How to create a Hamptons style living room: 9 styling tips

Drawing inspiration from the coastal homes of Long Island, the classic Hamptons style gives homeowners a taste of peaceful seaside living, paired with a touch of luxury. In this guide, we'll explore the essentials of this classic look and give you pointers to bring this style into your living room.

The Hamptons interior design style, deeply influenced by the serene landscapes of Long Island, epitomises a relaxed yet distinct sense of coastal charm. Living rooms designed in this manner exude a beachy feel, characterised by open spaces, natural light, and a calming neutral palette often punctuated with coastal elements. While the style finds its roots in the Hamptons, its appeal of blending comfort with elegance has made it a sought-after choice for homeowners across Australia.

The Hamptons style is rooted in a neutral foundation, primarily using crisp white walls. These walls can be complimented by other pieces of living room decor that bring in the coastal Hamptons style, such as blue accents or coastal-style wall art. The colour of the walls and the other decor and features reflect the coastal environment, subtly evoking images of open skies and lush landscapes.

Hamptons style living rooms often showcase a blend of materials and textures to capture the essence of a coastal, relaxed home. To emulate this in your own space, begin with soft furnishings such as plush sofas and velvet cushions. For a rustic touch, consider incorporating a brick or stone fireplace if you're open to larger renovations. To add another layer of texture, introduce a woven rattan or seagrass coffee table or area rug. This multi-dimensional approach not only enhances the dynamics of your living room but also ensures it avoids a flat or monotonous appearance.

The Hamptons style emphasises brightness and airiness. Incorporating French doors or large windows allows plenty of natural light to pour in, while also showcasing the beauty of the outdoors. This approach makes rooms feel more spacious, fresh, and welcoming. For an added touch, you could opt for light, breezy curtains that gently diffuse sunlight. This approach makes rooms feel more spacious and fresh, while creating a seamless link between the indoors and the beauty of the outside.

Infusing your space with elements from nature enhances its warmth and authenticity. Jute rugs are both durable and stylish, introducing an understated charm that effortlessly elevates any room. Unbleached linens, whether utilised for throw pillows, curtains, or bedding, provide a soft contrast to harder textures. Beyond fabrics, wooden elements play a pivotal role. Exposed wooden beams can add distinct character to ceilings. Additionally, pieces like a reclaimed oak coffee table or a pine sideboard infuse the space with depth and warmth.

When chosen thoughtfully, patterns can underscore the classic sophistication of the Hamptons style. Shades with soft stripes or muted coastal prints evoke the breezy, seaside essence typical of the Hamptons. Floral blinds, with their delicate motifs, seamlessly integrate into this theme, adding a touch of elegance while diffusing light in a gentle, welcoming manner. Upholstery on furniture, adorned with subtle floral designs or gentle patterns, complements this coastal chic style. A practical touch that epitomises this style is layering patterned cushions on neutral sofas, which balances elegance with relaxed comfort.

To embrace the distinct elegance of a Hamptons-style living room, focus on accessory choices reminiscent of the seaside. Glass lanterns can be filled with sand for a beachy tabletop display, while decorative seashells serve as refined accents on bookshelves or coffee tables. To compliment these, you can hang artworks that depict calming beach scenes or coastal landscapes. These touches anchor the room's design in its seaside roots.

Crisp white walls are a frequent choice in Hamptons-style interiors. However, there's no strict rule, and designers have been venturing beyond the traditional palette.

Beige walls can introduce warmth to your Hamptons living room, providing a neutral backdrop that's both classic and versatile. This shade complements a variety of decorative elements, from wooden accents to patterned textiles. Introducing blue walls can offer a refreshing touch, capturing the essence of the sea. Soft greys, meanwhile, bridge the gap between contemporary flair and seaside relaxation.

There’s plenty of lighting choices available to help create a Hamptons style living room. Pendant lights made of rattan or ceramic stand out and brighten up key areas. Table lamps, especially those with patterned shades, give off a soft glow. To make the most of natural lighting, have French doors or large windows that let in plenty of daylight. When it gets dark, the mix of your lights with the fading natural light creates a cosy feel, making the room more inviting.

The furniture you choose is key when you're crafting a Hamptons style living room. Think about comfy, oversized sofas and chairs, perhaps in neutral materials like linen or cotton for a coastal touch. Light or distressed wood console tables and sideboards are both practical and in keeping with the look. You might also want to weave in some rattan or wicker pieces for a seaside nod. And remember, while larger pieces can be great, it's still important to keep the room feeling spacious, ensuring a comfortable balance between luxury and relaxation.

There you have it, nine practical styling ideas and tips for introducing the Hamptons style into your living room. This style is timeless, and a living room in this nature will give your home a relaxed, bright and comfortable setting for the whole family to enjoy.