Think of sun-filled rooms, white walls, soft blues, natural textures like linen and jute, big comfy sofas, and a space that feels calm, airy, and welcoming the moment you walk in. That’s Hamptons style.
In this blog, we’ll walk through:
- What Hamptons style actually is
- The main types of Hamptons looks
- Why it’s become so popular
- Simple tips to create Hamptons style interiors at home
- The difference between Hamptons and coastal designs
Let’s dive in.
What is Hamptons Style?
Hamptons style is a relaxed, elegant way of decorating that feels fresh, bright, and a little bit luxurious, without ever trying too hard. It’s inspired by the holiday homes in the Hamptons on Long Island, New York – places where people escape the city to be near the beach, unwind, and entertain family and friends.
At its heart, Hamptons style home design is all about casual luxury.
It combines three main ideas:
- Coastal living – light, breezy, and inspired by the sea
- Classic design – symmetry, traditional details, and timeless furniture
- Relaxed comfort – soft fabrics, generous seating, and a lived-in, welcoming feel
Visually, Hamptons style tends to use:
- A light and neutral colour palette: whites, off-whites, creams, soft greys
- Accent colours: mainly blues (navy, sky, duck egg), sometimes soft greens or sandy beige
- Natural materials: linen, cotton, rattan, timber, jute, sisal
Rooms in Hamptons style houses usually feel:
- Bright and airy, with lots of natural light
- Open, with good flow between kitchen, dining, and living
- Calm and uncluttered, but not minimal
Types of Hamptons Looks
Not every Hamptons-style home looks exactly the same. There are a few popular variations, and understanding them can help you work out what feels most “you”.
1. Classic Hamptons
This is the look most people picture:
- Crisp white walls with touches of soft blue and grey
- Timber floors, often stained dark or mid-tone
- Navy and white stripes, ginger jars, coastal artwork, and traditional rugs
- Shaker cabinets in the kitchen, often white, with simple handles and marble or stone benchtops
Classic Hamptons feels refined but not formal. It’s perfect if you like a slightly traditional, timeless look.
2. Modern Hamptons
Modern Hamptons keeps the calm, coastal feel but simplifies the details:
- Cleaner lines, fewer decorative elements
- Simple, streamlined furniture
- Less pattern, more block colours
- Black accents (like steel-framed doors, black window frames, or modern light fittings) to ground the space
This version suits newer builds, open-plan apartments, or anyone who prefers a more modern, less “decorated” feel.
3. Coastal Hamptons
This is the most relaxed version – a little more beachy:
- More natural textures: rattan, weathered wood, woven pendants, jute rugs
- Slightly softer, sun-faded colours
- More casual styling: throw blankets, baskets, shells or driftwood, coastal photography
Coastal Hamptons feels like a beach house you’d happily walk into with sandy feet.
4. Luxe Hamptons
This one leans more into the “weekend retreat for the rich and famous” side:
- Statement lighting (large chandeliers, lanterns, or glass pendants)
- Plush fabrics like velvet, deeper blues or charcoal accents
- More detailed joinery, wall panelling, and well-styled vignettes
- Elegant decor: crystal, metallics, layered cushions and throws
Luxe Hamptons is still calm and coastal, but with a stronger sense of glamour.
Why is Hamptons Style So Popular?
There are a few reasons this style has taken off around the world, especially in Australia, New Zealand, and other coastal or sunny locations.
It Suits Open-plan Living
Hamptons homes often have open kitchens flowing into living and dining areas. The light colours and classic finishes feel natural in modern, open-plan layouts. It’s a style that works just as well in a family home as it does in a holiday house.
It Feels Calm and Restful
The soft colours, natural light, and lack of visual clutter create a sense of calm. After a busy day, walking into a Hamptons-style space can feel like a mini getaway.
It’s Both Timeless and Flexible
Hamptons style isn’t tied to fast trends. A white kitchen with shaker doors and simple hardware is unlikely to feel “out of date” in a few years. You can easily refresh cushions, lamps, and accessories over time without needing to redo the whole room.
It’s Comfortable and Family-friendly
Big sofas, layered rugs, and practical, durable fabrics make this style quite livable. It’s not precious or fussy. It’s meant to be used, enjoyed, and lived in – kids, pets, and all.
It Works in Many Locations
Even if you don’t live near the beach, Hamptons style can still work beautifully. In the city, it feels like a peaceful escape. In the suburbs, it adds lift and lightness. It adapts well to different homes and climates.
