Must-Have Design Elements in Your Hamptons Style Kitchen

Inspired by the timeless charm of coastal elegance, Hamptons-style kitchens effortlessly blend functionality with a refined aesthetic that speaks to luxury. 

Whether in the heart of Perth or a seaside holiday home, a Hamptons-style kitchen is a beautiful and highly functional space, typified by lots of natural light, a light colour palette and shaker cabinetry. 

At The Maker Designer Kitchens, the Hamptons style remains one of our most popular traditional kitchen styles requested by our clients each year. We have designed and built many Hamptons style kitchens and know the best ways to create coastal-inspired spaces that bring an elevated yet relaxed vibe into the home.

Let’s discuss the origins of Hamptons style, from its roots in the coastal retreats of Long Island, New York, to its transformation into a globally beloved aesthetic that combines relaxed coastal charm with refined luxury. 

We will also give some expert tips straight from our kitchen designers on how to best achieve the Hamptons style in your kitchen renovation.

Where did the Hamptons style interiors emerge from?

Hamptons-style interiors originated in the coastal villages of Long Island, New York, an area famously known as “The Hamptons.” This region became a retreat for affluent New Yorkers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who sought refuge from city life in its breezy, seaside environment. 

Over time, this distinct aesthetic developed as homeowners embraced a blend of relaxed, coastal charm with sophisticated, classic design elements that reflected both the simplicity of beachside living and the elegance of a refined, luxury escape.

Inspired by the ocean and its surroundings, Hamptons style design elements include light and airy palettes, natural textures, and timeless designs. 

This style incorporates influences from American Colonial architecture and beach cottage decor, combining practical elements—like shaker cabinetry and open shelving—with touches of opulence, such as elegant glass-fronted cabinets, luxurious veined stone, and bespoke mouldings. 

Today, this style has gained international popularity, especially in places with an appreciation for coastal aesthetics, like Australia. 

In Perth, the Hamptons style perfectly suits our sunny, laid-back coastal lifestyle, making it a natural fit for those looking to bring a sense of timeless elegance and warmth into their homes.

Shaker style cabinetry: The backbone of the Hamptons aesthetic

Hamptons kitchens are known for their use of shaker-style cabinetry. Shaker cabinets are known for their timeless appeal, clean lines and simplicity. 

Shaker cabinets are characterised by having a cabinet door with a recessed centre panel, which provides an elegant ‘frame’ around each door. 

In true Hamptons style, Shaker cabinetry is typically finished in white or soft off-white tones. These light colours help maintain an open, airy feel, ideal for reflecting natural light and making the space feel bright and spacious. The colour blue is also used a lot in these kitchens. 

This choice of colour not only enhances the coastal-inspired charm but also complements various interior elements, from warm timber accents to cool stone countertops, commonly seen in Hamptons kitchens.

For a contemporary Hamptons look, we recommend Polytec’s Hamptons or Ascot profiles. These options offer a contemporary take on traditional Shaker doors, combining the timeless appeal of Hamptons cabinetry with a fresh, updated look that aligns beautifully with both modern and classic home interiors.

Showcasing with glass-fronted cabinets

A feature of Hamptons-style kitchens is the use of glass-fronted cabinets. These cabinets allow for the display of beautiful glassware, homewares, and curated decor pieces.

To highlight these pieces, we often incorporate integrated lighting within the cabinets. This lighting adds warmth to the glass display, creating an ambient glow that beautifully illuminates its contents.

You can select from various glass styles, such as clear glass, which offers a traditional look, or fluted glass, which introduces texture and a modern edge.

Fluted glass, in particular, adds a contemporary touch. It subtly diffuses light and creates a soft, sophisticated display without fully revealing the contents within. This textural detail can elevate the kitchen design and lend depth to your cabinetry.

The statement island bench

No Hamptons kitchen is complete without a feature island bench, which serves as a central gathering point and a striking focal feature. 

These islands typically incorporate box ends and a plant-on kick, which add definition and structure to the base. 

This design choice gives the island a lasting elegance and highlights its role as the kitchen’s centrepiece.

For a traditional Hamptons-style look, consider adding open shelving at the ends of the island. This shelving allows for additional decorative display space, whether for cookbooks, decor, or curated kitchenware, enhancing the kitchen’s relaxed yet intentional feel. 

Luxurious, veined benchtop selections

Veined benchtops are a signature element in a Hamptons kitchen, and selecting the right stone is essential for achieving this style’s luxurious feel.

Veined benchtops in particular bring a sense of refinement and sophistication, with their natural marble-like patterns adding depth and interest. 

For those seeking a truly classic Hamptons look, strongly veined stones like Caesarstone Statuario Maximus or Calacatta Nuvo can create a striking statement. Their bold patterns and luxurious appearance convey a traditional elegance that complements the Hamptons aesthetic.

Alternatively, if a more understated look suits your taste, options like Dreamy Carrara or Organic White from Caesarstone offer a softer, more subtle patterning.

These choices maintain the elegance of natural stone while creating a quieter, more harmonious backdrop that suits a modern, pared-back Hamptons design. 

The benchtop you choose should complement your kitchen’s overall colour palette while adding that classic Hamptons touch of luxury.

Freestanding oven and custom rangehood design

Another hallmark of Hamptons-style kitchens is the freestanding oven, which often serves as a focal point in the kitchen’s layout. 

In our Lesmurdie kitchen renovation (shown below), the cabinetry design showcases the luxury Falcon freestanding oven in this kitchen, which contrasts beautifully against the crisp white cabinetry. The oven was paired with a custom rangehood design crafted with painted timber mouldings, adding a bespoke touch that reinforces the Hampton’s kitchen style.

The cabinetry design is symmetrical, framed by glass-fronted cabinets on either side, creating a balanced and harmonious arrangement. 

This configuration highlights the oven and rangehood while adding depth to the kitchen’s design. Displaying glassware and decor in the nearby cabinets enhances the space, creating a refined, gallery-like effect.

Additional Hamptons design details to consider

To bring your Hamptons kitchen to life, focusing on smaller yet impactful details can infuse layers of character and elegance.

Timeless cabinetry accents like brass, brushed nickel, or matte black cup handles and knobs enhance cabinetry while introducing a striking contrast against lighter finishes.

Choose splashback tiles in classic subway or herringbone patterns to add subtle texture and sophistication, framing the cabinetry and benchtops beautifully.

Lighting is another key element to personalise your Hamptons kitchen. Pendant lights over the island not only provide warmth and define the space but also echo the relaxed, coastal essence of this timeless design style.

Achieve your dream Hamptons style kitchen with The Maker Designer Kitchens

If you’re envisioning a Hamptons-style kitchen, The Maker Designer Kitchens has the expertise to bring your vision to life, as our design team understands the details that make this style so timeless. 

Our unique three-step process allows our clients to collaborate closely with our kitchen designers to create a tailored kitchen that reflects their style, functional needs, and vision. We guide you through every step, from design consultation to material selection, ensuring each element fits seamlessly into your space. 

Our Perth showroom showcases the quality and finishes you can expect, giving you a hands-on feel for our approach to Hamptons design.

Whether you’re drawn to classic Hamptons charm or are seeking a more modern interpretation of the classic style, we’re here to create a kitchen that’s both timeless and perfectly suited to your home and lifestyle. Contact our friendly team to schedule your consultation today.