How to Design a Hamptons-Style Home

Who doesn’t love a light, airy home that makes you feel like you’re on vacation?

“Coastal” is the general term to describe any decor that celebrates a breezy, sea-side lifestyle. Coastal design encompasses exciting sub-genres from nautical to boho, modern to tropical, and of course, Hamptons. All these styles share a love of sand and sea, natural materials, and a calming vibe. These distinct styles also give you plenty of room to add a personal twist.

Call of the Ocean: The Hamptons Effect

The Hamptons puts the ‘chic’ in coastal chic. The Hamptons style features classic forms and impactful design, making it “a thing,” reaching far beyond its geographic home on the East Coast.

The Hamptons are a favorite holiday spot for celebrities and wealthy New Yorkers. This group of villages on eastern Long Island signify beautiful beaches, elaborate homes, and elite parties. The Hampton style reflects the area’s traditional elements and elevated atmosphere, without compromising a laidback and relaxed vibe of a sea-side vacation.

White living room with rich blue accents and lots of natural light coming in through large glass windows — Image courtesy of Raquel Langworthy.

If coastal decor is relaxed with a beachy vibe, Hamptons style is coastal, with an infusion of elegance and sophistication. A Hamptons home is elegant and “always luxe, but more free than their city decor” says Jeanie Engelbach, of lifestyle curation company apartmentjeanie in N.Y.

Style Tips for a Hamptons Home

You don’t have to be wealthy a to do the Hamptons look in your home. Use these tips to deck out your space:

Architectural Elegance

Start with clean lines, and add lush design accents like decorative molding, timber floors and wall paneling, coffered or sloped ceilings, and exposed beams.

White (and More White)

The first thing you need to know about Hamptons-style color schemes: when in doubt, go with white. That goes for kitchen cabinetry, walls, countertops, furniture, everything. You’ll never go wrong with a crisp, low sheen white paint.

Neutrals and blue accents feature prevalently in coastal themes. Maisie Knowles, owner of Maisie Knowles Interiors in Maui, Hawaii, says light blue grays and light turquoise are popular in coastal interiors. For a Hamptons style approved blue, opt for a “crisp navy,” says Engelbach.

Bright living room with white walls and furniture decorated with accents in various shades of blue — Image courtesy of Natalee Bowen.

Leverage Natural Light

Floor-to-ceiling glass windows, glass sliding doors and bay windows let natural light (and ocean views) in. Use an open floor plan to connect indoor and outdoor spaces – a large patio is the perfect way to enjoy those coastal breezes. Aluminum window frames or wooden plantation shutters give a Hampton style home a comfortable atmosphere.

Pendant lights are a go-to for Hamptons-style kitchens, especially lantern style or flashy brass globes. Scattered table lamps add ambience and flexibility to your lighting scheme.

Bright living room and kitchen area with patio designed with white walls and furniture — Image courtesy of Porter Davis.

Comfy, Functional Furniture

Furnish your Hamptons home like a comfortable, luxury beach resort, with big, overstuffed sofas upholstered with white or neutral slipcovers. Choose timeless pieces in light colors to capture the classic Hamptons feel. Furniture that can function inside and outdoors is always welcome in coastal spaces. For that extra flair of elegance, mix in a few vintage or legacy pieces in living spaces and bedrooms.

Natural Fabrics and Textures

“Texture plays a big part in the coastal palette story.” says Knowles. Especially in classic coastal homes, untreated or distressed wood gives an earthy vibe. Knowles says other natural textures may include rope, sisal, jute, and linen. Lots of fluffy cushions piled on beds and sofas are also a must-have for a true Hamptons-inspired home.

When it comes to accessories, let your personal style shine through, be it more nautical, natural or sophisticated.

White living room with decor in a variety of textures including jute, wood, and linen — Image courtesy of Spacecrafting.

Rebecca Rosenberg

Rebecca Rosenberg is a freelance copywriter, digital media strategist and world traveler. After working in marketing for some of Austin’s most beloved brands, Rebecca started her own business and left Texas behind to travel the world. You can find her currently bumming around Europe. Often flying solo, she has visited over 35 countries and lived abroad in four. In addition to being a digital nomad, Rebecca is an avid hiker, design enthusiast and certified plant nerd. She speaks English, Spanish, German and Korean.