Updating a tired and dated room is a great way to give it a fresh and more contemporary look. Unlike major remodeling projects, room makeovers are relatively inexpensive and fast, yet they can make an enormous difference to how attractive and comfortable the room feels.

Choosing an overarching theme for the room before you begin helps to make the decision-making process easier and more focused. Hamptons style is a popular theme that is both timeless and modern. If you're considering giving a room in your home a Hamptons-style makeover, then here are three must-have elements that you should include.

1. Window shutters

Window shutters are the ideal window dressing for creating the airy, bright and nautical feel of Hamptons style. They're simple, yet stylish, and they help to give a room character and charm. They're also a really practical window dressing option. They're simple to clean, unobtrusive, and give you complete flexibility over privacy, light control, and airflow.

Traditionally, window shutters are made from timber and that's still an appealing option if you like the ambiance and mood that natural materials provide. However, timber also needs regular maintenance, so if you'd prefer a more fuss-free option, metal shutters with a timber-look finish might be a better option.

2. Neutral paint color palette

Painting a room is one of the fastest, yet most effective, ways to completely transform it. This is certainly true when you're attempting to recreate a Hamptons-inspired vibe in a room of your home, and the color palette you opt for can make or break the entire project.

To begin with, Hamptons style consistently uses soft, neutral colors that embrace the light and natural hues of beach-side living. Whites, creams, and linen tones should be the primary color for the larger wall surfaces. You can offset these with pastel blue, pale gray, and slightly bolder navy blue if you want something more eye-catching.

3. Timber flooring

Another cornerstone of Hamptons style is rich, warm timber flooring that exudes relaxed and naturally beautiful style. To create a really authentic Hamptons feel, there isn't really another flooring type that will give you the immediate and impressive transformation that a timber floor will.

If you're fortunate, you may have a beautiful timber floor hiding away under the carpet that's just waiting to be uncovered and restored. If not, you can still achieve the look by adding a floating timber floor on top of your existing flooring. Floating floors are simply applied to the current floor, whether it's tiled r carpeted, and doesn't require extensive and expensive labor costs.