of white wicker, the jute floor rug (just a $20 cheapie from Kmart), and a lush tropical palm really brings that beach house feeling home. Can’t you just imagine sitting out here to relax?
Just as a reminder, here is the view from the deck. There is a beach access directly ahead through those trees, so you literally just walk down the steps from the back deck, cross the road and walk along a short path to reach the beach. The view really is stunning – I don’t think pictures quite do it justice.
Ahhh. What a lovely spot to read a home magazine. Not that I ever do that here as I’m usually chasing children when we visit Grandma and Grandad’s house. But in theory this sounds very relaxing.
Who else around here is addicted to home magazines?! I am currently trying to cull my enormous collection, but of course I have to cut out all my favourite pics first, so it’s turned into a months’ long project… ?
This deck really is the perfect spot for family gatherings, of which there have been many.
Our Christmas lunch will most likely take place at this table (unless it’s too hot and we choose to eat inside in the air-conditioned dining room.) But the sea breezes keep it cool out here nearly year-round.
Incidental discovery: I filled the water jug with slices of lemon, blueberries and torn mint leaves purely because I thought it would look pretty in photos. And it does look pretty, but OH MY GOODNESS IT TASTED SO GOOD TOO.
I have never been a huge fan of “lemon water” (I’ve always said I prefer my water to taste like actual water, ha!) but this combination really did it for me. Delicious and oh-so-so refreshing.
Now it seems I’m a convert to the trendy hipster world of “infused water.”
I was really happy with how this Hamptons outdoor living space pulled together. It’s so much fun having a vision and seeing it come to life.
I did have to do a bit of persuasive talking as Mum and Dad had camping chairs on the deck for ages, and they were pretty happy to leave it like that. It always felt so temporary to me before, but now it really feels like home. They really are so happy with their new, extra-comfy armchairs out here, so I’m glad I persisted… ?
So that’s it – the outdoor living area is a wrap.
Meanwhile, I think I might just sit out here a bit longer and soak in that view. Cheers!
Hamptons Outdoor Living Sources
Note: these are all Aussie sources. For my U.S. readers, check out my giant source guide to the best Hamptons furniture, lighting and décor on Amazon.
Dining table – Early Settler
Topiary table centrepiece – Kmart
Palm tree species – Lady Palm
Glazed pot – Tanby Nursery (local store)
Jute floor rug – Kmart
Armchairs – Eureka Street Furniture warehouse
Side table – Early Settler
Want more Hampton’s House goodness? Here’s the whole series!
Hamptons House build
Announcing… a new house build! (See the floorplan in this post)
{THE BUILD!} Bathroom mood board and progress pics
{THE BUILD!} Modern Coastal Kitchen mood board (and progress pics!)
Your Ultimate Guide to Hamptons Style Furniture and Décor
Hamptons Outdoor Living reveal (you are here!)
You can also click on any of the images below to be taken directly to that room!
Does your family life revolve around outdoor living as much as ours? What would your ideal outdoor living area include?
I have all sorts of ideas for the dream house that lives inside my head. An outdoor fireplace… a tiled patio… a pool… I could go on! I’ll just keep living vicariously through my parents for now. ?
Love this Karen, so Queensland! Love the new kitchen too, can you come do mine? I have the week off work this week to begin plans & approach kitchen companies for my own, which has been ‘loved’ for 30 years (totally original). On a strict budget. Ugh. I can’t even…..
Oh wow, how exciting!! All the best with it Rebecca! I’m sure it will turn out beautifully! xo
Oh boy, you must have been glad to see those camping chairs go! What an amazing spot Karen!
I have unashamedly brainwashed my little girl into thinking water with lemon slices is lemonade hehehe.
Haha, love it!! ?Why did I never think to try that. And yep, I was indeed VERY happy to see the camping chairs leave the deck! ?
I love the whole look on the entire house.
Thank you lovely, that is such a kind thing to say! It really does have such a relaxed special vibe. xo
The view is mesmerizing! I love how the outdoor area is relaxing but very “clean”, with the glass railing, to take in the wonderful expanse of space and the view. Many years ago, we had a house on the top of a hill (little cliff?) with a great view, and I miss that expanse of space, there is nothing like it. I love to check out home decoration books from our library, it’s beautiful inspiration, and then I can go back and check them out again and again!
Oooh yes, I am such a fan of decorating books as well! I do love the expansive view from this deck, it really does feel so open and fresh. I agree that there is nothing quite like a beautiful view! xo