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Guest Picks: The Elements of Prep
When I think of preppy, I think of the quintessentially American lifestyle, from beachy Cape Cod cottages to West Palm Beach chic. When it comes to decor, the preppy style embodies these elements, the whole lifestyle and more. Here are a few must-haves for the perfect preppy home. — Gabrielle from Savvy Home
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Louis Vuitton Vintage Alzer 70 Monogram Canvas & Leather Suitcase - $3,800.00 »
Preppies value family heirlooms, so it comes as no surprise that vintage and antique pieces are highly coveted. Louis Vuitton luggage is no exception, and in fact, these are often stacked and used as side tables.
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Clifton Tattersal, Jet »
The Clifton Tattersal wallcovering by Ralph Lauren is the definition of prep: classic, elegant and, in this case, dark. I imagine it in a gentleman's study.
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Backgammon Table - $3,495.00 »
There is no better way to end a vacation day than by sitting down to a game of backgammon. This backgammon table is the perfect addition to a preppy living room, family room or game room.
by Circa Lighting
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Mini Architect's Draftsman Table Lamp - $420.00 »
Classic brass lamps are another staple of the preppy style. This Mini Architect's Draftsman lamp has an aged patina that is reminiscent of the old days. It's the perfect task lamp for an office.
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Stacking Boxes, White/Black - $75.00 »
Lacquer is king in the preppy world, and trim of any kind is also popular. These black and white stacking boxes are the ideal accessory for a dressing room or even the entrance hall.
by Jonathan Adler
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Jonathan Adler X-bench, Tuileries Indigo - $695.00 »
Jonathan Adler's Tuileries bench embodies two preppy staples in one item: upholstered x-benches and paisley. X-benches are often found in pairs, usually in a living room as extra seating or at the foot of a bed.
by Gracious Style
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Coral Hand Towels Embroidered Linen - $144.00 »
No respectable preppy hostess would entertain without embroidered, linen hand towels in the powder room for her guests. These exquisite coral branch towels are the perfect addition to a well-appointed powder room.
by Roubini Rugs
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Big Catch Rug »
The nautical theme is huge in the preppy decorating style, and this gorgeous Big Catch rug by Campion Platt is tasteful enough not to fall in the category of nautical clichés.
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Newport Bedding - $58.00 »
Trims are important in preppy design, and even more so when it comes to bedding. Another crucial aspect is a monogram on everything from bedding to barware. It's just another way to show respect for one's heritage.
by Nine Space
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Bamboo Herringbone Throw, Cedar Green/Cream - $135.00 »
Herringbone is an inherently preppy motif, and so is this cedar-green color, especially when combined with pink. Throws are often found draped on chairs or sofas or laid out at the foot of a bed.
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Woven Yacht Stripe Pink/White Cotton Contemporary Rug - $30.00 »
There is no stronger preppy staple than stripes. Bold, colorful stripes are more modern and fresh, and this indoor/outdoor Dash & Albert rug is a great addition to any preppy decor.
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Bentham Plaid Desk Valet Tray - $395.00 »
Everything by Ralph Lauren screams preppy American style, but it really doesn't get much preppier than this plaid and saddle leather tray.
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Classic Ginger Jar, Small - $58.00 »
Blue and white china, ginger jars and vases are found in most preppy homes. Ginger jars look great as a collection on a pedestal or library table. For a more relaxed look, add fresh leafy branches or blooms in one of the vases.
by Dering Hall
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Ripple Console »
Rattan and draped tables are popular in preppy homes, so this whimsical Ripple console would be a great addition to any preppy decor, whether in the entrance hall or as part of a covered outdoor room.
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Large Prince Advertising Prop Tennis Racket - $495.00 »
Classic sports like tennis are popular in the preppy lifestyle. Mixed with the love for heirlooms, a tennis racket would blend perfectly in a preppy decor. It would look especially great hung in a collection in a child's room.
by Design Darling
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Pineapple Notecards - $25.00 »
Preppy is as much a lifestyle as it is a decor style, and the lifestyle includes lots of handwritten notes. In terms of notecards, it doesn't get much preppier than bordered cards and lime green pineapples.
by Dering Hall
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Nureyev Trolley »
The art of entertaining is very important to the preppy household. A well-filled bar cart not only looks fantastic in a living or dining room, but also is terribly useful for large dinner parties or impromptu guests.
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Frank Worth Photograph of Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood - $1,200.00 »
The '50s were an inherently preppy era, so memorabilia like vintage photographs of parties, celebrities, and sporting events are particularly popular.
by Dering Hall
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Quiver Klismos Chair »
Classic shapes and brown leather will never go out of style in the preppy home, and lighter leather and a more delicate shape will look more updated. This chair would make a fabulous occasional office chair.
by Jan Jessup
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Buffalo Check, Strawberry - $19.99 »
I couldn't end without a touch of gingham, a pattern that is making a huge comeback this year. This pink and cream fabric is feminine and updated, and it would make great curtains or pillows — but I would avoid making a tablecloth out of it.
More: So Your Style Is: Preppy
More: So Your Style Is: Preppy
