1Lean Coastal
Emily FollowillThe line between the coastal and preppy design styles is a blurry one, and this primary bedroom by Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design nails the fusion of the two. Nautical stripes, pink and green floral patterns, and rattan combine to create a laid-back oceanfront sanctuary.
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2Invest in Border Frame Bedding
Laura MossBorder frame bedding is a timeless preppy staple. In this bunk room by Michelle Morgan Harrison, the sophisticated bed linens ground the whimsical wallpaper. The end result is a multipurpose guest room that's suitable for children and adults alike.
3Throw in Some Gingham
Andrea CaloGingham is a quintessential preppy pattern. It pairs well with its close cousin, plaid, so have fun combining the two. Amity Worrel & Co. chose gingham for this room's drapes and upholstery and went with similar prints for the throw blankets and pillowcases.
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4Indulge in Excess
Stephen KarlischMaximalists tend to love the preppy aesthetic because it doesn't hold back on color or texture. Shazalynn Cavin Winfrey let her daughter's impressive book collection take center stage and even repeated the book covers' bright colors in details like the rug and lampshade.
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5Add an Equestrian Touch
JESSICA GLYNNHorseback riding is a key component of the preppy lifestyle. Adding just one horse motif—like a painting—is a subtle way to give off an equestrian flair without going full-on horsegirl, which is exactly what Tom Scheerer did in this bedroom.
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6Monogram Your Pillows
Nathan SchroderJust like in preppy fashion, monograms are iconic in the world of preppy interior design. Investing in some custom embroidered pillowcases will give your bed the polished look it deserves. In this Dallas home, Dunbar Road Design went for a monogrammed pillowcase set that shows off a matching border.
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7Go Grandmillennial
Emily J FollowillPreppy design has a traditional foundation, so it's no wonder that the grandmillennial style fits under this aesthetic's umbrella alongside similar design movements like coastal grandmother. This bedroom by Cate Dunning is a prime example, and it's actually located in her grandmother's home, which she transformed into her family's dream home. The pastel walls lighten the darker pieces. "It feels like living inside a robin’s egg," Dunning says.
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8Find a Common Thread
Amy NeunsingerIf you're having trouble deciding how to mix patterns, consider picking a common theme. For example, Mark D. Sikes drew inspiration from traditional Japanese Imari porcelain when selecting the patterns and hues in this bedroom.
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9Look to Preppy Fashion
KEVIN J. MIYAZAKIIf it's easier for you to picture the definition of preppy clothing than preppy interiors, you can work with that. Draw inspiration from prep fashion icons like Lilly Pulitzer when selecting the wallpaper and textiles for your home. In this cozy seating area, Isabel Ladd added wood and wicker furniture to ground the busy patterns.
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10Make a Canopy Bed
KEVIN J. MIYAZAKIA fabric headboard with a tester canopy exudes old money, and opting for the pairing is an elegant approach to the preppy room aesthetic. Roxy Owens of Society Social did exactly that in this spare bedroom that shows off various shades of pastel blue.
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11Opt for a Bit of Glam
KEVIN J. MIYAZAKI 12Mix Old and New
David TsayThis dining room by Fran Keenan is overflowing with eye-catching antiques. Antiques aren't necessarily enough to pull off a preppy look on their own. But when you combine historic pieces with more playful touches like floral wallpaper, bubblegum pink trim, and light green drapes with a scallop valance, they take on that quirky, collected, old-money look. Keenan describes this space as "definitely a favorite room."
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13Try Allover Pattern
Stacy Zarin GoldbergWhen it came to wallpapering this kitchen, Molly Singer Design really went for it. The space now illustrates more is more. The stunning vaulted ceiling certainly deserves all the attention, and the contrasting fixtures in Nantucket red (a standby in any preppy wardrobe) add a whimsical contrast.
14Mix Preppy and Cottagecore
Chaunte VaughnThe preppy interior design movement mixes so well with other styles, especially ones with a vintage edge like cottagecore. Both these aesthetics embrace patterns and items from days gone by. For this kitchen, Meta Coleman sourced tile with a perfectly imperfect handmade look and paired it with preppy blue and green accents.
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15Take a Minimalist Approach
Read McKendreeOne of the best things about preppy interior design is that it fuses well with nearly any personal interior style. If patterns and bright colors aren't your thing, stick to a white and pastel scheme. Connecticut-based designer Chauncey Boothby gave this kitchen a fresh look with two islands that perfectly match the pendant lights. The aqua blue paired with pieces like a framed duck print and wicker baskets are a nod to the beautiful New England seaside.
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16Display Pottery
Lindsay SalazarIn preppy interiors, you'll notice antique collections that look like they've been passed down through the generations. Blue-and-white ceramics are popular family heirlooms, and you can decorate an entire space around these pieces. The Fox Group chose to repeat the colors from the pottery in the textiles in this kitchen.
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17Embrace Academia
Stacy Zarin GoldbergIn this 1930s home just outside Washington, D.C., Melissa Colgan designed a living room that doubles as a library. The bookshelves display antique books and collections, and there's even a spot to safely stow away rare and first-edition books under glass. Academia is a common theme in preppy design (just think of prep schools in general). So go ahead and show off your bookshelf wealth. To keep the design from looking stuffy, Colgan chose a light, soothing lavender for the walls and built-ins.
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18Offset Bold Colors With White
Stephen KarlischWinfrey's living room is another haven for a maximalist prep. The white walls and flood of natural light allow the bright colors and patterns to stand out. She refers to this room's style as "an eccentric mix."
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19Dress Your Walls in Chinoiserie
Nathan SchroderOne easy way to channel the maximalist aesthetic is through pastel chinoiserie patterns. Mint blue and green illustrations dance on the walls, while a pink Murano glass chandelier catches the light in this regal dining room by Dunbar Road Design.
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20Use Posh Patterns
KEVIN J. MIYAZAKIA conservatory is an inherently preppy room. However, details like a houndstooth rug and hot pink velvet sofa are the finishing touches that define the style in this space by Deborah Costa and Kristine Renee of Design Alchemy. The design team completed the look with a rattan coffee table and Roman shades with a chic fringe.
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