By
Updated on 02/05/24
Trending Videos
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.
01 of 27
Say Yes to Pink
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.
Continue to 2 of 27 below
02 of 27
Decorate With Cane
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.
Continue to 3 of 27 below
03 of 27
Pair Pink and Blue
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.
Continue to 4 of 27 below
04 of 27
Incorporate Coastal Accents
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.
Continue to 5 of 27 below
05 of 27
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.
Continue to 6 of 27 below
06 of 27
Be Sophisticated
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.
Continue to 7 of 27 below
07 of 27
Include Animal Motifs
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.
Continue to 8 of 27 below
08 of 27
Go Gingham
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.
Continue to 9 of 27 below
09 of 27
Try a Jute Rug
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.
Continue to 10 of 27 below
10 of 27
Weave in Some Wicker
Budget-friendly wicker is another must-have material in preppy homes, like this whimsical bookcase that adds texture to the pastel pink room.
Continue to 11 of 27 below
11 of 27
Pick Famous Patterns
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.
Continue to 12 of 27 below
12 of 27
Bring on the Bistro Chairs
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.
Continue to 13 of 27 below
13 of 27
Display Equestrian Decor
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.
See Also15 Preppy Room Ideas for 2024Continue to 14 of 27 below
14 of 27
Show off That Paisley
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.
Continue to 15 of 27 below
15 of 27
Go Wild for Ikat
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.
Continue to 16 of 27 below
16 of 27
Swoon Over Stripes
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.
Continue to 17 of 27 below
17 of 27
Look to the Outdoors
Preps love gardening and spending time outdoors. This green-and-white botanical print wallpaper brings the outdoors inside to this breakfast room.
Continue to 18 of 27 below
18 of 27
Transform a Basic Bathroom
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.
Continue to 19 of 27 below
19 of 27
Add Childlike Wonder
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.
Continue to 20 of 27 below
20 of 27
Style a Trunk
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.
Continue to 21 of 27 below
21 of 27
Add Pink to the Shower
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.
Continue to 22 of 27 below
22 of 27
Get Tropical
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.
Continue to 23 of 27 below
23 of 27
Choose Pieces Thoughtfully
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.
Continue to 24 of 27 below
24 of 27
Keep it Classic
This understated preppy sunroom has a classic palette of blues, whites, and grays that is bound to stand the test of time.
Continue to 25 of 27 below
25 of 27
Be Flowery
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.
Continue to 26 of 27 below
26 of 27
Decorate With Sports Gear
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.
Continue to 27 of 27 below
27 of 27
Add an Indoor Putting Green
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.