How to Create a Hamptons Style Outdoor Area

Hamptons has become a common style in outdoor design because it handles the Australian climate and lifestyle so well. It comes from the wealthy summer houses along Long Island’s eastern coastline. These homes turned relaxed coastal living into something more refined, mixing beach life with classic design. What results is a place people love spending time in — casual enough for daily life but stylish enough for guests. 

Designing your Hamptons outdoor area

Creating a Hamptons outdoor area means getting the hallmarks right. Here, we break down the key features to make your Hamptons-inspired renovation more manageable.

1. Colours

Hamptons colours should feel fresh but not stark or clinical. Your base colours should be whites, soft greys and neutrals that create a perfect backdrop for everything else. That means light-coloured tiles, exterior walls and other permanent features. 

You have a little more flexibility with accent colours — we love deeper greys and blues and darker beiges to help soften all the white. 

2. Tiles

The right tiles can make a huge difference to your Hamptons outdoor space — they set up your colour palette and create flow between different spaces. Here are a few options for your Hamptons outdoor entertaining area:

• Stone: Stone has always been a key part of Hamptons style. Stone-look tiles give you the classic Hamptons feel around your pool, on paths and in entertaining areas. Here are a few options from our range:

• Annangrove French Pattern External Travertine Look Tile

• Kirribilli Travertine Look Beige Matte Tile

• Ballina White Limestone Look Tile

• Pattern: Subtle patterns add interest to Hamptons spaces and work well as feature areas in alfresco spaces or to break up large tiled areas. Look for soft geometric patterns in greys that complement the coastal feel. Here’s what we recommend from our range:

• Avoca Grey Encaustic Look Tile

• Austinmer Grey Encaustic Look Tile

• Terrazzo: White terrazzo brings texture to Hamptons spaces without overwhelming. The speckled finish also helps hide dirt and scuffs. Here are our favourite white terrazzo tiles:

• Redfern External Terrazzo Look White

• Paddington White Terrazzo Look Tile

You're already on the right track for Hamptons style if you have a pool. It's the perfect starting point for creating a relaxed, coastal vibe in your backyard.

Keep the landscaping simple and modern. Use light-coloured tiles around the pool that complement your house exterior. Clean lines work better than fussy details or elaborate shapes. For plants, stick to a simple colour palette of greens, white and soft pastels for that coastal luxe look.

6. Dining

Your Hamptons outdoor entertainment area needs proper shelter from sun and rain — a pergola works better than an umbrella or shade sail in our climate. An outdoor kitchen is classic Hamptons, and you can put your dining furniture nearby so entertaining is easy. 

Built-in seating along walls is a better option for compact spaces. Put a small round table in the middle and include power points and good lighting so the space is functional. 

7. Textiles

Textiles might not be top of mind when you're designing an outdoor area, but they play a big role in nailing the Hamptons vibe. Natural fibres like linen and cotton are perfect because they suit our breezy summers and have a laid-back feel.

For more permanent outdoor fixtures, you'll need fabrics that can handle the Aussie climate. Look for materials that resist sun fading and are easy to clean.

Colour and pattern is where you can have a bit of fun. Navy and white stripes are a Hamptons classic if you want to lean into the coastal look. For a more subtle approach, try textiles in neutrals like white and sand.

8. Furniture

Like textiles, outdoor furniture needs to be practical and long-lasting. Timber is a classic choice, but make sure it’s made for the outdoors. Wicker is also a popular pick because it holds up well in the sun and rain — plus, it fits right in with the Hamptons coastal vibe.

Choose a dining setting that fits your usual crew with a few extra seats for guests. Sunbeds and deep sofas are great for relaxing, and an ottoman can be used to stash the cushions when they're not in use.

Remember — quality furniture might cost more out of the gate, but it’ll save you money in the long run. 

Bringing together your Hamptons alfresco area

Your Hamptons outdoor area should work for your lifestyle first. Focus on the spaces you use most often and make them really functional. 

If you need a hand choosing tiles for your Hamptons outdoor space, we can help. Our Hamptons tile range has options specifically for you! We've even put together a Hamptons-style sample pack so you can test out some favourites at home.