Nantucket: A Legacy of Craftsmanship, Quiet Sophistication and Restraint

There’s something about Nantucket that feels like a world of its own. Just off the coast of Massachusetts, this tiny island has an outsized influence on coastal design, inspiring a style that’s as effortless as a salty ocean breeze yet refined enough to feel undeniably timeless. Nantucket interiors aren’t about flashy beach decor or overt nautical themes—they’re about understated luxury, classic craftsmanship, and a color palette borrowed straight from the dunes and the sea. My connection to Nantucket began on trips during childhood sailing to the island aboard a family friend’s classic Concordia boat alongside my father. Today, I relish in the opportunity to visit family and friends who call Nantucket home, immersing myself in the island’s enduring history, timeless style, and coastal charm.

My father and I on a Concordia circa 1983.

Much like the island itself, the Nantucket look is rooted in history but never stuck in the past. The weathered cedar shingles, crisp white trim, and hydrangea-lined streets set the tone for an interior aesthetic that balances heritage and modern simplicity. It’s about natural materials, sun-washed hues, and a collected-over-time sensibility—a space that feels as welcoming as a linen-draped bed after a long day at the beach.

The Nantucket Influence: A Legacy of Craftsmanship & Seafaring Heritage

To understand Nantucket style, you have to start with the island itself. Settled in the 1600s and shaped by its whaling industry in the 18th and 19th centuries, Nantucket has long been a place of resilience, craftsmanship, and quiet affluence. The interiors here reflect that sensibility—a mix of old-world charm, classic New England restraint, and an undeniable connection to the sea.

• The Maritime Influence – Unlike the kitschy, mass-produced coastal decor you see elsewhere, Nantucket’s nod to the sea is authentic. It’s in the antique brass lanterns, weathered ship wheels repurposed as art, handwoven baskets crafted by island artisans, and vintage nautical maps framed on the walls.

• New England Craftsmanship – Nantucket style is about quality over quantity. Well-made furniture, rich woods like cherry and mahogany, handwoven wool rugs, and timeworn antiques give homes a sense of depth and history.

• A Summer Retreat for the Well-Traveled – Over the last century, Nantucket has become a haven for those seeking a quieter, more refined escape from city life. With that comes a layering of influences—English and American antiques, collected artwork, and carefully curated pieces that tell a story rather than follow a trend.

A rustic living room that is cozy and inviting all year long.

The Key Ingredients of Nantucket Island Style

• A Soft, Sun-Faded Palette
  The Nantucket color story comes straight from nature—the fog rolling in from the Atlantic, the driftwood along the shore, the deep navy of a boat’s hull. Interiors are built on a base of warm whites, pale grays, soft blues, and sandy taupes, accented with natural textures and deep, inky blues for contrast.

• Textured, Natural Materials
  Nantucket interiors are never glossy or overdone—they embrace imperfection and texture. You’ll find:

• Woven rattan, cane, and seagrass for warmth.

• Linen and cotton for effortless softness.

• Handwoven wool rugs, ticking stripes, and subtle plaids to add layers.

• Weathered wood and unlacquered brass, where patina is celebrated rather than polished away.

• Furniture That Feels Lived-In
  The key to getting the Nantucket look right is avoiding anything that feels too new. Upholstered sofas should feel deep and sinkable, like they’ve been there for decades. Wood furniture should have a slightly worn finish, as though it has seen generations of sandy feet and salty air.

• Vintage & Artisan Touches
  Nantucket homes always have a sense of history, whether through heirloom antiques, flea market finds, or handcrafted details. Look for:

• Windsor chairs and simple, classic wood furniture.

• Antique maritime art—ship paintings, scrimshaw carvings, or vintage nautical charts.

• Handwoven Nantucket baskets, a signature of the island’s craftsmanship.

• Quaint, timeworn signs from old island businesses or ferry docks.

• Where to Source It:

• Vintage & Antiques: The Nantucket Historical Association Antiques Show, Sylvia Antiques, and Brown Basket Gallery for pieces with island history.

• Artisan Finds: Nantucket Looms (handwoven textiles), Four Winds Craft Guild, and Island Weaves for handcrafted rugs, blankets, and ceramics.

• Subtle Nautical Accents (But Never Overdone)
  The Nantucket aesthetic nods to the sea in quiet, meaningful ways. No over-the-top anchors or seashell motifs—just a few well-placed touches:

• A vintage model sailboat perched on a bookshelf.

• A gallery wall of antique ship portraits.

• Unlacquered brass fixtures with a ship-inspired patina.

The Nantucket Lifestyle, Reflected Indoors

More than just a look, Nantucket interiors capture a way of life—a rhythm dictated by the tides, the changing seasons, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and history.

• A Home Built for Long Summers & Slow Mornings – White-painted floorboards, screen doors that let in the salty breeze, and wide porches lined with Adirondack chairs. There’s a sense of ease and invitation, a space meant for barefoot mornings and cocktail hour on the patio.

• A Blend of Old & New – Nantucket homes aren’t static; they evolve with time. A 19th-century whaler’s cottage might have modern, streamlined upholstery but still feature the original wood beams and a gallery of ship paintings. It’s about honoring the past while making space for the present.

