Hamptons-Style Bathrooms: What Makes Them Unique?

Channing • February 17, 2025

Creating A Hamptons Style Bathroom In Australia

I’ve always been drawn to Hamptons-style bathrooms. They’re becoming a hit in Australia, and it’s clear why. Imagine a room that’s bright, airy, and full of coastal charm. That’s what a Hamptons style bathroom is all about.

So, what makes these bathrooms special? It’s the little things. You’ll see lots of crisp whites, soft blues, and soothing greys. These colours create a calm atmosphere. Marble surfaces add luxury, while subway tiles and shiplap bring warmth and character.

At the heart of many Hamptons style bathrooms is a stunning clawfoot tub. It’s not just about looks, though. These spaces are designed for comfort and function. You’ll find clever storage and high-quality fixtures.

Exploring more Hamptons-inspired homes, I see how they mix luxury with a relaxed coastal feel. It’s no surprise this style is becoming popular in Australia. People are looking for elegance in their daily lives.

A beautiful Hamptons styled bathroom in neutral colours and quality materials
A beautiful Hamptons styled bathroom in neutral colours and quality materials

The Essence of Hamptons Bathroom Design

The Hamptons style bathroom has won over Australians, fitting perfectly with our coastal way of life. It comes from the luxurious spots of New York’s Long Island. Now, it’s a big hit in our sunny country and can be achieved within a moderate budget.

Origins and Australian Adaptation

The Hamptons style started in the mid-to-late 19th century. It was when train tracks turned isolated farming areas into vacation spots and the New York glitterati started buying up ocean front land. Building in the area became based around readily available materials which of course was primarily timber. In Australia, we’ve made it our own, mixing elegance with beach vibes. I always feel that Hamptons inspired homes in Australia have a little bit of the old Queenslander in them, which always resonates with me as it is my home!

Defining Characteristics

A Hamptons bathroom is all about lightness and classic looks. It’s known for:

  • White cabinetry with Shaker-style profiles
  • Marble or quartz stone benchtops
  • Freestanding tapware
  • Soft, neutral colour palettes
  • Natural materials like timber and stone

The Australian Coastal Connection

Our love for coastal bathrooms is clear, given Australia’s long coastline. The Hamptons style matches our beach lifestyle, making our homes feel like resorts. It’s more than looks; it’s about embracing coastal living.

The Hamptons style is perfect for our climate. It loves natural light, open spaces, and strong materials. It feels right at home in Australia, from Sydney’s beaches to the Gold Coast.

Colour Palette and Materials Selection

Hamptons bathroom colours create a fresh, elegant look. The palette includes crisp whites, soft blues, and soothing greys. This mix gives a light, airy feel, perfect for the Hamptons style.

White as the Foundation

White is key in Hamptons bathroom design. It’s used for walls, cabinets, and fixtures. White subway tiles are popular for backsplashes and showers, adding a clean, timeless vibe.

Accent colours and Nautical Influences

To add colour, Hamptons bathrooms use nautical-inspired accents. Blues, from soft pastels to deep navy, are favored. These colours come through in accessories like plush towels or patterned tiles.

However, you can create a Hamptons style bathroom with almost any colour palate as long as its soft and lets the materials do the talking. If you try to add olive green to a Hamptons style room, the colour will take away from the cool tile and flooring and could destroy your theme. Keep to the pastel range of colours and you should be fine.

A very successful Hamptons designed bathroom with a mint green as the feature colour.
A very successful Hamptons designed bathroom with a mint green as the feature colour.

Marble and Natural Stone

Marble is a must in Hamptons bathroom design. Carrara marble, with its grey veining, is a top pick for countertops, flooring, and basins. It brings luxury and complements the colour scheme.

For alternatives, light-coloured natural stones or porcelain tiles that look like stone work well. These materials add sophistication and a relaxed feel to the bathroom. Marble is an expensive medium that’s for sure so consider quartz or other manufactured materials that mimic the look. Marble is also known for being not super resilient with regard to staining, so you will have to finish your marble very well to be sure that dropping your pot of hair dye doesn’t cost you thousands!

