Hamptons style takes its name from the holiday homes of Long Island, New York, but it has become one of the most loved looks in Australian homes. It’s easy to see why. It’s fresh and light like coastal style, but more polished, with crisp whites, tailored furniture and a sense of order that makes a house feel finished.
Here’s what defines a Hamptons style interior, and how to get it right without it feeling like a showroom.
The key elements of Hamptons style
1. A crisp, classic palette
The base is white or soft white on walls and joinery, with navy, soft blue and grey as supporting colours. Natural tones (sand, stone, timber) keep it warm. Unlike coastal style, Hamptons uses contrast deliberately: think white walls, a navy armchair and dark timber or polished nickel accents.
2. Panelling and architectural detail
Wall panelling is one of the clearest Hamptons signatures. V-groove (VJ) boards, wainscoting and shiplap-style panels add depth and shadow to white walls. Shaker-style cabinetry in kitchens and laundries, and generous skirting and architraves, finish the look.
3. Timber floors
Mid to light timber floors, often oak, ground the scheme. In bedrooms, a soft neutral carpet works well. Layer rugs in natural fibres like jute, sisal or a flat-woven wool for texture.
4. Tailored, comfortable furniture
Look for sofas with clean lines in linen or cotton (slipcovers are very Hamptons, and practical), upholstered dining chairs, rattan or cane accent pieces, and timber tables in a weathered or white finish.
5. Symmetry
Hamptons rooms often feel calm because they’re balanced. Think matching lamps either side of a sofa or bed, pairs of armchairs and a mirror centred over a console. You don’t need perfect symmetry everywhere, but a few mirrored pairs instantly make a room feel considered.
6. Fabrics and pattern
Stripes (especially blue-and-white), subtle checks and simple florals in linen and cotton. Keep pattern to cushions, a throw or a single armchair so the overall look stays crisp.
7. Lighting and metals
Ceramic or glass lamp bases with linen shades, lantern pendants and woven light fittings. For hardware, choose polished nickel, chrome or brushed brass, and keep one finish consistent through a room.
Common Hamptons mistakes
- Too much blue. Navy works best as an accent against plenty of white and natural texture.
- All white, no warmth. Without timber, rattan and linen, a white-and-navy room can feel cold.
- Furniture that’s too formal. Hamptons is relaxed luxury; it should still invite you to put your feet up.
- Forgetting the floor. Grey tiles or cool carpet can undercut the warmth of the scheme.
Hamptons vs coastal
If you prefer a looser, more textural look, with less navy, less symmetry and more weathered timber, coastal interior design may suit you better. Many Australian homes blend the two, with Hamptons structure (panelling, symmetry) and a coastal palette.
FAQ
Can you do Hamptons style in a modern or small home?
Yes. Focus on the elements that don’t need architecture: the palette, linen upholstery, rattan accents, symmetry and lamps. Panelling can be added to a single wall, such as behind a bed, for impact.
What white works for Hamptons interiors?
A clean, slightly soft white suits most Hamptons schemes, especially with navy accents. Very warm, creamy whites can look yellow next to blue. See our guide to warm vs cool whites for how to test.
See your Hamptons room come together. Create a style board on Design it Yourself. Pair Taubmans whites and blues with Carpet Court flooring and furniture from leading retailers, then shop it all from one list.
Cover photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash.