Must-Have Design Elements in Your Hamptons Style Kitchen

Summary: Hamptons kitchen design essentials 

• Hamptons-style kitchens are defined by timeless elegance, coastal ease and considered craftsmanship.
• Key features include shaker cabinetry, light-filled spaces, veined stone benchtops and classic detailing.
• The overall aesthetic is refined yet relaxed, making it ideal for both everyday family living and entertaining.
• This guide explores the must-have design elements that bring a Hamptons kitchen to life, from cabinetry profiles and feature islands to statement appliances and carefully selected finishes.
• You’ll also find expert insights from our designers on adapting the Hamptons aesthetic for Perth homes, ensuring your kitchen feels sophisticated, functional and perfectly suited to your lifestyle.

The enduring appeal of Hamptons style kitchens

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

A Hamptons-style kitchen is a beautiful and highly functional space, characterised 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.

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 luxury, 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 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 an additional decorative display space 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 greatly complement 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.

In our Lesmurdie kitchen renovation shown below, the cabinetry design highlights a luxury Falcon freestanding oven, which contrasts beautifully with the crisp white cabinetry. This is paired with a custom rangehood featuring painted timber mouldings, adding a bespoke detail that reinforces the Hamptons 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 know 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 interpreted in a classic or contemporary way, our Hamptons kitchens are thoughtfully designed to suit your home, lifestyle and long-term vision. Contact our friendly team to schedule your consultation today.

Frequently asked questions about Hamptons style kitchens

What defines a true Hamptons-style kitchen?

A Hamptons kitchen is defined by shaker-style cabinetry, a light and airy colour palette, generous use of natural light and refined details such as glass-fronted cabinets, veined stone benchtops and classic hardware. The overall look balances coastal relaxation with timeless luxury.

Are Hamptons kitchens suitable for Perth homes?

Yes. Hamptons kitchens are particularly well suited to Perth’s climate and lifestyle. Their bright palettes, emphasis on natural light and connection to coastal design align beautifully with local homes, whether near the coast or inland.

Do Hamptons kitchens have to be white?

While white and soft off-white tones are classic, Hamptons kitchens can also incorporate blues, soft greys or layered neutrals. These colours maintain the light, coastal feel while allowing for personalisation and a more contemporary interpretation of the style.

What benchtop materials work best in a Hamptons kitchen?

Veined stone benchtops are a signature feature of Hamptons kitchens. Marble-inspired stones, such as Calacatta or Carrara-style finishes, add depth, elegance and a sense of luxury, whether you prefer bold veining or a softer, more understated look.

Can a Hamptons kitchen feel modern rather than traditional?

Absolutely. A modern Hamptons kitchen can be achieved through cleaner shaker profiles, fluted glass, streamlined hardware and a pared-back approach to detailing, while still retaining the warmth and timeless appeal that defines the style.