Hampton

The word “Hamptons” conjures images of idyllic whitewashed houses and effortless coastal luxury. Inspired by the villages on the south of Long Island near New York, the Hamptons aesthetic is renowned globally as being the ultimate in clean, timeless elegance.

The Hamptons style usually incorporates light and bright interiors with a sophisticated yet beachy vibe that is relaxed, calming and nurturing. The style originated as an American response to the French interior design styles Baroque, Rococo and Empire.

As the perfect fit for our coastal lifestyle, the Hamptons look has been adopted and tweaked by design-savvy Australians, who are taken with its combination of easy sophistication and coastal chic.

Hamptons Style External Features

Weatherboard Cladding

Timber or weatherboard cladding in light, neutral tones (white, soft greys, or light blues) is a hallmark of the Hamptons style.

Gable Roofs

Pitched, gabled roofs with clean lines, often in dark or neutral colours (like charcoal, slate, or white), give that grand yet coastal appearance.

Large Windows

Oversized, double-hung or French-style windows let in lots of natural light and allow the home to feel open and airy. Window frames are usually white or neutral-coloured.

Shutters

Wooden shutters (often in white, navy, or dark grey) are a signature feature, adding a coastal and decorative touch to the exterior.

Natural Materials

Incorporating natural materials like timber decking, stone pathways, and weathered timber for outdoor furniture is common.

Neutral Colour Palette

Soft whites, greys, and blues dominate the exterior, with accents in darker tones like charcoal, navy, or black for contrast.

Hamptons Style Internal Features

Open-Plan Living

Spacious, open interiors with seamless transitions between kitchen, living, and dining areas create a breezy, welcoming flow. This reflects the relaxed coastal lifestyle.

High Ceilings

High ceilings (often with exposed beams) create a sense of grandeur and space, emphasising light and openness.

Natural Light

Large windows and French doors are key to bringing in natural light, often overlooking verandas, gardens, or courtyards.

Neutral Colour Scheme

Think whites, greys, soft blues, and natural tones, with pops of darker hues (navy, charcoal) in accents like furniture or rugs.

Classic White Kitchen

The kitchen typically features white shaker-style cabinetry, marble or stone benchtops, large kitchen islands, and high-end appliances. Pendant lighting over islands and farmhouse sinks are popular touches.

Timber Flooring

Light timber floors in oak or a washed finish are common, often paired with plush rugs in neutral tones to add warmth and texture.

Wainscoting & Paneling

Interior walls may feature wainscoting, or paneling to give depth and texture, adding to the traditional yet coastal feel.

Statement Lighting

Chandeliers or large pendant lights in natural materials (like rattan, wicker, or metal) are often used to make a statement, particularly in dining rooms or entryways.

Natural Textures & Soft Furnishings

Soft linen or cotton fabrics, natural textures like wicker and rattan, and plush, comfortable furniture create a relaxed yet sophisticated interior.

Indoor-Outdoor Living

French or bi-fold doors that open out to outdoor entertaining spaces, creating a connection between indoor living areas and outdoor patios or decks, are key to the Hamptons aesthetic. The Australian Hamptons look balances elegance with practicality, offering a more relaxed, coastal interpretation suitable for the country’s climate and lifestyle.