For kitchen designer Dominique, a change is as good as a holiday. On moving into her Californian bungalow, she gave her grey laminate kitchen a characterful period makeover to match the home’s heritage, but 10 years later, she was again ready for something different. “I had really enjoyed restoring the kitchen in heritage style, but I was over that look!” she says.
She decided to start with a clean slate, selling everything she no longer wanted and replacing it with Shaker-style cabinetry and an easy Hamptons vibe.
No stranger to the difficulties of working with smaller kitchens, Dominique, who owns Provincial Kitchens in Sydney, found smart solutions to maximise space. “Working with a small, U-shaped kitchen is a challenge, so I started with the two corners by the sink and worked my way out,” she explains. “My magic corner units are lifesavers – the shelves pull all the way out so there’s no rummaging in the back of cupboards!”
The walls were painted in Dulux Sandy Day, a warming hue that picks up the soft, coffee-coloured veining of the Kynos marble benchtop, available from Provincial Kitchens. Whisper White paint by Dulux brightens the previously brown cabinetry and floorboards. A few vintage pieces were retained from the old kitchen, such as the stool, rustic chairs and antique railway light fitting, which add touches of colour and character.
Lashings of white paint and rustic furniture have given the petite kitchen a light, fresh and airy feel, which sets off perfectly Dominique’s collection of vintage crockery and kitchenalia. “I just love the simplicity of this room now,” she says.
A traditional Perrin & Rowe pewter tap with porcelain levers – available from The English Tapware Company – blends beautifully with the splashback in handmade Italian subway tiles from Art of Tiles.
When designing a kitchen, Dominique always starts with the wishlist of appliances, and she followed the same process in her own room with cleverly customised joinery, built by Provincial Kitchens. “The oil and spice drawer is positioned conveniently next to the oven and kick cupboards hidden under the sink are great for extra storage,” she explains.
“I buy things I love and I like to have them out where I can see them”
Dominique
If you’re looking to recreate this Hamptons-inspired kitchen, below are our favourite buys that will help transform your kitchen into a seaside oasis.
Shop the look: Hamptons-style kitchen
Sand Stone Sea 65cm Bella cross back bar stool, $199 (usually $249), Temple & Webster
If you can decorate your kitchen bench or island with bar stools, we recommend doing so. It adds extra seating options (perfect for breakfast or a quick afternoon snack) within your dining and kitchen area. This Hamptons-style bar stool from Temple & Webster features a classic cross-back design for support and a rattan seat for a natural touch.
Otti Australia Hampshire ceramic butler sink, $449, Temple & Webster
Add a rustic touch to your Hamptons-style kitchen with this farmhouse sink from Otti Australia. With a gorgeous ribbed front that will look stunning when exposed during installation – if you have the capacity to swap out your old sink basin, this one is our pick.
Phoenix Nostalgia twin handle sink mixer in chrome/white, $779 (usually $975), The Blue Space
This sink mixer features gorgeous white levers paired with a classic chrome body; it’s the perfect addition to any Hamptons-style kitchen. Designed in Australia by the award-winning Phoenix design team, it brings old-world charm to the kitchen and is made to last.
Zanda Mayfair chrome plate cabinet handle, $25, The Blue Space
An easy way to freshen up your kitchen without doing a complete reno is by swapping out your old cabinet handles. This chrome cabinet handle from The Blue Space features a classic design and is available in three lengths to suit your existing cabinetry.
Ubud dark natural belly scallop basket, $199.99, Adairs
Use as an indoor plant holder or above the kitchen cabinets as extra storage. Adding natural woven elements to the kitchen will add to the relaxing atmosphere that the Hamptons-design style exudes. Choose a few woven baskets in varying sizes for visual interest.
Sheridan Mercourt tea towel set, $49.99, Sheridan Outlet
Another easy way to add Hamptons-style to your kitchen aesthetic is by swapping your old tea towels for something new. This set features four tea towels in a blue hue, from checkerboard patterned to classic stripes, that effortlessly adds a touch of farmhouse and a hint of nautical to your Hamptons-style kitchen.
Astor six light round pendant in nickel, $649, One World
If you have a kitchen island, adding a series of hanging lights above not only brings in an alternative option for mood lighting but also draws the eyes upwards – making your kitchen look bigger. This hanging pendant features six candle-shaped light bulbs encased in a glass and chrome casing.
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