“The right balance of hamptons bathroom colours can transform your space into a coastal oasis.”

Element Popular colour Choices Material Options
Walls White, Light Grey Paint, Shiplap, Tiles
Flooring White, Grey, Beige Marble, Porcelain Tiles
Vanity White, Light Wood Painted Wood, Natural Wood
Accents Navy, Light Blue, Grey Tiles, Textiles, Accessories

Some alternatives to marble in Australia:

  • Smartstone Calacatta Bianco – Very similar look with the veining Carrara Marble is known for
  • Victoria Stone Gallery as a great range of Dolomite that is more sturdy than Marble however not quite good as Granite.
  • Mamo Living offers Sintered Stone which is very durable porcelain and the Wind Drifts colour is very marble like in appearance.

Hamptons-Style Bathrooms: Key Features

Hamptons style bathrooms aim to be both luxurious and light-filled. They offer a mix of elegance and relaxation. Renovating an Australian bathroom can cost around $22,000. But, a Hamptons-inspired design is usually worth the investment. Of course don’t spend a massive amount on a bathroom in a budget home, but there are ways you can create this look without breaking the bank.

White marble is key in this style. Carrara, Bianca, and Calacatta are top picks for surfaces and tiles. For example, a Gold Coast home has Carrara marble around a Reece Roca undermount bath. Another home boasts stunning hexagonal Carrara floor tiles.

Shaker-style cabinetry is essential for the timeless Hamptons look. It pairs well with high-quality tapware from brands like Phoenix Nostalgia or Kado Era. Symmetry is also important, like matching wall lamps on either side of a decorative framed mirror.

A freestanding bathtub is often the centerpiece of a Hamptons bathroom. Claw-foot or slipper tubs fit perfectly. To finish the look, add plush accessories and fresh flowers. Orchids, which love humidity, are a great choice.

Creating a light, airy space is what a Hamptons bathroom is all about. Use a neutral colour palette with a touch of blue. This will help you achieve that coastal chic look.

Luxury Fixtures and Fittings

The hamptons style bathroom is all about luxury and a coastal vibe. Choosing the right fixtures and fittings is key. Let’s look at what makes a Hamptons bathroom special.

Traditional Tapware Selections

In a hamptons style bathroom, tapware is more than functional. It’s a statement piece. Finishes like brushed brass, copper, gunmetal, and nickel are favorites. Wall-mounted spouts and elegant mixers add sophistication.

Quality is important. Good taps look great and last long, completing the classic Hamptons look.

Statement Lighting Options

Lighting is crucial for the right ambiance. Elegant wall sconces or chandeliers can be focal points. Match your light fixtures to your tapware for a cohesive look.

Chrome lights with chrome taps, for example, create harmony. The goal is to balance function and style.

Freestanding Bathtubs

A freestanding bathtub is a key feature of hamptons style bathrooms. Clawfoot tubs add vintage charm and elegance. White tubs are common, reflecting light and making spaces feel larger.

Choose a tub that looks good and fits your space well.

Feature Popular Choices Benefits
Tapware Finishes Brushed brass, copper, gunmetal, nickel Adds sophistication and warmth
Lighting Fixtures Wall sconces, chandeliers Creates ambiance, serves as focal point
Bathtub Styles Freestanding, clawfoot Adds vintage charm, enhances spaciousness
A budget Hamptons styled bathroom with a modern free standing tub.
A Hamptons bathroom can still be modern like this budget conscious bathroom with a modern free standing tub. Grey tiles, timber walls and ocean coloured soft furnishings help to create the Hamptons style.

Cabinetry and Storage Solutions

Storage is key in creating a functional hamptons style bathroom. Let’s explore the cabinetry options that define this elegant aesthetic and keep your space organized.

Shaker-Style Vanities

Shaker-style cabinetry is a cornerstone of hamptons style bathrooms, with 60% of renovations featuring this classic design. These vanities boast clean lines and simple panel doors, often painted in crisp white. For added charm, consider decorative shell cabinet knobs – a nod to coastal living.

