The New Hamptons
Articles
Jun 1, 2024
12 Min Read
The Hamptons style has long been a favourite for coastal and suburban homes—defined by crisp white trims, soft blues, shaker cabinetry, and that timeless sense of elegance. But as architecture evolves and lifestyles shift, so too has the Hamptons aestheti
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The New Hamptons: Evolving a Classic Style for Modern Living
The Hamptons style has long been a favourite for coastal and suburban homes—defined by crisp white trims, soft blues, shaker cabinetry, and that timeless sense of elegance. But as architecture evolves and lifestyles shift, so too has the Hamptons aesthetic.
At The Collective Studio, we’re designing a new wave of Hamptons-inspired homes—ones that embrace the essence of the original but feel lighter, fresher, and more suited to modern Australian and New Zealand living.
The Classic Hamptons Roots
Let’s start with the foundation. Traditional Hamptons homes borrow heavily from American coastal architecture—think:
Weatherboard cladding
Gable roofs with eaves
Decorative mouldings
Panelled walls and coffered ceilings
Elegant, symmetrical facades
They’re luxurious without being over the top, and they’ve become synonymous with comfort, charm, and family living.
But in recent years, designers have started to reinterpret these elements for a new generation of homeowners.
The Evolution: Modern Hamptons Redefined
Today’s Hamptons homes are less about formality and more about flow, tone, and texture. Here's how the style is changing:
1. Softer Palettes & Natural Textures
While whites and greys still reign, we’re seeing the introduction of:
Warm neutrals, sandy tones, and soft olive greens
Natural oak timber flooring and warm stone
Linen curtains, jute rugs, and tactile fabrics
The feel is more coastal-luxe than country club. Less high-polish, more soul.
2. Simpler, Cleaner Lines
Traditional Hamptons detailing is being pared back:
Shaker cabinetry is thinner and more subtle
Mouldings are simplified or removed entirely
Window frames are thinner, often black or brushed brass
The result? A space that feels timeless but more contemporary and architectural.
3. Mixed Materials
New Hamptons homes often blend:
Vertical and horizontal cladding
Stone with timber
Matte with gloss finishes
This interplay adds richness and makes each space feel curated rather than themed.
4. Open, Airy Layouts
Where old Hamptons might have leaned toward formal living and compartmentalised rooms, the new take is all about:
Open-plan living
Seamless indoor-outdoor transitions
Kitchens that function as the social heart of the home
It’s the Hamptons look reimagined for the way we live today.
Designing Our Modern Hamptons Range
In our own design work, we’ve developed a range of homes that pay tribute to Hamptons charm while pushing the aesthetic forward. Here’s how we approach it:
Façades: High gables, wide eaves, horizontal cladding mixed with stone piers and arched entries.
Interiors: Oversized kitchens with soft shaker profiles, integrated appliances, and natural timber island benches.
Bathrooms: Calm, spa-like spaces with micro marble tiles, brushed nickel tapware, and custom vanities.
Colour Schemes: Classic meets contemporary—warm whites, soft putty, and timber contrasted with subtle navy or sage.
Whether you're coastal, rural, or suburban—this new take on Hamptons works across regions and tastes
Joel Van Rossum
Joel with His wife Kelly leads The Collective Studio with a passion for intentional living and timeless design. With over a decade of experience and a background in both construction and Design, he brings clarity, vision, and emotional depth to every project.
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