Photography: Chris Warnes | Styling: Lucy Gough
Laid back but polished Hamptons-inspired interiors are one of the most timeless decorating styles in homes and there are few more quintessential aspects of a Hamptons-style home than the kitchen.
From shaker style cabinetry to seating, lighting, hardware and materials, we’ve asked Tahn Scoon, interior decorator and Home Beautiful stylist, to tell us the specific elements that will give you an elegant, East Coast design in the hardest-working room in the home.
Consider this your ultimate checklist to creating a classic Hamptons style kitchen, including what sets Australian vs USA Hamptons-inspired kitchens apart.
1. Cabinets and hardware
The right style of cabinetry is key to the Hamptons look in the kitchen. “As the Hamptons style is steeped in luxury, cabinetry tends to be very detailed,” says Tahn. “Door and drawer fronts are never flat but instead feature shaker profiles. Cabinetry hardware is also ornate, and generally made from solid metal.”
2. Kitchen island
In an East Coast-inspired kitchen, “The island is the focal point and often includes elaborate skirting instead of kickboards, shaker or criss-cross front and side panels and is most commonly topped with Carrara marble,” says Tahn. “Of course, a more affordable option is engineered stone. The new marble-look versions look almost as good as the real thing – and have the added benefit of being a little hardier.”
3. Butlers sink
Perhaps one of the most quintessential elements of a Hamptons kitchen is the sink. A deep white “butler’s sink suits both traditional and contemporary Hamptons kitchens, and has the added benefit of allowing you to hand wash large serving dishes when entertaining, which presumably they do a lot of on Long Island!”
(Credit: Photography: Chris Warnes / Styling: Lucy Gough)
4. Lighting
One of the most popular lighting styles in a Hamptons kitchen is a classic, glass lantern-shaped pendant. Size also matters, and Hamptons-style “pendants are generous in size and generally made from traditional materials such as metal or glass” says Tahn. “However, for a more contemporary look, try large drum shades in white linen.”
5. Colour palette
If you’ve ever wondered what sets USA and Australian Hamptons-style homes apart, it mainly comes down to the colour palette. “The Australian version of a Hamptons kitchen is generally less formal and more pared back, both in design and colour,” says Tahn. In the USA, “white and blue schemes have dominated for a while now, but for a fresh Australian take team white with teal, olive or emerald,” which suits our natural surroundings and works in the country or the coast.
6. Seating
“Stools can be in timber or rattan to emphasis the coastal appeal of the Hamptons,” says Tahn, “or try upholstered stools for more comfort. Just a word of caution though, as pretty as stools upholstered in light linen look, it’s not practical in a kitchen. Try linen-look outdoor fabrics or washable slipcovers instead.”
7. Decorative touches
Tahn also recommends that when styling a Hamptons kitchen, “try to create a more unique look by avoiding ubiquitous blue and white ginger jars. Tweak the palette a little. Try adding handmade ceramics in beautiful shades of green, a trio of potted herbs and/or a potted orchid. To create a feeling of abundance, fill bowls with sumptuous fruits, such as pomegranates, apples or cherries – and for a final touch of luxury, replace old cotton tea towels with 100% fine linen.”
