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Happy Prep for Today
Big, geometric prints and bold colors find favor with a new school of prep
Hello there! I'm Erika Ward, Owner and Principal Designer of Erika Ward Interiors. It's my greatest pleasure to inspire you to live well, to live in style, and to extinguish the myth that style and budget are mutually exclusive. Read more about my design philosophy and my work at http://www.blulabelbungalow.com
Hello there! I'm Erika Ward, Owner and Principal Designer of Erika Ward... More »
When I think of preppy spaces, my thoughts initially turn to old money, yacht-inspired rooms, Lacoste sweaters and buckskin shoes. Over the past few years, there's been a shift in what is considered preppy, but all prepsters agree on one thing: Being preppy isn't just how you dress, it's also a lifestyle. New-school prep consisting of vivid colors paired with stark white and a dose of large scale geometric prints (think Jonathan Adler's Happy Chic), finds favor with both old and new pedigrees. Take a look at these spaces inspired by individuals who don the sharpest popped collars and decide if you fit into the preppy design spectrum. Tell us: Are old-school or new-school prep?
by decordemon
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Preppy kelly green isn't just for the Irish. It awakens any space and appears even fresher in the presence of pure white fabric and a high-gloss floor and trim. Accenting the shower curtain — with a trio of stripes with a dark brown borrowed from the vanity and mirror — makes this bath equally appealing to both sexes. Lucky you!
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Barstools upholstered in Barclay Butera's geometric kelly green and white fabric (Green-and-White Abstract" #69-31P) lend a preppy twist to this mid-century modern kitchen.
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Versatile in color and pattern, wing chairs upholstered in the same Barclay Butera fabric create a prim and proper setting in this traditional living room. Its abstract pattern mimics the classic Greek-key motif seen in the coffee table and gives this formal space a youthful vibe.
by Kim Metheny
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The argyle pattern isn't just reserved for knitwear. Experiment with this diagonal checkboard pattern on the wall of a kid's room or to simply add a three-dimensional effect in your family's living space.
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The artisan with the foresight of using mosaic tile to create a plaid floor was nothing short of a genius. The intricacy of the design combined with the furniture-turned-vanity catapults this two-piece bath into the ivy leagues.
by Emily A. Clark
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A pink-and-green color combo paired with monogrammed pillows, without a doubt, exudes Southern prep. Using a base of black and white really makes this color scheme pop; so does the repeated damask and polka-dot patterns. Use your favorite Lily Pulitzer frock for inspiration when trying to pull off this look.
by Tara Seawright
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If traditional prep doesn't appeal to you, try this version of happy prep. A bright, whimsical shower curtain and pristine white walls and fixtures is all you need to pull together a clean look that's both fresh and fun.
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Old found objects also can evoke the prep-school aesthetic. This vintage chessboard and other accessories like these create a sense of nostalgia and pay homage to old-school prep decor.
More: Old School Prep and Modern Prep
More: Old School Prep and Modern Prep
Comments
kikitjr Really ugly
20 months ago · Like
Yolanda Living among these designs would really get me on edge. It's like overdoing on the caffeine dosage for the day :-p
20 months ago · Like
Amy The powder room is amazing with the plaid floor and the bedroom would be adorable for my little girl.
20 months ago · Like
Gracious Style The greens are a bit much, but I do like the combination of the argyle with the antique-style lamp.
20 months ago · Like
kdoolittle The plaid tile floor is great! It makes me consider doing it in our powder room, which begs the question: how much time did that take?
20 months ago · Like
fredericklc This collection tears it: I'm NOT even slightly preppy. However, my daughter would love it all.
20 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Sept. 12, 2011.
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