27 Darling Preppy Rooms That Will Make You Want to Redesign Your Home (2024)

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Sarah Lyon

27 Darling Preppy Rooms That Will Make You Want to Redesign Your Home (1)

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.

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Updated on 02/05/24

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27 Darling Preppy Rooms That Will Make You Want to Redesign Your Home (2)

A preppy room has many of the same elements as a preppy wardrobe. Think traditional lines, classic materials, an eccentric mix of patterns, nautical motifs, and colors that range from bold reds and navy blues to pastel mashups like pink and green.

The origins of preppy style go back to the late 1890s and early 1900s, but preppy style as we know it was branded in the 1980s with Lisa Birnbach's The Official Preppy Handbook (1980), a tongue-in-cheek guide to this classic style inspired by the tweedy look of New England prep schoolers and Ivy Leaguers.While preppy style reached its apotheosis in the 1980s, it never went out of style for those who embrace the lifestyle, and comes and goes as a trend for those discovering it anew.

Check out these preppy rooms that interpret the style in various ways if you’re curious about incorporating some of this quintessentially American style at home.

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    Say Yes to Pink

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    In preppy homes, pink isn't just for children's rooms. Utilize this happy hue around the house as you wish. Here, it shines in a guest bedroom, where even the smallest details (such as charming tassels adhered to nightstand drawer pulls) make an impression.

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    Decorate With Cane

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    Cane furniture is a staple in many preppy homes. Pair cane pierces with some bright colors to keep your space looking contemporary and full of pep. Another preppy fave is Burlwood, which makes an appearance via the mirror hanging above this chic console.

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    Pair Pink and Blue

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    We often associate preppy style with an abundance of pink and green, but keep in mind that pink and blue can play just as nicely together. Preppy style is all about the use of sweet shapes and patterns, too. Bring on the scalloped edges (like we see on this sofa and coffee table), and of course, don't forget those stripes.

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    Incorporate Coastal Accents

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    Preppy spaces oftentimes lean coastal, so don't be afraid to draw seaside elements into your room: think wicker, soft white fabrics and furnishings, and of course, lots of blue tones.

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    Say Hello to Navy

    Navy is another favorite preppy hue and complements a number of other tones. This layered, scalloped mirror adds elegance to the bathroom.

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    Be Sophisticated

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    Preppy spaces are known for being orderly and sophisticated. Touches like a stylish table lamp, some framed photos, and a vase filled with fresh flowers will go a long way.

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    Include Animal Motifs

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    Preppy rooms are often quite playful—take a cue from Lilly Pulitzer's signature patterns and bring some animal motifs into the mix. We love this charming wicker elephant stool that will bring a smile to kids' and adults' faces alike.

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    Go Gingham

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    Say yes to gingham, a pattern that works on everything from tablecloths to curtains or wall treatments. Blue-and-white gingham wallpaper is excellent for a child's room and can be mixed with a variety of other prints.

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    Try a Jute Rug

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    Jute rugs are known for being durable and classic and are often spotted in preppy spaces. Preps like to invest in well-made pieces that will stand the test of time, and a jute rug is a perfect example of such a piece.

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    Weave in Some Wicker

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    Budget-friendly wicker is another must-have material in preppy homes, like this whimsical bookcase that adds texture to the pastel pink room.

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    Pick Famous Patterns

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    Some patterns are immediately associated with preppy style—such as Scalamandré zebra print. Used in blue and white, it's perfect for a child's room.

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    Bring on the Bistro Chairs

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    French bistro chairs are quite common in preppy dining spaces and come in an assortment of festive colors. Preps love to host and gather with friends, so designing a dining room that can accommodate the entire crew is a must.

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    Display Equestrian Decor

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    Many preppy rooms feature some sort of equestrian-themed design, often in the form of wall art. Here, a picture depicting a horse race pops against white, beige, and navy wallpaper.

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    Show off That Paisley

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    Paisley is a preppy print that's been around for quite some time and doesn't appear to be going anywhere. Preps are all about embracing tried and true decorating styles rather than experimenting with trends.

