How To Create the Hampton Look in 6 Easy Steps

Last Updated on March 2, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg

Embracing the timeless charm of the Hamptons interior design style in your home doesn't need to be daunting.

With its blend of coastal elegance and relaxed sophistication, the Hampton look has become a sought-after design aesthetic for those seeking a breezy, timeless atmosphere.

Whether you dream of transforming your living space into a coastal retreat or adding a touch of casual luxury, this guide will walk you through six easy steps to achieve the coveted Hampton look.

Step into the world of light-filled interiors, natural textures, and a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary elements.

Join us on this design journey as we explore the key ingredients that will effortlessly bring the Hampton look to life in your living space.

Hamptons interior design
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Hamptons Interior Design
Hamptons Style Mood Board

what is the Hamptons interior design style?

It’s a sophisticated New England style with a mix of classic and traditional items, but it also has a beach house casual and comfy feel.

Hamptons interior design typically refers to a popular interior design and architectural style inspired by the luxurious homes in the Hamptons, a group of affluent seaside communities on Long Island, New York.

The Hampton style is known for its casual yet sophisticated and elegant aesthetic, often associated with beachside or coastal living.

Hamptons interior design
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Hamptons Interior Design
Hamptons Style Idea

key characteristics of the Hampton architectural style include:

Architectural Elements

Shiplap Walls: Shiplap is a wooden board commonly used for exterior siding but has become a hallmark of Hampton-style interiors. It is often painted in crisp white and applied horizontally to walls, adding a touch of casual elegance.

High Ceilings: Hampton-style homes often feature high ceilings, contributing to spaciousness and airiness. This design choice enhances the overall light-filled atmosphere.

Gabled Roofs: Gabled roofs and dormer windows, which give homes a traditional and classic appearance, may be included in the architecture.

Hamptons Interior Design
Hampton Style Architecture
Hamptons Interior Design
Hampton Style Architecture

Kitchen Design

White Cabinetry: Kitchens in the Hamptons interior design style typically have white cabinetry, creating a clean and timeless look. Sometimes, glass-fronted cabinets display dishware and add a touch of sophistication.

Subway Tile: Subway tile, often in a classic white color, is popular for backsplashes. It adds a hint of vintage charm to the kitchen.

Large Islands: Spacious and functional kitchen islands are typical, providing ample workspace and often doubling as a casual dining area.

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Bathroom Design

Marble: Marble is a frequently used material in Hamptons interior design bathrooms. It can be found on countertops, floors, and even as a backdrop for showers or tubs, adding a luxurious touch.

Freestanding Bathtubs: Elegant, freestanding bathtubs contribute to the classic and luxurious feel of Hampton-style bathrooms.

Wainscoting: Wainscoting, which consists of decorative wooden paneling on the lower part of the walls, adds a touch of traditional elegance to bathrooms.

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Hamptons Interior Design: Furnishings and Decor

Slipcovered Furniture: Upholstered furniture with slipcovers in light, natural fabrics such as linen or cotton is a common choice. This adds to the casual vibe and allows for easy cleaning.

Accent Pillows and Throws: Soft furnishings like accent pillows and throws in nautical colors and patterns, such as stripes or sea-inspired motifs, bring in elements of the coastal theme.

Antique and Vintage Pieces: Incorporating antique or vintage furniture can add character and a sense of history to the home, seamlessly blending with the classic Hampton style.

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Hampton Style Interior
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Outdoor Living

Crisp White Outdoor Furniture: Outdoor spaces are often furnished with crisp white or neutral-colored furniture, creating a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living.

Lush Landscaping: Hampton-style homes often have well-maintained gardens with lush greenery and sometimes feature elements like pergolas or trellises.

Coastal Accessories: Outdoor spaces may be adorned with coastal-inspired accessories, such as lanterns, weathered wood accents, and outdoor rugs with nautical motifs.

Hampton Style Interior
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6 Steps to Create the Hamptons Interior Design Style

1. Paint

Soft, neutral colors dominate the Hampton style, with whites, creams, beiges, and light blues creating a light and airy atmosphere.

Paint the walls and the architectural detailing; cornices, doors, door frames, and skirting boards neutral white. The window frames can also be painted white or black.

2. Hamptons Interior Design: Flooring

In Hampton-style homes, flooring choices are often selected to enhance the overall aesthetic of a light, airy, and beach-inspired interior.

Standard flooring options in the Hamptons style include:

Wide-Plank Hardwood

  • Material: Hardwood flooring, especially wide-plank varieties, is a classic choice. Oak and maple are popular wood species used in Hampton-style homes.
  • Finish: The wood is often finished in light or natural tones to maintain a bright and airy feel.
  • Stain: Some homeowners may opt for a distressed or weathered stain to give the flooring a slightly aged and casual appearance.

