What's not to like about the Hamptons style of interior? It's refined yet relaxed, beachy and so classically stylish it never seems to date. Though it has now come to be popular world-wide as the go-to coastal interior style, it is inspired by the interiors of the Hamptons area in Long Island, New York.
While it may look expensive, with a few key items and design choices, it's actually very accessible. The trick is knowing what you need to pull the look together.
To help, we've put together a room by room guide with tips for incorporating this look into your home.
Entrance
- A flower or foliage arrangement at the door makes for a fragrant and stylish entrance. Keep it simple with a bouquet of the same stem, such as Eucalyptus leaves, or even a branch of Blossom from a tree in spring.
- A restrained colour palette is a must for a Hamptons style home. Keep it pale and neutral but warm it up with lots of timber and a mixture of materials such as marble, rattan and metallic, or in this case, matte black accessories.
- For a modern and minimalistic Hamptons look, keep the lines clean and pare back on the accessories. A sleek sideboard with a few key accessories is all you need.
Kitchen
- Go for paneled, classic shaker style cabinetry, with brass Farmhouse style pulls and glass cabinets above the bench to showcase your matching white porcelain.
- White subway tiles and marble work well for this look, which is again restrained with colour, usually a full white or soft grey.
- A kitchen island with pendants above is a must, and the bigger the island the better.
- Lots of natural light is essential, so think about adding a skylight if your kitchen doesn't bring in a lot of window light.
- For serious Hampton kitchen-style inspiration, watch a Nancy Meyer film such as It's Complicated or The Intern.
Living Room
- The relaxed yet sophisticated look of linen lends itself perfectly to Hamptons interiors. Think linen chairs, sofas, curtains and cushions.
- Start with a netural base and add in ocean-inspired hues and soft pastels.
- Add interest to the neutral interior by adding lots of texture, like rattan, wicker, plants and wood.
- Plantation window shutters give a living room space an instant Hamptons vibe, just make sure they are white.
- Add in a fireplace to give the room a classic centrepiece and instant ambience. Position a statement piece of art, or large mirror above the fireplace to give add personality and grandeur to the room.
- Timber floors, layered with rugs or soft natural sisal work well.
- Large windows and doors that open to outside are a must (french doors work well too).
Bathroom
- Hamptons style bathrooms are light, spacious and graceful, often with freestanding baths for that added touch of luxury.
- White plantation shutters also work perfectly in a Hamptons style bathroom.
- Think 'shaker style' for the bathroom too - paneled vanities in white or grey with a marble splashback works well. This decor style is consistent, so it's a good idea to go for the same style handles in the bathroom as you did in the kitchen, or a similar style but in chrome.
- Keep the colour palette pared back and crisp. Always with white and some soft blue, grey or green accents.
- For instant Hamptons charm try padding sections of the wall with painted timber paneling.
Bedroom
- Hamptons interiors are about comfort as much as style, so make sure your bedding is soft and luxurious, with layers of linen and a plush headboard.
- Floor to ceiling, sheer, flowing curtains epitomise this coastal style.
- Again keep the palette neutral for a serene atmosphere and bring in ocean hues such as teal or duck egg blue.
- Nautical touches, such as drift wood, sea shells, or beach artwork work well, but keep them to a minimum so that the room doesn't feel too forced.
- Matching pendants or lampshades and side tables help give off the preppy Hamptons vibe.
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