Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
So Your Style Is: Preppy
Tennis anyone? Even if you've never picked up a racquet, you can join the All-American prep club with these style secrets
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
What it is: Preppy decor is as much about a lifestyle and culture as it is about a specific set of decorating dos and don'ts. It speaks of country clubs and social graces, family traditions and a genteel approach to work and play. Although it's often the target of gentle ribbing, preppy decor is less about snobbery than about an optimistic mindset that radiates confidence.
Why it works: There's something classically, comfortably American about preppy style. It manages to evoke an unstudied air that belies the meticulous detail that goes into it. Its aspirational quality sparks in us a desire to enjoy the refined things in life — and who couldn't use a little more of that?
You'll love it if ... You've memorized The Official Preppy Handbook. You're on a first-name basis with the L.L. Bean folks. You'd never dream of vacationing anywhere but Cape Cod. You got your first tennis racquet as a toddler. You can tie a bow tie in your sleep.
More 'So Your Style Is':
Traditional | Arts & Crafts | Hollywood Regency | Rustic | Old World | Cottage
Eclectic | French Country | Coastal | Art Deco | Transitional | Contemporary
Midcentury Modern | Industrial
Why it works: There's something classically, comfortably American about preppy style. It manages to evoke an unstudied air that belies the meticulous detail that goes into it. Its aspirational quality sparks in us a desire to enjoy the refined things in life — and who couldn't use a little more of that?
You'll love it if ... You've memorized The Official Preppy Handbook. You're on a first-name basis with the L.L. Bean folks. You'd never dream of vacationing anywhere but Cape Cod. You got your first tennis racquet as a toddler. You can tie a bow tie in your sleep.
More 'So Your Style Is':
Traditional | Arts & Crafts | Hollywood Regency | Rustic | Old World | Cottage
Eclectic | French Country | Coastal | Art Deco | Transitional | Contemporary
Midcentury Modern | Industrial
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Style Secret: Layered Patterns
The preppy look is collected and curated, and a genteel mix of patterns lends itself to the aesthetic. Plaid is the iconic preppy print, but you also can't go wrong with stripes, houndstooth, gingham checks or herringbone, topped off with a tasteful needlepoint pillow or two. The key to mixing patterns is to pay attention to the scale and palette — too many large-scale prints will overwhelm each other; a bunch of small-scale ones can get lost. Colors don't have to match, but they should at least stay in the same family.
Updated twist: Offset patterned pieces with textural elements to enhance the visual depth. In this breakfast area, basket-weave chairs complement the plaid banquette beautifully.
The preppy look is collected and curated, and a genteel mix of patterns lends itself to the aesthetic. Plaid is the iconic preppy print, but you also can't go wrong with stripes, houndstooth, gingham checks or herringbone, topped off with a tasteful needlepoint pillow or two. The key to mixing patterns is to pay attention to the scale and palette — too many large-scale prints will overwhelm each other; a bunch of small-scale ones can get lost. Colors don't have to match, but they should at least stay in the same family.
Updated twist: Offset patterned pieces with textural elements to enhance the visual depth. In this breakfast area, basket-weave chairs complement the plaid banquette beautifully.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Style Secret: Traditional Palettes
Preppy colors are strong and classic. The iconic color scheme is pink and green, à la Lilly Pulitzer apparel (a prep staple if ever there was one). But navy and red, pine green, mellow gold, and rich and leathery browns are equally appropriate.
Updated twist: You don't have to go overboard and drench a room in your chosen color scheme. The brilliant pink and soft green in the bedroom above are balanced by a healthy dose of white to make them feel more of the moment.
Preppy colors are strong and classic. The iconic color scheme is pink and green, à la Lilly Pulitzer apparel (a prep staple if ever there was one). But navy and red, pine green, mellow gold, and rich and leathery browns are equally appropriate.
Updated twist: You don't have to go overboard and drench a room in your chosen color scheme. The brilliant pink and soft green in the bedroom above are balanced by a healthy dose of white to make them feel more of the moment.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Style Secret: Classic Furnishings
Preppy furnishings hew to traditional profiles and time-honored materials. Think club chairs, Chesterfield sofas (especially in leather) and bamboo étagères. Authentic Oriental rugs and kilims dress the floors — when they're not left bare to showcase beautiful hardwoods.
Updated twist: Freshen old-school furniture with a few newer pieces that retain a hint of the preppy look. The coffee table above wouldn't be out of a place in an industrial setting, yet its mellow patina feels right at home in a room full of gently worn counterparts.
Preppy furnishings hew to traditional profiles and time-honored materials. Think club chairs, Chesterfield sofas (especially in leather) and bamboo étagères. Authentic Oriental rugs and kilims dress the floors — when they're not left bare to showcase beautiful hardwoods.
Updated twist: Freshen old-school furniture with a few newer pieces that retain a hint of the preppy look. The coffee table above wouldn't be out of a place in an industrial setting, yet its mellow patina feels right at home in a room full of gently worn counterparts.
by Emily A. Clark
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Style Secret: Monograms
What's preppy style without monograms? They pop up on everything from bed and bath linens to barware and throw pillows — a discreet (or not so discreet) mark of pride in one's name and heritage.
Updated twist: Give monograms a fresh spin with mod-looking fonts and fun colors. Or consider monogramming unexpected objects, such as chair backs.
What's preppy style without monograms? They pop up on everything from bed and bath linens to barware and throw pillows — a discreet (or not so discreet) mark of pride in one's name and heritage.
