Hamptons Style Explained: How to Get the Look with Art and Cushions

Hamptons style is named after the Hamptons, a group of seaside villages on Long Island in New York. It has become one of the most loved interior looks in Australia: light, relaxed and quietly elegant. Here is what defines it and how to get the look at home.

What is Hamptons style?

Hamptons style blends coastal ease with classic country elegance. Rooms are bright, calm and uncluttered, with natural materials and a soft palette. It feels relaxed rather than formal, and it is never about themed decor.

The palette

Think crisp whites, soft blues, sandy neutrals and natural timber, with small touches of navy. The mood is calm and fresh, never busy. A simple guide is to use white or a soft neutral for about 60 per cent of the room, a second tone such as pale blue or sand for about 30 per cent, and a small accent for the remaining 10 per cent.

The Hamptons Hydrangea Cushion by Belinda Baynes.

Layer texture, not pattern

Linen, cotton, rattan, jute and timber give a Hamptons room its depth. Instead of lots of competing prints, layer different textures in similar tones. A slipcovered sofa, a jute rug, linen curtains and a timber coffee table make a strong base.

Let in light

Natural light is the heart of the look. Keep window treatments light and simple, such as linen curtains or plantation shutters, and use mirrors to bounce light around the room.

Choose art with a story

Coastal scenes, botanical studies and horses all sit naturally in a Hamptons home, because they nod to country and seaside life. A single large piece above a sideboard or bedhead makes a strong focal point. Explore the equestrian art and gifts collection for pieces that suit the style.

Hamptons Home, an original oil painting by Belinda Baynes.

Bring in cushions

Cushions are the easiest way to add colour and character. Soft floral designs, such as the Hamptons Peony and Hydrangea cushions, work beautifully on a white or linen sofa. Pick two or three that share a colour and mix in a plain linen cushion for balance.

The Hamptons Peony Cushion by Belinda Baynes.

Room-by-room quick starts

• Living room: a white or linen sofa, a jute rug, a large piece of art and a few soft cushions.

• Bedroom: white bedlinen layered with textured throws, a timber bedhead and calm art above it.

• Kitchen and dining: timber, a simple table setting and fresh flowers such as hydrangeas.

Common mistakes

• Going too themed, with anchors, ship wheels and slogans.

• Using cold, stark whites with no warmth or texture.

• Filling every surface. Hamptons rooms feel calm because they are edited.

• Ignoring scale. Choose furniture and art that suit the size of the room.

The Sweet Dreams Equestrian Cushion by Belinda Baynes.

Frequently asked questions

What colours define Hamptons style?

White, soft blue, sandy neutrals and natural timber, with navy as an accent.

Is Hamptons style only for coastal homes?

No. It suits any home where you want a light, relaxed and elegant feel, including country and suburban homes.

What art suits Hamptons style?

Coastal scenes, botanicals, landscapes and horses, in soft and natural tones.

Can I mix Hamptons and country style?

Yes. The two share many elements, such as timber, linen and a relaxed mood, and horse art is a natural bridge between them.

Explore the cushion collection or browse signed art prints to start building the look.