For many of us, the word “summer” evokes feelings of lightheartedness, playfulness, and joy. The care-free beach walks, the refreshing swimming sessions, the cheerful bird songs, and all the juicy summer fruits seem to make life much easier during the warmest months of the year. It’s no wonder summertime is many people’s favourite season.

If you too are deeply in love with summer and want it to last forever, then you should definitely consider bringing the classic yet casual charm of the Hamptons in your own home. The iconic Hamptons interior design style is all about expressing the romance of breezy seaside living.

Despite what some people think, this style’s nonchalance can be quite affordable to achieve. Sometimes, a few brand new or second-hand items of Hamptons-inspired furniture and a piece or two of stunning Hamptons artwork can be powerful enough to infuse a space with a tasteful dose of beachy sophistication. However, if you want to transform your abode into a true Hamptons-style home, you might want to implement more elements.

Coastal Colours

A single glimpse at a Hamptons residence is all it takes to realise that muted blues, soft-toned timbers, and, of course, whites are the hues this style favours. Professional interior designers say that it’s smart to stick to one colour scheme only. Here are the top three Hamptons-style colour palettes:

1. Raw and soothing. Neutrals, sandy creams, tinted blues (duck egg blue, aqua, and navy), and bleached timber tones are all calming colours. This colour scheme is a lovely choice for those of you whose goal is to create a space that oozes tranquillity. It goes without saying that these hues should be on your mind when shopping for new Hamptons-inspired pieces, including wall art prints and accessories.
2. Coral and mineral. This gorgeous colour palette weds calming with feminine. The trick is to pair warm corals with teal and charcoal. If you find the first colour option a bit dull and safe, then this colour scheme might be perfect for you.
   P.S. If you feel that this colour solution lacks blue, you can always incorporate a piece or two of Hamptons artwork, such as a nice handmade oil painting of the ocean or a set of blue coral framed prints.
3. Classic high contrast. If bold and timeless is what you’re aiming for, then classic high contrast should be at the top of your to-consider list. Here, navy blue, black, and dark greys are softened with the help of whites and timber.

Natural and Long-Lasting Materials and Fabrics

Since this interior design style is a love letter to the beautiful Hamptons, natural and quality materials and fabrics are essential to capturing its flair. This is the rule for both furniture and homewares. So, you should be looking for pieces made from timber, marble, linen, cotton, cane, sisal, wicker, jute, and rattan. Professionals recommend linens in whites and neutral tones as well as classic chequered fabrics, pink gingham, and stripe designs. Oh, and don’t forget to layer, layer, and then layer some more.

Comfortable and Luxe Furnishings

When it comes to furnishing your Hamptons-inspired home, comfort is a must. For your living room, search for effortlessly elegant upholstered chairs, comfy and luxurious couches, ottomans, and other soft cushioned seating options. In Hamptons-style lounge areas, statement furniture pieces are often sculptural and nautical-inspired.

Large wood and glass coffee tables, white display cabinets, sheer linen curtains or drapes, plantation shutters, and sisal rugs are several more wonderful Hamptons-style living room furnishing options.

Make sure the furniture you opt for features fine craftsmanship and try your best to arrange it in a way that encourages conversation and fosters entertaining. The idea is to create a space that looks and feels soft, calm, and relaxing. This rule, of course, applies to other rooms as well.

Speaking of other rooms, cross-backed chairs are a staple of Hamptons-style kitchen and dining room furniture. They go great with smooth timber dining tables. Other Hamptons-style kitchen and dining area furnishings include slipcovered cotton chairs, glass-fronted cabinets, timber floors, thick skirtings and cornices, and shiplap or coastal style weatherboards. Professional interior designers say it’s smart to steer clear of all things shiny when shopping for elements for a Hamptons-inspired kitchen and/or dining room.

When designing a Hamptons-inspired bathroom, your goal should be to create a room that’s both practical and inviting. Look for chrome or nickel-plated tapware, traditional vanity units with white marble benches (custom-built ones are an amazing choice), and a spacious bath. Timber floors and panelled walls are suitable here as well.

Plenty of Windows and Lighting Products

Hamptons-style residences are usually bright, light, fresh, and airy. The lighting, both natural and artificial, plays a crucial role in achieving this look and feel. That’s precisely why you should make sure your Hamptons-inspired home is well-lit. Start by incorporating big bay windows, French doors, and structured, classic window treatments. All of these can help you flood your living spaces with natural light.

When it comes to artificial lighting solutions, lantern-style, pendant lights are possibly the most recommended option for this interior design style. A common experts’ advice is to ensure the space has multiple sources of artificial light. You can do this by mixing and matching wall lights and sconces with table and floor lamps. If you want to take things to the next level of intimacy and comfort, consider investing in dimmable lighting products.

Artwork and Accessories

Decorating a Hamptons-inspired home is one of the many times when the saying “the devil is in the details” proves to be true. A beautiful piece of Hamptons wall art can be a strong and direct reference and can help distinguish your Hamptons-inspired abode from coastal-style residences.

Cushions piled on top are welcome too. Search for china blue, chintz, and ocean-inspired motifs. Creating decorative vignettes around your living spaces, kitchen benchtops, and bathroom vanity is another lovely idea. Ginger jars, perfume bottles, décor bowls, hurricanes, candles, bookends, and photo frames are all great potential vignette elements.

If you’re a fan of mirrors, you’ll be glad to learn that these accessories are also a feature for Hamptons interiors. However, experts say they need to be crafted in a unique way. Bevelled edges and decorative frames are to be avoided.

Extra Advice

If you’re a lucky owner of a piece of outdoor living space and want to bring the Hamptons there too, then the following pieces of experts’ advice are for you. The most important things you need to do are: one, make sure your outdoor furniture’s style and colourway are the same as those of your indoor furniture (this is how you’ll create a seamless flow between the two spaces); and two, liven up your outdoor area with greenery (magnolias, star jasmine, and wisteria are the plants to go for).

In case you own an apartment and are not sure whether this design style can work well in it, this Hamptons-inspired apartment in Sydney might help you eliminate all your doubt.