Custom Storage Solutions

Clever storage keeps your hamptons style bathroom clutter-free. Floating vanities are popular in smaller spaces, used in 40% of compact bathrooms to create an airy feel. Built-in shower niches eliminate the need for extra hardware, maintaining sleek lines. For larger rooms, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry maximizes storage while enhancing the sense of grandeur typical in Hamptons homes.

Hardware Selection Guidelines

When choosing hardware for your hamptons style bathroom, opt for timeless finishes. Chrome or brushed nickel are favored by 55% of homeowners for their classic appeal. These finishes complement the light, airy palette common in Hamptons design. Remember, small details like a beveled-edge mirror can elevate the overall refinement of your space.

Feature Popularity Benefits
Shaker-style cabinetry 60% of renovations Classic look, versatile design
Floating vanities 40% of small bathrooms Creates illusion of space
Chrome/brushed nickel hardware 55% of homeowners Timeless finish, complements light palettes

Wall Treatments and Tiling

Wall treatments and tiling are key in choosing hamptons bathroom colours. The right choices can turn your space into a luxurious coastal retreat. Let’s explore some popular options that bring the essence of Hamptons style.

Marble and Designer Tiles

Carrara marble is a top choice for Hamptons-style bathrooms. It’s beautiful and durable, perfect for an elegant look. Large-format tiles are also popular, as they reduce grout lines and make cleaning easy. Consider the Beaumont Tiles Bora Marble Grey Polished tiles for a modern look.

Wall Paneling Options

Wall paneling adds texture and interest. Wide V-groove cabinetry, like the Laminex FormWrap Country V profile, is a modern favorite. For a classic feel, try wainscoting or shiplap for that coastal charm. Keep the paneling about 1 meter high and paint the rest white for a fresh look.

Wallpaper Selections

Wallpaper can add personality to your Hamptons bathroom. Choose soft blues, pale greys, or sage to keep the coastal vibe. For a unique touch, try slim finger mosaics like the Beaumont Tiles Mini Stack White Edge Mosaic Gloss tiles. They create a stylish, layered effect.

Element Popular Choices Key Features
Tiles Carrara Marble, Bora Marble Grey Polished Timeless, durable, large-format
Wall Paneling V-groove, Wainscoting, Shiplap Adds texture, coastal charm
Wallpaper Soft blues, pale greys, sage Brings personality, maintains coastal vibe

Decorative Elements and Accessories

Creating a coastal theme bathroom in the Hamptons style is all about the right touches. I love adding plush towels and bathrobes for luxury. These high-quality linens look great and feel amazing.

To make your bathroom feel like a spa, use scented candles or diffusers. The soft fragrances turn your space into a relaxing oasis. Fresh flowers, like orchids or roses, are also essential for a Hamptons look.

Nautical accents are key to bringing the coastal vibe to your bathroom. Seashells and driftwood add a beachy feel. But remember, keep accessories simple to avoid clutter.

Decorative Element Purpose Examples
Linens Luxury and comfort Plush towels, bathrobes
Fragrances Spa-like atmosphere Scented candles, diffusers
Fresh Flowers Natural beauty Orchids, hydrangeas, roses
Nautical Accents Coastal theme Seashells, driftwood

Choosing the right decorative elements can make your coastal theme bathroom stunning. The goal is to find elegance in simplicity.

Hamptons inspired bathroom with timber walls and shaker style cabinets
Hamptons inspired bathroom with timber walls and shaker style cabinets

Creating the Perfect Layout

Designing a hamptons style bathroom needs careful planning. The layout is key to capturing the coastal elegance of this Australian interior style. Let’s explore the main principles for a stunning hamptons bathroom.

Space Planning Principles

When planning your Hamptons style bathroom, aim for an open, airy feel. Place a white clawfoot tub as the centrepiece for vintage charm. Arrange other fixtures around it for balance. If you are including the toilet in your bathroom, ensure it has some level of privacy with maybe a nib wall or its own alcove.

Ensure that the space around the tub is enough that you can get in and out easily without any restrictions and of course a sink with enough counter space is essential not just for this style, but for a usable design.