White or Light-Colored Oak Flooring

  • Material: White oak flooring is frequently chosen for its light color and durability.
  • Finish: Similar to wide-plank hardwood, white oak floors are typically finished in light or natural tones.
Hampton Style

Limestone or Travertine

  • Material: Natural stone flooring, such as limestone or travertine, is used in kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Color: Light-colored stone with a honed or tumbled finish is preferred for a casual and elegant look.

Porcelain or Ceramic Tile

  • Material: Tile is often used in high-traffic areas or spaces prone to moisture, like bathrooms and mudrooms.
  • Design: Subway tiles or tiles with a coastal-inspired pattern, such as hexagons or fish scales, can add a touch of character and style.

Natural Fiber Carpets and Rugs

  • Material: Sisal, jute, or seagrass rugs are commonly used to add texture and warmth to living spaces.
  • Color: Neutral shades like beige or light gray complement the overall color palette of Hampton-style interiors.

Engineered Wood Flooring

  • Material: Engineered wood flooring, which consists of a top layer of natural wood over a plywood base, is another option for achieving the look of hardwood with added stability.
  • Finish: It can be finished in various tones, including light and natural colors.

White-Washed or Pickled Wood

  • Material: White-washed or pickled wood floors have a finish that lightens the wood's natural color, creating a beachy and weathered appearance.
  • Style: This flooring choice complements the casual and relaxed vibe of Hampton-style interiors.
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Hampton Style Mood Board

3. Seating

Seating should combine comfy sofas and armchairs with some feature pieces.

Hampton-style seating is a key component in creating the laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere characteristic of homes in the Hamptons.

When selecting seating for a Hampton-style space, consider the following elements:

Comfortable Upholstery

  • Choose sofas and chairs with comfortable and plush upholstery.
  • Soft, neutral tones like whites, creams, and light blues are quintessential Hampton colors.
  • Slipcovers in natural fabrics such as linen or cotton add comfort and contribute to the style's relaxed and casual vibe.

Oversized Sofas and Sectionals

  • Hampton-style seating often includes oversized sofas and sectionals, providing ample lounging and relaxation space.
  • This promotes a welcoming and comfortable environment for casual gatherings or family movie nights.

Accent Chairs with Coastal Touches

  • Integrate accent chairs into the seating arrangement, incorporating coastal elements in the design.
  • Nautical patterns, striped upholstery, or subtle sea-inspired motifs on cushions or throw pillows can infuse the space with a touch of the beach.
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Hampton Style Window Treatment

4. Window Treatment

For window treatments, you can use white shutters with flowing white sheers. Or simple curtains in plain or subtle patterns.

The curtains should be able to be stacked back onto the walls on either side of the window so the windows can be left totally uncovered during the day.

5. Tables

The tables in a living room can be a mix of different styles. Maybe a timber coffee table and some chrome and glass lamp tables.

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6. Decor

Decorative items can be an eclectic mix of traditional, classic, and contemporary. The Hampton style has lots of accessories.

From books, lamps, mirrors, plants, and flowers. Unusual items like shells and statues of animals can add to the look.

Artwork can take a starring role in these interior spaces from modern classics to contemporary or traditional.

Conclusion: Hamptons Interior Design

In conclusion, the Hampton interior design style is a beacon of timeless elegance and coastal sophistication in interior design.

With its roots firmly planted in the luxurious homes of the Hamptons, this aesthetic marries classic charm with a relaxed, beach-inspired ambiance.

The carefully curated color palette, architectural elements, and choice of materials create an inviting and enduring environment.

The wide-plank hardwood floors echo the natural beauty of the coastal landscape, and the carefully selected furnishings balance comfort and refinement.

Every aspect of the Hampton style reflects a commitment to creating spaces that transcend fleeting trends.

The architectural nuances, including shiplap walls, high ceilings, and gabled roofs, contribute to an atmosphere of openness and airiness, inviting natural light's warmth.

The kitchen and bathroom designs, characterized by white cabinetry, marble accents, and freestanding bathtubs, showcase the Hampton style's dedication to luxury and functionality.

Additionally, the thoughtful selection of flooring materials, such as white oak and natural stone, enhances the aesthetic and ensures durability and ease of maintenance.

The Hampton style extends its influence seamlessly to outdoor living spaces, where crisp white furniture, lush greenery, and coastal accessories create a harmonious blend between indoor and outdoor environments.

The result is a holistic approach to design that transcends mere aesthetics, fostering a refined and relaxed lifestyle.

Ultimately, the Hampton style offers homeowners a blueprint for creating spaces that stand the test of time.

By embracing the principles of this design aesthetic, individuals can craft homes that exude sophistication, comfort, and a touch of coastal allure.

Whether perched on the shores or nestled in an urban enclave, the enduring appeal of the Hampton style ensures that these spaces remain havens of timeless beauty and coastal elegance.

Author: Rosena MacFadzean for SampleBoard.com – concept creation online

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