Hamptons Style Interior Design Has Changed: 12 Ways to Modernise the Look

Hamptons style interior design continues to evolve, and I must admit that I’m loving the newer, more modern direction it’s heading in. 

Gone are the days of the dark, moody, and heavy Hamptons aesthetic. Interior designers like me are being asked by clients to abandon the high-end New York aesthetics in favour of cooler, calmer, coastal vibes. 

But how does that translate into your own home? Today I’m going to walk you through it, with quick tips on how to make the new Hampton style rock at yours. Scroll on!

1. The Classic Hamptons Colour Palette is No More

The big change Hamptons style homes are undertaking is on the colour palette front. 

You know how the traditional Hamptons homes used to look; a lot of bold navy blue against a white backdrop with dark walnut tones dominating. It was lovely at the time, but the dial is being turned far lighter now. 

The white walls are absolutely still there, but they team with soothing grey feature walls so the scheme feels warmer, less clinical. You’ll see neutral colours like beige across the whole home as well, and the blues are where you really get to play. 

Blue remains the accent colour but it is to stand out far less. You want to mix sky blue, duck egg blue, stone blue and more together in a room for a more monochromatic approach. Navy is there, but way less than it used to be. It’s used sparingly, if at all.

2. Relaxed Coastal Style is The New Approach

Hamptons interiors used to lean into the high-end and opulent. Not anymore. The new approach to Hamptons style decorating is to embrace comfort, ease; a beach house feel where the materials are quality-driven. Yes we’re embracing coastal colours, but it’s more than just a change in tone. 

There’s a light-filled ambience, a calm, a feeling of natural materials surrounding you. It’s almost as if space is the new sophistication. Pieces have room to breathe and don’t fight for attention.

The old Hamptons interior design style was all about the statement piece. It was big pendant lights, bold wallpaper, tufted-button chairs and elaborate headboards.

The new style is not that. Roomy spaces, a relaxed atmosphere, and a sense of exhale is what we’re channeling now. Everything from colour to pattern to shape simplifies. 

3. Architectural Features Shine in Considered Ways

Just because the new Hamptons style is simple and coastal-inspired, it doesn’t mean there aren’t big moments to take in. It’s just that they’re more architectural (in the foundation of the home) rather than in the decorative elements. 

For example, high ceilings are still a staple in any Hamptons-style room. They give that sense of space we love and deliver a feeling of grandeur but in a really unpretentious way. The same goes for tall, large windows; we want all that natural light to flood in. 

Sheer linen curtains are a must too, of course, and a set of French doors are still permitted.

Wall panelling is essential as well, be it in your living room, dining room or Hamptons bedroom. Even as an accent on your kitchen island, it’s a popular choice. It gives a nod to Hamptons style perfectly, especially when painted in lighter blue or soft greys. 

4. Flooring Receive a Colour Change Too

The traditional Hamptons style took flooring in a darker direction. Again, because it evoked a moodier, high-end look. The new approach though is to embrace lighter, warmer tones.

In hard flooring, oak is your friend. You want to see the grain in timber floors but you don’t want it to be too knotted. Less is more here. Think smooth to the touch, but the visual is a little rustic. Never industrial, never country-inspired, but a seaside style story.

And it doesn’t have to be in a chevron or herringbone pattern if your budget won’t stretch. A wide plank is enough. It’s really more about celebrating the light, natural grain in the timber. 

In carpet, dark greys and browns aren’t required. Instead, embrace beige tones that will work wonderfully with white walls and grey accents. 

5. Furniture Profiles Are Cleaner, More Minimal

You’ll notice a pattern emerge when you look at the Hamptons style interiors in this post. Be it in bedside tables, headboards, sofas or coffee tables… all of the furniture profiles are cleaner. By that I mean, straighter lines tend to dominate. The forms are simpler.

Gone are the tufted buttons on chairs, the large rolled arms on sofas, ornate wrought iron pendant lighting. Everything takes on a less over-the-top appearance. This makes the whole scheme feel more modern, fuss-free. Remember, we’re going for casual beach vibes, so you want to avoid super detailed finishes like this.

The furniture is generally lighter and a little bit more delicate too. You want to imagine air in the space has free movement to travel under each piece. If a sofa goes all the way to the ground, for example, it’s paired with a thin-leg coffee or side table; striking the perfect balance between heavy and light. 