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    Go Wild for Ikat

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    Ikat is a beautiful print that is having a comeback. This dining nook functions as the perfect spot for sipping coffee and cranking out some work. Also, when decorating a preppy space, don't forget pleated lampshades galore—pick a few favorite patterns to showcase.

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    Swoon Over Stripes

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    Preps will always have a soft spot for stripes. Furniture and decor such as striped sofas, pillows, rugs, and wall coverings are more than suitable in a preppy room.

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    Look to the Outdoors

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    Preps love gardening and spending time outdoors. This green-and-white botanical print wallpaper brings the outdoors inside to this breakfast room.

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    Transform a Basic Bathroom

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    Even your powder room can get a preppy upgrade. Swap out builder-grade sconces for some scalloped alternatives, jazz up your drawer pulls with tassels, and place toothbrushes in a metal julep cup to elevate your countertop.

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    Add Childlike Wonder

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    Kids' rooms are excellent places to go bold with stripes and loud patterns. Here, a green and pink canopy turns a standard daybed into a dreamy spot in which to unwind from the day.

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    Style a Trunk

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    Preppies love their trunks. Trunks are fabulous storage solutions in all types of spaces; in kids' rooms, they can neatly house toys, school books, or off-season clothing. A trunk can even double as a nightstand if you're short on space.

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    Add Pink to the Shower

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    Make the every day a little more fun by installing pink-and-white-striped tiles in your shower for a slightly eccentric take on preppy style.

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    Get Tropical

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    Get tropical with a pink-and-green combo like this one that's perfect for a beachside property. Preps are all about celebrating and having fun; there's no need to keep things subtle.

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    Choose Pieces Thoughtfully

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    Wicker parasol lamps pop up in many preppy spaces and truly serve as works of art. Note that preppy homes are full of personality without being cluttered, so each furniture item and accent piece should truly serve a purpose.

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    Keep it Classic

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    This understated preppy sunroom has a classic palette of blues, whites, and grays that is bound to stand the test of time.

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    Be Flowery

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    Pair stripes and florals together in a lounge space, dressing room, or home office for a preppy look. Hydrangeas are a preppy flower fave if you're looking to honor one type of bloom in particular.

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    Decorate With Sports Gear

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    The walls of this boys' room from Brexton Cole Interiors are decorated with Ivy League banners and sports gear. Its preppy vibe is reinforced by a bold white, red, and green palette and traditional furnishings, lighting, and decor.

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    Add an Indoor Putting Green

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    Nothing could make a room preppier than an indoor golf putting green, like this space from Kate Marker Interiors designed for the golf fanatic who can't get enough.

What is preppy home decor?

The origins of preppy style go back to the late 1890s and early 1900s, but preppy style as we know it was branded in the 1980s thanks to Lisa Birnbach's The Official Preppy Handbook (1980), a tongue-in-cheek guide to this classic style inspired by the tweedy look of New England prep schoolers and Ivy Leaguers.

Preppy home decor is a quintessentially American aesthetic that is a whole lifestyle for purists. Think traditional furniture in age-old materials like wood; an eccentric mix of patterns like plaids and checks; pastel colors such as pink and green; and buttoned-up, status-conscious country club aesthetics. Decorative items may include odes to preppy activities such as tennis, golf, or sailing on Cape Cod.

What is the opposite of preppy home style?

The opposite of preppy style is arguably boho style design, with its eclectic and free-spirited air. You could also argue that minimalist interior design is on the other end of the spectrum from preppy home style.

Is preppy home decor still in style?

For die-hard preppies, preppy home decor is a way of life that never went out of style and never will. While preppy style reached peak popularity in the 1980s, it’s constantly being revived in the worlds of fashion and home decor for new generations of those who enjoy dabbling in preppy aesthetics and trends.

27 Darling Preppy Rooms That Will Make You Want to Redesign Your Home (2024)
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