Choose a floating vanity with shaker-style cabinets to make the space feel larger. This is crucial in smaller bathrooms and opt for glass shower screens to do the same. If you do have room for a full size bath, ensure it is at the rear of the room to draw your eye through the space which always makes everything feel bigger. Leaving the wall behind the bath fairly clear will also make the room feel larger.

Natural Light Optimization

Use natural light to brighten your hamptons bathroom. Large windows or skylights are ideal. If privacy is needed, use frosted glass or light, sheer curtains.

Place mirrors to reflect light and make the space seem bigger. This fits well with the light, neutral colours of hamptons style bathrooms.

Symmetry and Balance

For visual harmony, focus on symmetry and balance. Use dual vanities with matching mirrors and light fixtures. Large, glossy tiles add luxury and make the space appear larger.

Add black elements in cabinet handles, tapware, or window treatments. This contrasts with the white and grey colours, adding depth.

Element Design Tip Impact
Bathtub White freestanding tub Creates focal point and enhances spaciousness
Vanity Floating with shaker-style cabinets Adds storage while maintaining open feel
Tiles Large, glossy tiles Enhances luxurious atmosphere
Accents Black elements in hardware Provides contrast and depth

Lighting Considerations for Hamptons Bathrooms

Lighting is key in creating the perfect hamptons style bathroom. It’s not just about seeing well; it’s about setting the mood and enhancing the design. A well-lit bathroom can turn daily routines into luxurious moments.

I suggest a layered lighting approach. Start with ambient lighting for a basic brightness. Task lighting is crucial for grooming areas like the vanity. Accent lighting highlights architectural features or artwork, adding depth.

Wall sconces are a must in hamptons style bathrooms. They provide even lighting and eliminate shadows when placed on either side of the mirror. For elegance, consider pendant lights over a freestanding tub. But remember, lights over water need to be wet-rated.

Natural light is a big plus in hamptons style bathrooms. Large windows or skylights bring in sunlight, giving an airy, coastal feel. If you need privacy, use frosted glass or sheer curtains to diffuse light while keeping things private.

Here’s a quick guide to lighting fixtures for your hamptons style bathroom:

  • Vanity area: Wall sconces or pendant lights
  • Shower: Recessed lighting with a high IP rating
  • Bathtub: Statement chandelier or pendant light
  • General lighting: Ceiling-mounted fixtures or recessed lights

The right lighting makes your Hamptons style bathroom feel luxurious. Take your time to plan your lighting scheme. You’ll get a beautiful, functional space you’ll love every day.

Soft Furnishings In You Hamptons Bathroom

Unless you live in the north west of WA, humidity can be a challenge in Australia. Even in Victoria or Tasmania, the rain can cause just as much of a challenge humidity wise as those living in Cairns. Soft furnishings are a key component to Hamptons style homes, particularly floor length curtains. If you do want to add curtains to your bathroom you need to ensure you have great ventilation and extraction or you will be washing those bad boys every other month.

A great idea I’ve seen is frosted windows to keep the light and super light mesh curtains which can still give the look you are after but that won’t hold moisture.

A beautiful Hamptons styled bathroom with a claw foot bath.
This beautiful bathroom has a small chandelier which enforces the Hamptons style.

Maintaining and Updating Your Hamptons Bathroom

Choosing a Hamptons-style bathroom is a wise decision for homeowners in Australia. With the average renovation costs in Australia skyrocketing it’s important to make a space that lasts. Focus on classic colours and materials for longevity.

White and grey are the top colours, making your bathroom modern and welcoming. Large, high-gloss floor tiles add luxury. Marble wall tiles in a herringbone pattern bring elegance. Keep these elements in top shape to maintain your bathroom’s look.

Cleaning marble and chrome regularly is key . For a quick update, change accessories or repaint cabinets. Adding plush towels and bathrobes can make your bathroom feel like a 5-star spa. If you want to try to stay more on budget, consider laying white subway tiles but in a Herringbone pattern.

You can even introduce colour with only soft furnishings. Adding mint coloured towels and bathmats will change the look as will adding white towels if you have grey floors for example.