6. There’s Less Pattern in Soft Furnishings 

Classic look Hamptons style called for more dazzling, eye-catching patterns in soft furnishings. From area rugs to throw pillows, table linens to the shades on table lamps… it was all about strong geometric shapes or intricate floral designs. 

​In the new Hamptons style, those key elements are almost nowhere to be found. That’s not to say you can’t have some pattern, but it’s more a subtle stripe here and there.

That’s because the story is more about letting natural textures do the work. We don’t need to walk into the room and have a crazy pattern be the focal point. Less is more when it comes to print now.

7. The Textures Are Less Rough and Rustic

Everyone has their own personal style, of course, but you’d be wise to use a less rough and rustic approach when decorating in this modern Hamptons interior design style. Everything is much smoother to the touch in this new incarnation.

That means you gotta give up things like the rattan tray on the white timber coffee table. You should roll up your sisal rugs in favour of a plush wool option that feels soft underfoot. Wicker baskets are a no-go, as are shabby-chic furniture pieces.

The easy way to think about it is this: everything becomes smooth, sleek but nature-inspired. As touched on already, we do want to see timber grain, but we don’t want a splinter. 

​8. Panelling and Cabinetry Profiles Are More Modern 

The great thing about the new Hamptons interior style is that it still embraces the beauty of wall panelling. The only difference is that the applications are become way more modern and a little experimental.

Traditionally, you’d see wainscoting and crown moulding as the two main applications in a Hamptons style home. Now though, options like VJ panelling, scalloped panelling and even demi-round panels are dominating.

The same goes for the classic shaker-style cabinetry in kitchens. It’s not to say it can’t work in this modern look, but you can definitely experiment with the thickness of the framing. And you can mix in thinner-panel vertical doors (as seen in upper cabinetry above).

9. Black and Brass Hardware is Out

Don’t shoot the messenger, but I must report that the matte black hardware has had its day, at least when it comes to modern Hamptons decorating style. It’s just too dominant and visually jarring against such a neutral colour palette. Dark accents like this draw the eye too much, making the space feel too high-contrast.

Don’t shoot me again, but the same goes for shiny gold and even antique brass hardware. They’re both too blingy and take you out of the relaxing vibes this new style evokes.

The answer is chrome, be it pure or brushed. Whether it’s a handle on shaker style cabinetry, or a hinge on a door, chrome never dates and is the perfect way to have hardware in the home that doesn’t detract from other elements.

10. Lighting is Still a Key Feature

The most fun part of decorating Hamptons-style house interiors is making the lighting selections. They really can bring such interest to a room, but you have to modernise your viewpoint.

Industrial, black, wrought-iron pendants or wall sconces are out. As are the shiny chrome lights with the big glass panels. They introduce reflective surfaces to a room which is definitely not the calm and casual look we’re after.

I would suggest you choose white or oak pendant lights, in softer forms. You want layers of soft lighting in each room but definitely no exposed bulbs. And don’t feel you have to have shades on lamps. Minimal is better.

11. Let Some Smaller Accents Be Traditional

One of my top tips to make the new Hamptons style interior design shine is to pay homage to the traditional vibe in small doses. Doing this makes for the perfect mix of new and old. We like to pay respect to the style’s origins! 

You know those gorgeous ceramic vases decked out in the ginger-jar pattern? Have some of those on a console table inside the front door. 

You can also feature some traditional coffee table books in your styling vignettes, or have a few (but only a few) classic Hamptons wall art moments. Think coral or sea-inspired. But definitely in small frames, not a major art piece.

​12. Wall Art Should Feature a Mix of Mediums

In the new Hamptons style interior design, you want art on walls in a variety of styles. You want some coastal photography, you want some canvas abstract art. You want some landscape or figurative. You might even choose to commission an original piece in the Hamptons colourway.

A mix of canvas and glass framed is important too. This is more a general rule I apply across a home than it is a rule for a Hamptons space. You don’t want to feel there’s a monotony as you walk through the interior.

Here’s a list of affordable places to shop for art online if you’re in need.

​Whether your home is in the building stages, or you’re looking to update your existing space, I hope these modern Hamptons style interior design ideas have helped you when it comes to selecting furniture and decor to tie the look together.

If you have any questions, the comments section below is a great place to drop me a line.

Need help bringing the Hamptons style into your home? We can assist with our Hamptons interior design service in Melbourne.