Updated twist: Give monograms a fresh spin with mod-looking fonts and fun colors. Or consider monogramming unexpected objects, such as chair backs.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Style Secret: Nautical Accents
Boating goes hand in hand with the classic preppy lifestyle, so maritime touches are de rigueur. You can't go wrong with nautical stripes, maps or prints — just avoid overdoing it and ending up with a gaudy space. Preppy is never kitschy.
Updated twist: Keep these accents simple and graphic. For example, a display of framed nautical flags hung in a grid would lend an appealing graphic punch. Or focus on just a few simple, standout elements, such as the oar, rope knot and model sailboat above.
Boating goes hand in hand with the classic preppy lifestyle, so maritime touches are de rigueur. You can't go wrong with nautical stripes, maps or prints — just avoid overdoing it and ending up with a gaudy space. Preppy is never kitschy.
Updated twist: Keep these accents simple and graphic. For example, a display of framed nautical flags hung in a grid would lend an appealing graphic punch. Or focus on just a few simple, standout elements, such as the oar, rope knot and model sailboat above.
by Just a Girl
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Style Secret: Trim and Rickrack
In preppy design, details matter. Trims, from grosgrain ribbon to piping to pom-poms, add a polished touch to upholstered furnishings, window treatments and lampshades. The most important rule of thumb: Keep it tasteful. Think plain and modest, not overblown and in-your-face.
Updated twist: To steer clear of fussiness, limit the number of trims you incorporate into a single space. The dainty lamp above, for example, is balanced by sleeker accents in the same color family for a streamlined look.
In preppy design, details matter. Trims, from grosgrain ribbon to piping to pom-poms, add a polished touch to upholstered furnishings, window treatments and lampshades. The most important rule of thumb: Keep it tasteful. Think plain and modest, not overblown and in-your-face.
Updated twist: To steer clear of fussiness, limit the number of trims you incorporate into a single space. The dainty lamp above, for example, is balanced by sleeker accents in the same color family for a streamlined look.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Style Secret: Vintage Accessories
Preppy homes celebrate their hand-me-downs and family heirlooms in an artful way. Old steamer trunks, vintage suitcases and more whisper of a worldly, well-traveled lifestyle. Items that hint at the sporting life, such as old tennis racquets or riding gear, feel pitch perfect as well.
Updated twist: Layer in these objects judiciously to avoid a mishmash or, worse, an overly themed space. In the bedroom shown here, suitcases are stacked casually to stand in for a night table, and the clean, crisp look that defines the rest of the space allows them to shine.
Preppy homes celebrate their hand-me-downs and family heirlooms in an artful way. Old steamer trunks, vintage suitcases and more whisper of a worldly, well-traveled lifestyle. Items that hint at the sporting life, such as old tennis racquets or riding gear, feel pitch perfect as well.
Updated twist: Layer in these objects judiciously to avoid a mishmash or, worse, an overly themed space. In the bedroom shown here, suitcases are stacked casually to stand in for a night table, and the clean, crisp look that defines the rest of the space allows them to shine.
Style Secret: Blue and White China
Blue and white china — ginger jars, plates, pitchers — is a preppy mainstay. Whether it's Delft or Blue Willow, it's timeless enough to blend with virtually any palette and mix of furnishings.
Updated twist: Instead of a traditional cluster of wall-hung plates or mass of jars on a mantel, arrange blue and white dishware in a more streamlined way. Display it in an orderly grid, as in this dining space, or group just a few pieces on a tabletop or shelf.
More:
Old-School Prep and Modern Prep
Getting Kate and Andy Spade's Preppy Look
Blue and white china — ginger jars, plates, pitchers — is a preppy mainstay. Whether it's Delft or Blue Willow, it's timeless enough to blend with virtually any palette and mix of furnishings.
Updated twist: Instead of a traditional cluster of wall-hung plates or mass of jars on a mantel, arrange blue and white dishware in a more streamlined way. Display it in an orderly grid, as in this dining space, or group just a few pieces on a tabletop or shelf.
More:
Old-School Prep and Modern Prep
Getting Kate and Andy Spade's Preppy Look
Comments
Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. This was a fun trip down memory lane. I'm happy to see updated versions of this trend. I still think the penny loafer is the best shoe ever and blue and white china looks good with everything. Thanks Lisa, great ideas. Charmean
14 months ago · Like
· 
1
1
franki7 Whoa! Who knew...I think I'm "preppy!" So cool! franki
14 months ago · Like
Lisa Frederick Thanks to you both! I love this style too - the first photo sums up my ideal house in a nutshell. Something about it looks so cozy and rooted and content.
14 months ago · Like
Emily A. Clark Thanks so much for including my daughter's bedroom. Fun ideabook :)
14 months ago · Like
Sonja Dieterichs I am surprised to say that I have a lot of these elements of decor in my home; I thought I was more regency than preppy; perhaps a mix of both; I have my 2 boys in a surfing/nautical motif bedroom with that pbkids preppy rug! I love the chesterfield look so much I have 2 long cognac colored ones. I was at a gala last Sat night and told my husband I wanted to bid on the free monogramming package for 1 year; I would have put our initials on everything sadly enough! Thanks for the article and lovely homes!
13 months ago · Like
Lisa Frederick Hi Sonja - You're not alone. I never really knew my style was preppy either until I analyzed it. Here in the South, preppy takes a slightly lighter, brighter, fluffier form - although we'll monogram anything that stands still long enough. :-)
13 months ago · Like
· 2
2
Ideabook updated on April 23, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