Tips to Create Hamptons Style Interiors
You don’t have to renovate your whole house to bring in the Hamptons look. Start small and build it up. Here are some practical tips.
1. Begin With Your Colour Palette
- Use white or off-white on the walls to create a bright base.
- Add soft blues and greys through cushions, throws, artwork, and rugs.
- Keep stronger colours (like navy) for accents so the space still feels light.
2. Choose Classic, Comfortable Furniture
Look for:
- Sofas with rolled arms or simple, timeless shapes, ideally in linen, cotton, or slipcovers
- Timber coffee tables and side tables, in white, natural, or light-stained wood
- Upholstered dining chairs or simple cross-back chairs for a coastal feel
Avoid very sharp, ultra-modern pieces or super ornate traditional furniture.
3. Add Natural Texture
Texture is what stops a light, neutral room from feeling flat or cold.
You can add it through:
- Jute or sisal rugs
- Linen and cotton cushions and curtains
- Rattan or wicker baskets, chairs, and light fittings
- Timber stools, consoles, and picture frames
4. Focus on Lighting
Hamptons style loves good lighting:
- Use layered lighting: ceiling lights, table lamps, floor lamps, and wall lights if possible
- Go for classic shapes – lanterns, glass pendants, drum shades
- Choose warm white globes so your home feels inviting rather than harsh
5. Embrace Classic Details
If you’re renovating or building, consider:
- Shaker-style cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms
- Panelled walls or wainscoting in entryways, halls, and living rooms
- Simple, elegant handles in brushed nickel, chrome, or black
- Stone or stone-look benchtops in white, cream, or soft grey
These details help anchor the Hamptons look and give your home that timeless feel.
6. Style With Intention, not Clutter
Hamptons interiors are styled, but not crowded.
Some ideas:
- A few large cushions with simple patterns (stripes, checks, or block colours) rather than lots of small, busy cushions
- A tray on the coffee table with a candle, a small vase of flowers, and a book
- A cluster of ginger jars, ceramics, or glass vases on a console
- Coastal artwork – think ocean scenes, sailboats, or abstract pieces in blue and white
Leave some breathing space. Not every shelf or surface needs something on it.
What’s the Difference Between Hamptons and Coastal Designs?
Hamptons and coastal styles are closely related, and they do overlap, but there are a few key differences.
1. Overall Feel
- Hamptons: Coastal + classic + a touch of luxury. It’s more structured and polished, with traditional elements.
- Coastal: More casual and beachy. It can be very relaxed, sometimes even a bit rustic or boho, depending on how it’s done.
2. Colour Palette
Both use light tones and blues, but:
- Hamptons: Often more restrained – lots of white, navy, soft grey, and beige.
- Coastal: Can include more variety – turquoise, coral, seafoam, sandy tones, and sometimes brighter accents.
3. Furniture and Finishes
- Hamptons:
- Classic furniture, symmetrical layouts
- Shaker cabinetry, panelled walls, marble or stone
- Elegant lighting and more “tailored” styling
- Coastal:
- More relaxed or even mismatched pieces
- Driftwood, reclaimed timber, more rustic elements
- Simple or even DIY-style furniture and decor
4. Level of Formality
- Hamptons has a subtle sense of formality. It still feels relaxed, but you’ll notice more attention to detail, symmetry, and quality finishes.
- Coastal is often more laid-back, like a real beach shack or holiday cabin. It can be very charming, but it doesn’t always include the same classic architectural details.
A simple way to think about it:
- If you imagine a beach house you could host a wedding in – that’s likely Hamptons.
- If you imagine a beach house you stroll into straight from the sand in your swimmers – that’s more purely coastal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dress code for the Hamptons?
Think polished but relaxed. Light, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton, in whites, neutrals, and soft blues. During the day, sundresses, tailored shorts, shirts, and sandals work well. At night, smart-casual: a simple dress or a shirt with chinos or nice jeans.
Is Hamptons style expensive to achieve?
It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Big-ticket items like kitchens and floors can cost more, but you can create the look with affordable pieces: neutral sofas, jute rugs, simple timber tables, and layered cushions.
Can I mix Hamptons style with modern furniture?
You can, and it often works beautifully. Choose modern pieces with simple, clean lines in neutral colours, then layer in Hamptons elements like coastal artwork, woven textures, and classic lighting. Keep the overall palette soft and cohesive so everything ties together.
