Coastal living has long shaped Australia’s architectural identity, but nowhere is its influence more evident than in NSW’s Hunter and Newcastle region.
As the area continues to grow, with new masterplanned communities, beachside suburbs and riverside estates, buyers are increasingly gravitating toward home designs that embrace relaxed living, natural light and strong indoor–outdoor connections.
For many, that has traditionally meant the ever-popular Hamptons look.
But today, the region’s design preferences are broadening, with homeowners blending Hamptons cues with contemporary coastal influences, modern beach house simplicity and even subtle Palm Springs inspired elements.
“It’s a natural fit for the local environment and the way people here like to live,” says Metricon Homes General Manager NSW, David Shorten.
“Families want a home that feels calm, comfortable and connected to the outdoors, and coastal inspired design achieves exactly that.”
In the Hunter and Newcastle region, coastal style is evolving with new influences shaping home designs.
An evolving take on coastal style
The classic Hamptons aesthetic, with its soft tones, generous proportions and natural textures, still resonates strongly with buyers.
But its Australian evolution has led to a more relaxed, modern approach.
Here, Hamptons influences meet local coastal sensibilities: less ornate detailing, lighter materials and palettes that reflect the surrounding beaches, bushland and waterways.
Externally, traditional features such as weatherboard cladding, gabled roofs and large alfrescos remain popular. Inside, open plan living, high ceilings and shaker style kitchens continue to define the look.
A soothing base of whites and neutrals, layered with greys, stone hues and muted greens, helps create the sense of tranquillity that many homeowners seek.
But the modern market is looking for more than just one design direction.
A broader coastal design movement
According to Mr Shorten, buyers in the Hunter and Newcastle region are increasingly exploring other interpretations of coastal living.
Modern Coastal
Characterised by clean lines, warm timbers, stone accents and airy, uncluttered interiors, modern coastal design has become a natural extension of the region’s surf culture and relaxed lifestyle.
“It’s a fresher, more streamlined version of coastal design,” Mr Shorten says. “Many customers still want softness and warmth, but with a cleaner and more contemporary edge.”
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Modern coastal is an updated take on a style that design-conscious homeowners already love.
Beach House
Inspired by classic Australian beach shacks, this look focuses on simplicity and practicality: white or light toned façades, vertical cladding, open living zones and natural materials that stand up to coastal conditions.
It is especially popular in lakeside and seaside pockets where casual, functional living is key.
While seemingly simple, the beach house style still pays homage to Australian beach culture.
Palm Springs
A newer influence, particularly among design conscious buyers.
Think breeze blocks, subtle retro lines, minimalist landscaping and a sun-drenched palette blending warm stone and pastel coastal tones.
This aesthetic suits pockets of the Hunter where buyers want something coastal, but with a modern architectural twist.
“These styles sit comfortably alongside Hamptons,” Mr Shorten explains.
“People are mixing elements across aesthetics to create something that feels uniquely Australian and uniquely suited to their lifestyle.”
Moving beyond the classic Hamptons style, Palm Springs design is becoming more popular.
The Metricon difference
Metricon has long offered Hamptons and coastal inspired options, but the brand’s approach has evolved as customer preferences diversify.
“The big thing we emphasise is that coastal design today isn’t about rigidly following one look, it is about creating a feeling,” Mr Shorten says.
“Light, calm, relaxed interiors. Natural textures. Strong connections to outdoor living.”
In the Hunter and Newcastle region, Metricon offers a range of Designer and Freedom homes with façades and interiors that span Hamptons, coastal contemporary and modern minimalist styles.
Customers can explore these through Metricon’s curated Lookbooks, each offering practical inspiration tailored to Australian living.
“Many buyers end up creating a hybrid look,” he adds.
“A classic façade with cleaner, modern interiors, or a coastal palette with touches of Hamptons detailing.The end result feels current, comfortable and perfectly suited to the region.”
Building in the Hunter or Newcastle region
For those looking to build in the Hunter or Newcastle region, the area’s mix of coastal, urban and semi-rural settings provides the perfect backdrop for a wide range of home designs.
Metricon offers a variety of façades and floorplans that suit the region’s lifestyle and landscape, helping customers create a home that feels considered, comfortable and connected to its surroundings.
Anyone beginning their build journey in the Hunter or Newcastle area can speak with Metricon’s team to explore suitable designs, view display homes or receive tailored advice on bringing their coastal vision to life.