For minor updates, try these stylish yet timeless ideas:

  • Matt black tapware for a chic, modern look
  • Decorative framed mirrors to keep the classic Hamptons vibe
  • Wall lamps with fabric shades for style and symmetry

The lasting charm of a Hamptons bathroom comes from quality materials and timeless design. By focusing on these, your bathroom will remain luxurious and functional for many years.

Conclusion

As we finish our look at Hamptons-style bathrooms, it’s clear why they’re loved by many Aussies. This design fits our laid-back lifestyle and love for the beach perfectly. The use of crisp white subway tiles and a soothing neutral palette creates a peaceful oasis.

I’ve grown to love how Hamptons bathrooms mix luxury with comfort. Features like freestanding bathtubs, rainfall showerheads, and heated floors make it feel like a spa. Plus, the clever storage and shaker-style cabinetry keep things tidy and stylish.

What makes these bathrooms stand out is their timeless beauty. They combine traditional elements with modern touches, ensuring your bathroom stays stylish for years. Whether in a beachside bungalow or a suburban home, adding Hamptons-inspired elements can turn your space into a coastal retreat.

So, why not add a bit of Hamptons charm to your bathroom? This style focuses on natural light, quality materials, and a calm atmosphere. It’s more than just good looks; it’s a choice for relaxation and elegance. Trust me, once you experience Hamptons bathroom bliss, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Hamptons styled bathroom that uses bold colours.
Hamptons styled bathroom that uses a bold blue on the cabinets for a great result.

FAQ

What defines a Hamptons-style bathroom?

A Hamptons-style bathroom is bright and airy. It has luxurious touches and a coastal vibe. You’ll see a white colour scheme, marble, and traditional fixtures. Elegant lighting adds to the refined look.

Why are Hamptons-style bathrooms popular in Australia?

Hamptons-style bathrooms fit well with Australia’s coastal lifestyle. They mix luxury with a relaxed beach vibe. This makes them perfect for homes, even in coastal areas.

What colours should I use in a Hamptons-style bathroom?

Start with white for a clean look. Use blue accents for a nautical feel. Marble adds a natural touch. The colours should feel light and seaside-like.

What types of fixtures are typical in a Hamptons bathroom?

Hamptons bathrooms have traditional taps and elegant lighting. You’ll find freestanding tubs and Shaker-style vanities. Marble countertops and subway tiles add to the luxury.

How can I incorporate storage in a Hamptons-style bathroom?

Use Shaker-style vanities for lots of storage. Add custom cabinetry and open shelving. Woven baskets help keep things tidy. Choose hardware that fits the style, like brushed nickel.

What wall treatments work well in a Hamptons bathroom?

Marble tiles and mosaic patterns are great for Hamptons bathrooms. Wainscoting or shiplap adds texture. Wallpaper can add personality. Choose treatments that enhance the space’s light and interest.

How important is lighting in a Hamptons-style bathroom?

Lighting is key in a Hamptons bathroom. Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Natural light is best. Choose fixtures that match the Hamptons style, like wall sconces and pendant lights.

How can I maintain the timeless appeal of my Hamptons bathroom?

Keep your Hamptons bathroom clean and well-maintained. Update accessories or repaint cabinetry to refresh it. With care, your bathroom will stay stylish for years.

Are Hamptons-style bathrooms suitable for small spaces?

Yes, Hamptons bathrooms work in small spaces. Use light colours and reflective surfaces to make it feel bigger. Clever storage and a good layout are essential. Even in small areas, you can create a luxurious feel.

What types of accessories complement a Hamptons-style bathroom?

Choose plush towels and scented candles for a Hamptons bathroom. Add fresh flowers or plants. Decorative items like woven baskets and coastal artwork enhance the look. Pick accessories that add to the luxury without cluttering.

Channing: The owner and driving force behind Platypus And Pine

About The Author


I'm Channing and I am the driving force behind Platypus and Pine. I've had over 30 years of experience in designing, renovating and customising Australian homes.


I've used everything from aluminium to velvet as decor choices and love a wide variety of styles and themes.


My absolute favourite is Mid Century Modern and I was fortunate enough to spend 2 weeks in Palm Springs for Modernism week just last year.