• Entertaining with New England Hospitality – Kitchens are designed for gathering, often centered around a farmhouse table or an oversized island, with fresh-cut hydrangeas in a simple ceramic vase and a chilled bottle of wine waiting on the counter.

Cedar shingles are most common on Nantucket because the material is durable, resistant to rot and insects, and has insulating properties. These shingles are often left to weather naturally, turning a soft silver-gray color that blends beautifully with the surroundings.

What Sets Nantucket Apart?

Unlike the more casual, rustic aesthetic of Cape Cod or the bold Hamptons take on coastal luxury, Nantucket style is about quiet sophistication and restraint. It’s timeless, never trendy—a place where heritage and craftsmanship matter more than fleeting fads.

It’s elegant and refined yet relaxed. A space that invites you to sink into a linen-covered armchair with a book, to take your time, to let the rhythm of the ocean dictate the day.

If you’re drawn to a home that feels just as good on a foggy, fire-lit winter night as it does on a breezy summer afternoon, then Nantucket Island style might just be your perfect match. Lastly, this look does not need to be limited to a home on the tiny island off of Massachusetts; it would be relevant anywhere coastal.

Additional Places to Shop to Achieve the Nantucket Design Style

Massachusetts

• Nantucket House Antiques & Interior Design Studio
  Serving Nantucket since 1973, this studio offers antiques that honor tradition and interior design embracing the present.

• Bodega: A well-stocked shop in Nantucket's downtown with an ever-changing assortment, Bodega caters to the traditional crowd and a more hip market alike. Find furnishings in natural materials like rattan and rope as well as funky rugs, colorful accessories, and an array of outdoor furniture.

• Atlantic: A hidden gem of sorts to the vacation island's in-the-know crowd, this beloved lifestyle boutique doesn't even have a website. Enter its shingle-clad shop on Federal Street and find two floors of unique home goods, accessories, and vintage furnishings sourced from across the country—an assortment that instantly explains its cult following.

• Hudson: Located in Boston's South End, Hudson offers a curated selection of furniture and accessories that blend nautical themes with contemporary design. Their collection includes stylish riffs on marine flags, brass antiques, and playful tableware, reflecting a fresh take on the region's maritime history.

Connecticut:

• Plain Goods: Situated in New Preston, Plain Goods provides finely crafted clothing, home accessories, and tableware that invoke a simple, coastal life. Their offerings include housewarming gifts that are beautiful in their simplicity, aligning with the understated elegance of Nantucket interiors.

• Serena & Lily: Located in Westport, Serena & Lily is known for its coastal chic pieces, offering a range of furniture and decor that embody the breezy, relaxed vibe of Nantucket style. ​

• The Post: Based in Westport, The Post is a chic and stylish home design store that offers a sophisticated take on city, country, and coastal styles. Their curated selection of distinctive finds can help create a Nantucket-inspired interior. ​

• Vintage Home Decor: Situated at 40 Main Street in Centerbrook (a village within Essex), this store specializes in art, antiques, and home decor. Their offerings include vintage and artisan items, which can add unique character to a Nantucket-style space.

• Saybrook Home: Located at 2 Main Street, Saybrook Home provides American-made furniture, interior design services, window treatments, artisan rugs, and home decor. Their extensive selection and design expertise can assist in creating a space that embodies the laid-back yet refined spirit of Nantucket interiors.

New York

• Hildreth's Home Goods: Established in 1842, Hildreth's is the Hamptons' largest store for interior and exterior home furnishings and accessories. Their extensive collection ranges from furniture to unique decor items, catering to various tastes and styles. ​hildreths.com

• English Country Antiques: Located in East Hampton, this store offers a large inventory of furniture and home furnishings, blending beach home aesthetics with cottage charm. Their collection includes sofas, tables, and lighting, with the convenience of next-day delivery. ​

• Mecox Gardens: The original location in Southampton, Mecox Gardens curates fine home furnishings and décor that reflect coastal sophistication.​

North Carolina

• Nest Fine Gifts & Interiors: This Raleigh and Wilmington store provides a curated selection of home furnishings, décor, and gifts, blending traditional and modern elements suitable for a coastal aesthetic.

• Mrs. Howard: Located in Charlotte, Mrs. Howard is a personal shopper offering a collection of fine home furnishings and accessories that embody coastal elegance and Southern charm.​

• The Fisherman's Wife: This boutique near Wrightsville Beach provides a range of home décor items, including nautical-themed accessories that complement a coastal-inspired interior.

South Carolina

• Celadon Home
  Based in Mount Pleasant, Celadon offers eclectic home furnishings and décor that blend coastal and contemporary styles.​

• GDC Home: With multiple locations, including Charleston, GDC Home provides a range of coastal-inspired furniture and accessories suitable for creating a Nantucket vibe.​

Florida

• Mecox Gardens: Located in West Palm Beach, Mecox Gardens curates fine home furnishings and décor that reflect coastal sophistication.​

For additional inspiration please visit Matchpointe’s pinterest where you will see room by room Nantucket Island vibe design ideas and click below to subscribe to our newsletter. I would love nothing more than to assist you in making your home capture the essence of the island’s enduring history, timeless style, and coastal charm.