At first glance, Hamptons style and Nantucket style appear remarkably similar. Both celebrate coastal living, timeless design and an effortless sense of relaxation. Both favour natural textures, soft colour palettes and homes that feel welcoming rather than formal.
Yet while they share common roots, the two styles have distinct personalities.
Hamptons style leans polished, refined and sophisticated. Nantucket style feels slightly more relaxed, weathered and connected to traditional East Coast island life.
Understanding the subtle differences can help you create a home that feels authentic to the aesthetic you love most ~ or blend elements of both for a look that feels uniquely your own.
What is Hamptons Style?
Hamptons style takes inspiration from the elegant coastal homes found throughout Long Island's Hamptons region in New York.
Known for its timeless sophistication, Hamptons interiors combine coastal influences with classic American architecture and refined detailing.
Key characteristics include:
Crisp white interiors
Blue and neutral colour palettes
Generous proportions
Tailored upholstery
Statement lighting
Classic timber furniture
Layered textures
Elegant coastal styling
Hamptons homes often feel polished, light-filled and effortlessly luxurious without appearing overly formal.
For a deeper dive, read:
How to Style a Hamptons Living Room →
What is Nantucket Style?
Nantucket style originates from the historic island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, where cedar-shingled cottages, harbours and maritime traditions have shaped the local architecture and interiors for generations.
While sharing many similarities with Hamptons style, Nantucket interiors tend to feel more relaxed and collected over time.
Key characteristics include:
Weathered timber finishes
Nautical influences
Woven textures
Blue and white accents
Traditional East Coast charm
Casual elegance
Historic coastal character
Nantucket style embraces imperfection in a way that feels warm, welcoming and lived-in.
For more inspiration, read:
Nantucket Style: How to Create Relaxed East Coast Elegance at Home →
The Colour Palette
Hamptons Style
The Hamptons palette is built around:
Crisp white
Soft grey
Sand tones
French blue
Navy accents
Natural timber
The overall feeling is fresh, bright and refined.
Nantucket Style
Nantucket palettes often introduce slightly richer coastal tones:
Weathered blue
Navy
Sea-glass green
Soft greys
Driftwood tones
Creamy whites
The result feels softer and more connected to the coastal landscape.
Furniture & Materials
Hamptons Furniture
Hamptons interiors favour classic furniture silhouettes with tailored finishes.
Think:
Slipcovered sofas
Upholstered armchairs
Painted timber furniture
Brass accents
Elegant coffee tables
Refined cabinetry
For inspiration, explore:
The Best Sofas for a Hamptons Living Room →
and
Choosing Armchairs for a Hamptons Living Room →
Nantucket Furniture
Nantucket interiors lean more heavily into natural materials and weathered finishes.
Think:
Rattan chairs
Cane furniture
Woven baskets
Vintage-inspired pieces
Weathered timber
Nautical accents
Furniture often feels collected rather than perfectly matched.
Pattern & Textile Differences
One of the easiest ways to distinguish the two styles is through pattern.
Hamptons Style Patterns
Hamptons interiors typically use:
Stripes
Geometrics
Checks
Botanical prints
Blue and white motifs
Patterns are usually layered carefully and feel refined.
Read:
How to Mix Patterns in a Hamptons Living Room →
Nantucket Style Patterns
Nantucket interiors often incorporate:
Sailboat motifs
Coastal illustrations
Maritime references
Classic ticking stripes
Vintage-inspired textiles
The styling feels more relaxed and nostalgic.
Rugs & Flooring
Both styles rely heavily on natural textures, but they often use them differently.
Hamptons Rugs
Hamptons interiors commonly feature:
Wool rugs
Textured neutral rugs
Soft patterned rugs
Layered coastal tones
Read: Best Rugs for a Hamptons Living Room →
Nantucket Rugs
Nantucket interiors frequently incorporate:
Jute rugs
Sisal rugs
Flatweave rugs
Weathered textures
The emphasis is on natural materials and relaxed durability.
You may also enjoy:
Jute Rugs vs Wool Rugs: What Works Best for a Hamptons Home? →
Coastal Styling Details
Hamptons Style
Decor tends to feel curated and elegant:
Blue and white ceramics
Coastal artwork
Table lamps
Decorative books
Fresh flowers
Statement accessories
   
      
    
 Brentwood Photo Frame     Hydrangea in Trough        Porthole Mirror
Nantucket Style
Decor often includes subtle nautical references:
Oars
Sailboats
Rope details
Whale motifs
Harbour artwork
Maritime-inspired accents
The key difference is restraint. Both styles work best when coastal references feel subtle rather than themed.
   
     
     
   Nautical Whale Cushion     Bird Navy/White Set/3    Cape Code Whale Tail                      Â
Which Style Suits Your Home?
Choose Hamptons style if you love:
Crisp, polished interiors
Timeless elegance
Tailored furniture
Refined coastal living
Sophisticated blue and white styling
Choose Nantucket style if you love:
Relaxed coastal charm
Natural textures
Historic East Coast character
Nautical influences
Can You Combine Hamptons and Nantucket Style?
Absolutely! In fact, many of the most beautiful coastal homes blend both aesthetics.
A Hamptons-style foundation paired with Nantucket-inspired texture often creates the perfect balance.
Consider combining:
White slipcovered sofas
Natural fibre rugs
Blue and white ceramics
Woven lighting
Rattan furniture
Coastal artwork
Layered cushions
The result feels sophisticated yet relaxed ~ polished without feeling precious.
The Best of Both Worlds
Hamptons style and Nantucket style share the same coastal DNA, but each brings its own personality to a home.
Hamptons interiors feel refined, elegant and timeless. Nantucket interiors feel relaxed, collected and rich with East Coast charm.
Neither is better than the other.
The most successful coastal homes borrow elements from both ~ creating spaces that feel beautiful, comfortable and deeply connected to coastal living.
At Hamptons Style, we believe the best interiors are those that feel effortless and personal. Whether you lean towards polished Hamptons elegance or relaxed Nantucket charm, both styles celebrate the timeless beauty of coastal living.
FAQ: Hamptons Style vs Nantucket Style
Is Nantucket style the same as Hamptons style?
No. While both are coastal decorating styles inspired by the American East Coast, Hamptons style tends to feel more polished and refined, while Nantucket style is often more relaxed and nautical in character.
What colours are used in Nantucket interiors?
Nantucket homes commonly feature whites, soft greys, navy blues, sea-glass greens and weathered driftwood tones inspired by the coastal landscape.
What furniture suits Hamptons style?
Slipcovered sofas, upholstered armchairs, painted timber furniture and classic coastal pieces work beautifully in Hamptons interiors.
Can you mix Hamptons and Nantucket decorating styles?
Yes. Many coastal homes successfully combine the elegance of Hamptons style with the warmth and texture of Nantucket style.
Which style is more relaxed?
Nantucket style generally feels more casual and collected, while Hamptons style tends to feel more structured and refined.