Hamptons Colour Schemes
When you think of coastal elegance, the Hamptons style instantly comes to mind. With its crisp whites, soft blues, and relaxed, breezy charm, it’s a look that feels right at home here in Australia, especially along our sunny east coast. But while it might seem effortless, the Hamptons look is really about getting the balance right, and that starts with the right colour palette. Let’s take a closer look at how to get this timeless look with colours that work beautifully in Australian homes.
What Are the Most Popular Hamptons Colour Schemes?
The right colour palette does most of the heavy lifting when you're creating a Hamptons look, and whether you're after soft, coastal elegance or something a little more contemporary with subtle depth, Dulux has a range of beautifully curated colours to suit.
Classic Elegance with a Modern Edge
If you’re into the classic Hamptons look but want something a bit more modern, this colour combo is perfect. Dulux 'Lexicon® Half' brings a cool, fresh vibe without feeling too stark, while 'Snow Season' adds a softer, more relaxed tone. For depth, 'Timeless Grey' is a go-to for feature walls or cabinetry, and if you want a hint of coastal moodiness, 'Western Myall' is a beautiful muted blue-grey that adds just the right touch. It’s a stylish, balanced palette that feels clean and contemporary.
A Coastal Colour Palette
Love that breezy, by-the-beach feel? Dulux 'Casper White Quarter' brings a soft, summery glow to your walls, while 'Vivid White' trims add a crisp, clean edge. Add a touch of calm with 'Pre School', a gentle blue-green, or go a little deeper with 'Enterprise', a steely blue that’s perfect for feature walls or cabinetry. It’s coastal, calm, and classically Hamptons.
Choosing the Right Style for Your Home
The Hamptons look can be tailored to suit just about any home, from beach houses to more traditional Queenslanders. The trick is finding a palette that works with your space. and this is what you need to know.
Start with White
White forms the foundation of the Hamptons style, as it’s fresh, clean, and the perfect blank canvas for layering up other tones. But choosing the right white is really important, and it’s not as simple as you might think.
In sun-filled homes like those across Queensland, cool whites like Dulux 'Lexicon® Half' or 'Vivid White' can help reflect light and keep everything feeling airy and modern. On the other hand, warmer whites, like 'Natural White', offer a softer, more traditional look and work beautifully in heritage-style homes or anywhere you want a more relaxed, lived-in look.
A good rule of thumb is to test a few swatches on the wall and watch how they change throughout the day. What looks crisp in the morning light can sometimes read as cold or flat by sunset.
Soft Neutrals
Hamptons homes have a calm, layered feel, and soft neutrals are the key to achieving it. These tones don’t just fill space. They add warmth, texture and depth, and soft greys like 'Timeless Grey' or muted taupes can be used in bedrooms or living areas to create a cocooning effect, while warm whites and gentle putty tones work well in hallways and entryways.
These colours also allow natural textures like timber floors, rattan chairs or linen upholstery to really stand out. And in bathrooms and kitchens, soft neutrals are a fantastic base for shaker cabinetry, marble benchtops or brushed nickel fixtures, keeping everything feeling elegant and never overdone.
Coastal Blues
Blue is the colour of the Hamptons, and it’s easy to see why. It echoes the ocean, the sky, and the gentle rhythm of coastal life, and lighter shades, like 'Duck Egg Blue' or 'Pre School', bring a tranquil, restful feel to bedrooms and bathrooms. You can also use richer tones like 'Enterprise' to create more contrast in home offices, feature walls or even painted furniture.
Now, while blue and white together is a classic combination, don’t be afraid to mix in natural tones and textures to keep it feeling fresh and grounded. Woven baskets, driftwood-style décor, and pale oak accents will help balance out the coolness of the palette.
The Role of Trims Panelling and Contrast
Hamptons design is all about detail, and trims play a bigger role than you might think. White trims in a semi-gloss finish like 'Vivid White' help frame your walls and create contrast, especially when paired with neutral or pastel colours.
Panelling also adds an extra layer of sophistication, and VJ panelling or wainscoting painted in crisp white adds both texture and style. It’s a classic detail that works in hallways, bathrooms, and even as a statement in the master bedroom.
You can also use trims to highlight architectural features like coffered ceilings, fireplace mantels, or window frames. All of these are small touches that go a long way in bringing that layered, high-end Hamptons feel to life.
Layering Texture & Lighting
A great Hamptons colour scheme is only half the story, and how you finish and furnish your home brings it all together. Start by layering natural materials like jute rugs, linen curtains, timber furniture and woven accents to keep the space feeling warm and lived-in.
Lighting is also important, and you should avoid harsh fluorescents at all costs and and opt for warm, ambient lighting instead. Pendant lights over the kitchen bench, wall sconces in hallways, and statement chandeliers in entryways all help set the mood and make the most of your colour scheme.
Give Your Home a New Look with DC Decorators
If you're feeling inspired to bring the Hamptons look into your own home, DC Decorators is here to help. Not only do we have decades of experience decorating homes in the Hamptons style, but we work closely with you to make sure the end result is everything you want. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation quote, and let’s create something beautiful together.
