I've spent a good amount of time playing around with the Nantucket/Hamptons style in my design projects, and let me tell ya, it's all about creating that relaxed, yet sophisticated vibe. One of my favorite color combos that screams East Coast is navy blue paired with white. It’s classic, and it looks stunning in areas where you want a calm yet impactful visual, like the living room or bedrooms. Add some soft sand tones, and you’ve got yourself a palette that feels like you're right by the seashore. This style's making a comeback because, now more than ever, folks are yearning for spaces that feel both comfortable and elegant; a retreat from everyday stress. To nail this aesthetic in home decor, start by experimenting with textured materials like linen or rattan to add depth. Keep it light and airy with plenty of white space – think white painted walls or large floor tiles. As for adding coastal chic outdoors for celebrations like the Fourth of July, think beyond the typical banners. Use elegant striped outdoor cushions, incorporate seashells into table settings, and maybe drape some soft blue throws over your outdoor furniture to keep things cozy and inviting once the sun goes down. Always remember, simplicity paired with a touch of elegance never fails in this style!
Q1: Favorite East Coast/Hamptons-inspired color combos? Soft white with deep navy, or cool gray with sand tones, always stand out. These work best in light-filled bathrooms, kitchens, or coastal-style living areas. Q2: Why is this style making a comeback? People are craving calm, timeless spaces. The Hamptons look blends luxury with relaxation, offering visual clarity in a busy world. Q3: Top 3 tips for incorporating this style? Start with a clean white base. Add texture with wood, linen, or woven accents. Use brushed metal fixtures to keep it feeling polished but unfussy. At EMPAVA, we see strong demand for minimal, elegant fixtures that pair well with these tones. Q4: Outdoor styling for the Fourth of July? Stick to neutral tableware with hints of navy or soft red. Add natural elements like rattan or driftwood. Keep it simple—layered and light always feels elevated in outdoor settings. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-w-8b9011155/
Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, Purveyor of Beautiful Things at Rachel Blindauer Interior Design
Answered 10 months ago
There's a reason the Nantucket-Hamptons aesthetic never truly goes out of style. It's not just about the clapboard houses or the blue-and-white palette—it's about what it feels like to be there. Calm. Breezy. Effortless. Rooted. What Are My Favorite Iconic East Coast Color Combinations? 1. Bone white + driftwood gray + marine navy This palette belongs in sun-drenched living rooms and waterfront-facing bedrooms. It mirrors the coastal landscape without mimicking it—soft, worn, elemental. 2. Sea glass green + bleached sand + stormy blue Perfect for bathrooms and guest quarters. It's tranquil without being saccharine—more Atlantic than Caribbean. 3. Crisp white + Nantucket Red + weathered brass Unexpected, but deeply rooted in New England tradition. I love it in foyers, libraries, or as an accent in coastal-modern kitchens. (See my notes on green's complementary colors here). Why This Style Is Making a Comeback In an overstimulated world, people are longing for places that feel like pause. The Hamptons and Nantucket styles offer visual rest: wood work, natural materials, legacy colors, and just enough imperfection to feel human. "We don't need more trends. We need more truth. That's what this style brings." Top Three Tips for Bringing This Look Into the Home 1. Start with restraint, not pattern. A truly elevated coastal look begins with white and negative space. Let natural light be your loudest element, then layer in texture—rattan, linen, slipcovered upholstery—before adding accents. 2. Use color to cool, not decorate. Choose hues that soothe the room: sun-faded blues, taupes that border on blush, whites that feel like sand dusted across the floor. 3. Mix coastal with character. The best East Coast interiors don't feel staged. Add contrast—vintage anything/everything, a bentwood chair, a lamp that belonged to someone's grandmother. It's the history that makes it interesting. How to Decorate Outdoors for the Fourth of July—Without the Gimmicks Forget the plastic flags. The most elegant Fourth of July design is subtle and memory-soaked. Think bunting across a porch, an American flag quilt to watch the fireworks on, sparklers and white hydrangeas. In my blog The Art of 4th of July Decorating, I suggest starting with a traditional base—Northeastern colonial cues—and softening it with lived-in charm. A single oxblood stripe on a white tablecloth nods to heritage without overwhelming it. It's about the feeling more than the symbols.