The preppy style has been around for decades, making it a prominent feature in many wardrobes and interiors. While a simple cardigan or a pair of boat shoes can bring together preppy attire, there are quite a few design elements you don’t want to miss when you’re incorporating this aesthetic into your home.
Here are our do’s and don’ts for creating the perfect preppy room decor look.
Do start with the right color palette
Preppy color palettes are soft and fun. Use pastels, blues, and white tones as your must-haves for any preppy color palette. White is a vital color for this palette because it adds a fresh and modern look that suits the preppy design style. When it comes to accents, pink is one of the best accent colors for this design style, particularly if you want to add a youthful touch to your space. Many homeowners also opt for mint greens, navy blues, and pale yellows to accent their spaces. Just be sure not to overdo the colors; instead, use these pastels as features in your space.
Don’t go overboard with patterns
Adding patterns to your preppy home design is essential, especially when you’re adding gingham, animal, or floral prints. However, patterns should be limited and intentional. Select some patterns for accent pillows or an accent wall to pair with solid-toned furniture. If you choose a mint green sofa in your living room, add a subtle pattern in neutral tones to area rugs or curtains. Alternatively, a plain white sofa may benefit from a more vibrant patterned area rug or throw pillows.
Do use cane furniture in your design
Cane furniture is a staple of preppy decor. With its sleek, modern appeal, these pieces suit a number of spaces, meaning you can blend your preppy look with other design styles if you choose. Opt for cane furniture pieces like dressers, entryway tables, side tables, or a coffee table to curate the right vibe. Be sure to balance these pieces with other modern pieces, like glass tables or painted modern dressers.
Don’t forget to add some coastal accents
If done in moderation, coastal elements like seashells, waves, pearls, and fish motifs can suit a preppy home style. You may also consider adding some wicker pieces, jute rugs, seaside paintings, gallery walls, or a few nautical pieces. While you don’t want to overdo it or choose kitschy pieces that feel cheap or out of place, adding coastal elements can be a great way to capture the preppy sailboat look and lifestyle. Preppy design pairs beautifully with classic and coastal aesthetics, so be sure to draw inspiration from these styles without being too themey.
Do sprinkle in some gingham patterns
While we mentioned patterns above, we thought it best to emphasize the importance of gingham patterns in preppy design. Gingham patterns were seemingly made for preppy home decor. As a cozy, light, minimal, and charming pattern, it can be a great feature in a preppy home. Gingham patterns look best on tablecloths in small breakfast nooks or kitchenettes or sprinkled throughout the home through pillowcases or small accent pieces.
Don’t be tacky with animal motifs
Animal motifs like white ceramic whales, golden octopi, fish sculptures, or even animal prints are popular in preppy design. These animal motifs are playful, artistic, and quirky. This helps add to the preppy home style’s youthful vibe. Be selective about which animal motifs you want to invite into your space. Additionally, choose pieces that aren’t ultra realistic or bold in color. Instead, opt for decor that takes a more modern or minimal approach to animal likeness.
Do feel free to add French bistro touches
The classic early 2000s French bistro aesthetic perfectly captures preppy design. Go for vintage pastel appliances in the kitchen, quirky gold hardware on drawers and doors, glass decor, and pastel patterns on tablecloths or curtains. A few artistic word signs can also be favorable in a preppy design. And of course, you’ll want to add a cute coffee corner to capture the perfect Parisian preppy look.
The preppy style is fun, playful, and quirky. It blends classic elements like coastal aesthetics with youthful pastel colors and eccentric patterns. The preppy aesthetic feels fresh, modern, and inspired, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who want to explore the world or stay home and relax in a space with a simple cup of coffee.
