The popularity of Hamptons style homes doesn’t appear to be waning any time soon. The look is so enduring, not only because of its commitment to classic foundational elements, but for its ability to adapt to and absorb current interior trends – such as bold colour, clashing patterns and maximalism – with ease.
It’s a style that continues to be embraced around the country, forming several distinct but undeniably related, local offshoots: modern Hamptons, coastal Hamptons and colourful Hamptons. The broad appeal of Hamptons style stems from its grand yet relaxed approach to design, and its influence can be spotted everywhere from new builds on the Gold Coast to classic Queenslanders and even inner-city townhouses.
Step inside 9 of the most popular Hamptons style homes to appear in the pages of Home Beautiful magazine.
1. Opulent yet welcoming Hamptons-style kitchen
Gone are the dark carpet, dark benchtops and dark feature wallpaper that made the interior of this 1980s Melbourne home feel drab and dreary for so long. In their place are light timber floor boards, white paint, natural stone benchtops and pops of pale blue. “We kept the base palette quite neutral and timeless,” says interior designer Melissa Balzan of Melissa Balzan Design.
The kitchen strikes the perfect balance between opulence and intimacy. Marble benchtops and crisp white cabinetry are softened by the addition of a bespoke timber table that nestles into the island bench – an informal space ideal for dining and gathering.
2. Grand Hamptons home entrance
Hamptons style homes exude effortless grandeur. It’s an impression this home in Melbourne’s inner-east makes right from the front door. The chic colour palette of black, white and grey provides a fresh backdrop for the verdant garden.
“I love a timeless look that doesn’t date,” says homeowner Jody. “[It’s] one of the things I like about the classic Hamptons style – it always looks fresh.”
3. Blue and white Hamptons laundry
Blue and white is a quintessential Hamptons colour palette. In this Gold Coast new build, the laundry channels clean Hamptons style, with patterned blue ‘Cartia’ floor tiles making an impact as soon as you step inside the door. Crisp white cabinetry and touches of brass complete the look.
4. Personality-filled Hamptons style bathroom
This NSW South Coast home now brims with personality, colour and Hamptons style, thanks to a complete renovation led by interior designer Melinda Hartwright. While the entire home is a lesson in melding classic style with fun design, the ensuite is perhaps the most bold. “If there is a chance to use wallpaper in any room, I will grab it,” says Melinda.
In this room, white and timeless marble make up the timeless base, while Schumacher ‘Edwin Stripe’ wallpaper, brass tapware and geometric floor tiles bring the wow-factor.
5. Modern Hamptons home exterior
This coastal style home on Sydney’s North Shore makes a striking impression from the outset. While the exterior of the home is painted in Dulux Terrace White, black windows and doors (in Dulux Colorbond Night Sky) create a deep contrast that makes the home’s architectural details – including an arched central doorway – pop.
Inside, subtle Hamptons influences can be spotted in the sleek shaker cabinetry, oversized furniture, crisp colour palette and VJ panelling.
6. Queenslander meets Hamptons style
Queenslander homes and Hamptons style go hand in hand. While a Hamptons influence is visible inside and outside of this home, owner Hayley, co-director of Porchlight Interiors says making a home feel welcoming is her greatest source of inspiration. “Home is filled with love – somewhere you feel yourself, and enjoy being with family and friends.”
Large cane outdoor furniture provides a relaxing spot to sit on the verandah and enjoy views of the Brisbane cityscape. Touches of calming, seafoam blue give the space a tranquil quality that immediately makes you feel at ease.
7. Hamptons and modern coastal style combined
Looking at it today, you’d hardly know that this coastal Hamptons home was once a relic of the 80s, complete with a brown, yellow and maroon interior. Now, a high-raked ceiling soars over the open plan living room, framing views from Burleigh Heads to Surfers Paradise.
A fresh colour scheme (the home’s walls and ceilings are painted in Dulux Lexicon Quarter), comfortable relaxed furniture, and an oversized wool rug from Miss Amara were crucial to creating a cosy atmosphere in the expansive living area.
8. Classic Hamptons kitchen
Before a recent renovation, the interior of this six-bedroom mansion in Melbourne’s south-east was quite dark and dated. Homeowner Sue had lived at the property since 1993, and knew it was time to give the home a refresh. “I wanted it to be uplifting, light and airy and make me happy,” she says.
She enlisted the help of interior designer Melissa Balzan, who brought her vision for a joyful Hamptons interior – featuring a palette of clean whites, blue and shaker panelling – to life.
9. Hamptons style pool area
Interior designer and TV presenter Natalee Bowen’s Hamptons style home shines like a beacon amongst farmland in Western Australia, especially at night. “You can spot it two to three kilometres away,” she says.
A 160-year-old brick cottage (built by her husband Mark’s family) was restored and extended as part of the recent renovation, which gave the home its instantly recognisable Hamptons style look. “True Hamptons homes are quite extraordinary in scale and I really wanted to emulate that,” says Natalee.
