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How to get Aussie Hamptons style in the kitchen

Love the Hamptons style and wondering how to get it into your home? Our tips from interior stylist Catherine Heraghty will have you cooking with gas. 

We’ve learned how to get the Hamptons into our home’s exterior, with its special attention to texture, tone and greenery. We’ve also learned how to get the look in our interior styling and bedrooms.

We’re now going to show you how to get Hamptons happy in your kitchen, once again with Stable founder and interior designer, Catherine Heraghty.

1. Let there be light

An Aussie take on the Hamptons look is all about making the kitchen light and bright.

Catherine says Australian homes that embrace the Hampton theme have a bit more of a relaxed feel, complementing our love of laid-back dining zones and entertaining spaces.

Hamptons kitchen bench style shelves

An Australian take on the Hamptons kitchen is all about relaxed spaces. Picture: Nat Spadavecchia


When selecting the colour of your surfaces go for greys and whites, keeping the palette muted.

Catherine selected grey cabinet fronts to contrast with the arctic white benchtops.

2. Be bold but carefully think about layout

Aussie Hamptons styling is more relaxed whereas the traditional Hamptons would be more structured, explains Catherine.

So when thinking about the layout of your kitchen, you should think about how you want to use the room.

If you’re an entertainer then it’s natural you’ll want to leave plenty of space for the dining area – so don’t encroach on that zone with an oversized benchtop.

If there’s a view to take in, like at Catherine’s Byron Bay project, then make sure you make the most of it.

Position the kitchen so that you will be able to enjoy the vista while you’re making your morning cuppa.

Hamptons kitchen

Make the most of the space with a well-considered layout. Picture: Nat Spadavecchia


3. Let nature in

“The use of natural materials such as the cane inlays is a lovely way to introduce natural materials and make that connection between the inside and the outside,” says Catherine, which is something that is very important in a Hamptons-style home.”

So consider adding a natural timber touch to the pendant lights, seating or decorations.

Catherine’s favourite element of a Hamptons-style home is the calm feeling you get when entering the space, which is accentuated with natural touches.

vase with natural texture beads on table

Bring in natural touches to the space to make it more relaxed and inviting. Picture: Kate Holmes


“Each of the main furniture pieces is large in scale making everything feel luxurious but the use of natural materials like linen, cotton and rattan makes it feel relaxed,” says Catherine.

“This makes the communal areas feel so welcoming and warm, the perfect place for entertaining.”

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