There's something about a Hamptons-style outdoor space that just screams summer. And I think I've truly found my garden aesthetic in this luxuriously relaxed style.
Perhaps it's the crisp, coastal decor ideas, the preppy color palette, or the mix of natural finishes, but it just instantly transports me to long, lazy lunches by the pool or sundown spritzes. Think Nancy Meyers meets Martha Stewart, only slightly more relaxed and a lot more achievable. Can you think of any better feeling to conjure with your own garden decorating ideas?
The good news is, you don’t need a beach house in the Hamptons to pull off this look – just a few key pieces (and a good eye). I’ve spent hours browsing everything from high-end brands to budget-friendly retailers to curate the perfect edit of Hamptons-style outdoor decor and furniture, so you don't have to.
If you want to create an outdoor space straight out of Something's Gotta Give, there's a little more to the look than just throwing in an Adirondack chair and calling it a day. The key to styling a Hamptons-esque coastal garden is finding a balance between elegance and effortlessness.
'We always begin with a coastal color scheme inspired by the natural world – crisp whites layered with shades of sky and ocean blues, sea glass, and sand,' says Kirsty Williams, chief design officer at Serena & Lily. 'In our outdoor furniture collections, the driftwood finish mimics that found on the beach and blends beautifully with teak to feel authentically East Coast.'
As Kirsty describes, you want your space to feel styled but not staged – light, bright, and inviting, with natural materials and a layered approach to woven textures, preppy stripes, and breezy East Coast charm. That means investing in classic pieces like wicker pieces or whitewashed woods but also playing with texture, pattern, and pops of navy or soft seafoam green.
From scalloped umbrellas to rattan-wrapped accessories, create a space Martha Stewart would be proud of with everything you need for a cozy, coastal backyard. These are the stylish buys helping me master the Hamptons look.
Shop these 15 pieces to create the Hamptons look
Of course, the first one-stop shop to find everything you need (if you can afford the luxury price tag) is Serena & Lily. Top of my wish list is this striped chaise chair that provides the most stylish reading, lounging, and daydreaming spot.
If you're lacking outdoor wiring but looking to create an ambient statement, this solar-powered rattan pendant is such a great find. You can use the remote to switch it on/off or dim it with ease.
You'll certainly be wanting to plant plenty of real hydrangeas, but for those lacking in the green finger gene, might I suggest a few faux blooms for your outdoor dining table? I love this tall bunch from Afloral.
An Adirondack chair had to be on the list, and this solid acacia wood one is going to be a welcome addition to the patio or poolside. Its natural grain is washed in a deep, indigo navy for a wash of coastal color.
A retro patio umbrella is a must-have for the Hamptons look. This pagoda-style shade has a playful, scalloped edge with a hotel-style white and blue stripe design. Plus, it is made from powder-coated aluminium for durability.
Serve up al fresco drinks in style with this glass pitcher wrapped in a beautifully woven rattan that adds texture and natural charm to your tablescape. Perfect for those mid-afternoon cocktails.
Made with a rust-resistant iron frame and then wrapped in a hand-woven rattan, these stylish dining chairs arrive fully assembled, are easy to clean with washable cushions, and come with magic straps to keep the cushions secure.
This traditional iron sconce is designed by Regina Andrew to be outdoor-friendly and to live among the elements. Named the 'Hampton' sconce, it oozes coastal style and is finished in a black powder coating.
The look is entirely coastal-inspired, but you don't want to go too literal with your decor. However, this giant hand-painted polyresin clam is the perfect accent for your outdoor coffee or dining tables and can be filled with food or twinkling lights.
As all the best Nancy Meyers movies prove, no beachside retreat is complete without a beautiful woven blanket to throw over your shoulders come sundown. Designed with Studio McGee, I love the soft blue and cream hues in this recycled throw.
Designed for Jake Arnold's outdoor collection at Crate & Barrel, the Harper sofa allows you to lounge in style with extra-deep cushions and lovely lattice detailing on the sustainable teak frame. The contrasting welting in taupe also adds to that luxury feel.
You're going to want to add some plants, and these charming planters from Wayfair perfectly encapsulate the East Coast look. Made from sturdy polypropylene that allows it to endure season after season, they're finished with a lattice design and simply snap together, no tools needed.
An outdoor rug is a must-have for adding a cozy feel to your patio or balcony. This pretty blue flatweave rug from West Elm is handwoven using recycled plastic bottles, is reversible, durable and super easy to care for.
These little ceramic stools are so versatile in or outdoors but I love this specially designed garden version that features a woven, cross-stitch style design and is the perfect companion to a lounger.
You're going to need a whole host of lovely outdoor cushions to kick back and relax on. This woven blue and white pillow is both indoor and outdoor-friendly and finished with a lovely fringed edge.
It is actually really simple to get Martha Stewart-level style without needing Martha Stewart-level square footage out back. If you’re dreaming of your own Hamptons-inspired escape, I hope these finds help you get one step closer, and if you're looking for more outdoor decorating trends to feast on, take a look through our dedicated trend report for 2025.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
Plants never to grow next to fruit treesExpert advice on which plants to keep away from fruit trees to encourage a healthy harvest
-
Martha Stewart's tips for arranging daffodils are unbelievably simple and effective – it's the only flower advice you need this springtimeMartha shows us that we can create gorgeous bouquets of this seasonal flower by simply trimming the stems and placing them in specific vases
