Design Breakdown from the Hampton Designer ShowHouse 2025 - PART 1
I drove 70 miles to Southampton (actually 254 miles away from home) to visit the 2025 Hampton Designer Showhouse.
I have made it a goal to visit at least one designer showhouse each year. As a decorator, it is important for my learning and experience to actually step into rooms created by other talented designers. It is when you step into a room that you really feel the energy of that space. A picture we see on social media only tells half the story. Not everything that looks good will always feel good — just like a handsome man with no manners is not a choice you would ever make. You would choose a life partner who respects you over looks. (I know this sounds like a wired analogy, but exactly on point)
A view of the pool house at the Hampton Designer Showhouse 2025 from the third floor of the main house.
In this blog post, I want to share with you the rooms that stood out to me, and break down the details that made them rise above a sea of 25 rooms.
All of these rooms started as just blank white boxes by the builder with no architectural details or interest. The rooms that I’m sharing with you are the ones where each designer put in the effort to add character, detail, and depth — so the space feels like it has personality and an emotional impact.
Dining Room in The Hampton Designer ShowHouse 2025, designed by Home in Harmony Designs
The Dining Room by Home in Harmony Designs
As soon as you open up the front door and enter, the dining room is the first room on the left. Though you enter into a grand foyer that is connected to the great room, which is a straight shot from the front door, the first room that draws anyone’s attention is the dining room on the left. I stood there for a while and noticed that it was the first room every visitor went to explore.
Two patterns existing side by side perfectly complementing each other!
So much interest in this table setting!
The main reason that room caught the attention and pulled everyone in, was the bold blue color scheme loaded with patterns. This dining room is a wonderful example of how cozy and interesting a room becomes when it’s layered with pattern. There are at least 8 - 10 different patterns mixed in this room, and it does not feel overwhelming at all. When done correctly, mixing patterns creates a space that has personality and feels alive.
I didnt know I was on scheme! An idea to steal - use a different pattern on each side of the pillow for more fun and it feels like a brand new pillow every time you flip it.
A reminder to mix finishes, upholstered seating mixed with painted chairs.
Office in The Hampton Designer ShowHouse 2025, designed by Steven Walsh
The Office by Steven Walsh Design
The other room that really stood out to me on the first floor was the office space designed by Steven Walsh. This is a space bursting with personality, color, and drama. You really feel a shift in emotion when you step into this room.
If you have been a reader of my blog, you’ve seen me write about the psychological impact of deep rich blue based reds — and that fact remains true here. You feel cocooned and enveloped in this space. It would be a great room for anyone to spend some quiet, contemplative time to focus and concentrate.
The unexpected introduction of yellow really takes the room to the next level
A reminder to always paper wrap plastic builder grade switch covers
The paper-backed fabric mural is full of personality and a touch of quirkiness. Adding a large-scale pattern like this is one of the simplest ways to bring a room to life.
Read about the psychological impact of the deep rich blue based reds here.
Primary Bathroom in The Hampton Designer ShowHouse, designed by LTA Interiors. Custom hand painted ceiling wallpaper by Sam Simon Studio.
Primary Bathroom by LTA Interiors and Sam Simon Studio
You might be a little shocked to see this bathroom make the top of my list because it’s not exploding with bright colors — or really any color. But that’s exactly the point. Even though the bathroom is mostly white, the textures and patterns add depth and visual interest.
I have nothing against neutral spaces — the problem is that most neutral spaces feel underwhelming and flat. That is not the case with this bathroom. It has a personality, a subtle one, but a clear one.
Bespoke cabinetry by Ciuffo Cabinetry in the primary bathroom designer by LTA Interiors.
What really makes this bathroom stand out is not the freestanding tub or the marble tiled walls or shower, but the really large-scale art. And there isn’t just one piece — there are three ginormous pieces. That’s what makes this room feel more than a utilitarian space where you just get in and out. In fact, you want to drag in a chair and spend time there.
Most people fear putting art in their bathroom. But I not only encourage you to do so — I suggest you go bold with a large-scale piece if you can. Doing this one thing will truly change the feel of even the most basic bathroom.
Two identical pieces painted by Sam Simon.
A chinoiserie painting in serene colors by artist Sam Simon.
Also important to note here is the way the art is displayed here. The pieces are hung using nautical hooks and rope. Not only is this a subtle nod to the Hamptons, it makes the art even more interesting. Always pay attention to how your pieces are hung or framed — it makes a huge impact.
Read here to check out more ways to hang your art in unexpected places and unusual ways.
The cherry on top is that I had a wonderful chat with Sam Simon, the artist behind all the pieces displayed in this bathroom. I loved learning about his thought process and creative approach. A little fun fact: he’s painted Xanax and Benadryl pills in the wings of his butterflies because he said all he’s hearing these days are people complaining about anxiety and allergies.
Artist Sam Simon hid Benadryl pills in his painting.
Love all the detailing in the butterfly painted by the talented Sam Simon including the ingeniously hidden Xanax pills.
You know I’m a big advocate of not leaving ceilings plain, and what you see done in this bathroom is definitely an idea to steal. Not just adding wallpaper to the ceiling, but doing it in an unusual way was a genius move by LTA Interiors and Sam Simon Studio.
CURATED PIECES INSPIRED BY The Hampton Designer ShowHouse 2025
That wraps up the first half of my showhouse tour. In Part Two, I’ll take you upstairs to two guest bedrooms and a colorful lounge that truly stood out — spaces that made you want to linger and stay awhile.
But before you head over, I’ve pulled together a curated collection inspired by the showhouse. Not everyone wants to spend $4,000 on a single mirror, so instead of linking the exact pieces, I’ve sourced elevated, attainable options that capture the same refined spirit. These aren’t cheap imitations — they’re thoughtfully chosen finds that let you bring that same sense of refinement into your home without the sky-high price tag.
Let me know in the comments which room is your favorite so far?
