Preppy Design Style

No longer just for the country club set, preppy style enters the home with classic patterns, bright colors and the essential navy and white stripes. Discover how to add a little prep to your favorite room.

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November 25, 2014

By: Cassandra LaValle

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The Subtle Prepster

This dining room by Windsor Smith has subtle preppy elements for the modern traditionalist. Instead of a bold plaid, using a tone-on-tone checkered curtain does the trick when paired with muted traditional stripes. A pop of yellow adds just the right touch of bold color. Photography by Michael Wells for Rue Magazine

Pretty in Pink -- and Green!

When we think "preppy," pink and green almost always come to mind. Using bold patterned wallpaper in green and a pop of pink in the pillows, this room maintains a preppy atmosphere without being over the top. Photography by Patrick Cline for Lonny Magazine

Classic Preppy Details

The fastest way to add a little "prep" to your style is definitely with a bit of trim. Designer Tobi Fairley adds white piping to the dining chairs and black trim to the lattice-print drapes for some classic preppy details. A modern rug, table and chandelier keep the room feeling updated. Photo courtesy of Tobi Fairley Interior Design

From: Tobi Fairley

Keeping It Fresh

How many perfect preppy elements can we count in this room? Painted blue panels topped by gilded frames. A red, white and blue striped rug for a hit of all-American style. A palette of white furniture pieces to serve as a perfect backdrop to switching out pillows with pattern and pop. Photography by Patrick Cline for Lonny Magazine

Stripes, Stripes, Stripes

Stripes may be a hot little trend right now, but they're also a classic print that you really can't go wrong with. If you feel like embracing the look full-on, try mixing up the size of your stripes in a simple palette to create a bold look like this one by Designers Guild for Bemz

Color Makes the Difference

A signature difference between traditional and preppy? Bold color! By choosing red frames for classic drawings and bright blue paint for an antique style chair, designer Tobi Fairley throws boring right out the window. Contrasting white and turquoise on the console and a black-and-white-striped rug seal the deal. Photo courtesy of Tobi Fairley Interior Design

From: Tobi Fairley

Preppy, Meet Glamorous

Who says a girl can't have it all? The lattice-print wallpaper and black trim on the headboard scream modern preppy style, while the gold textiles and graphic black and white accents bring true Hollywood glamour. It's a perfect match. Photo courtesy of Massucco Warner Miller Interior Design

From: Massucco Warner Interior Design

Masculine Prep? Of course!

There are so many masculine patterns that can be considered preppy (houndstooth, herringbone and tartan, to name a few), but mixing a good old-fashioned plaid with monogram really can't be beat. Once you've got that down, try layering on some more pattern (like a bold stripe) to complete the look. Photo courtesy of Tobi Fairley Interior Design

From: Tobi Fairley

For the Littlest Prepsters

If preppy seems a little childish to you, then the least you can do is add a little prep to your kids' room. It's the perfect place to get playful. Bold colors and thick stripes in this room by Massucco Warner Miller are ideal inspiration for your boys or girls. Photo courtesy of Massucco Warner Miller Interior Design

The Not-So-Subtle Prep

Ready to combine all these fabulous preppy elements into one? Go all out and unexpected with a room like this. Trim on the bedding, bold wallpaper on the ceiling and a strong paint color on the walls, all balanced by the must-have whites, create a powerfully preppy room. Photography by Patrick Cline for Lonny Magazine

Preppy Design Style

Related To:

Shop This Look

The Subtle Prepster

Pretty in Pink -- and Green!

Classic Preppy Details

Keeping It Fresh

Stripes, Stripes, Stripes

Color Makes the Difference

Preppy, Meet Glamorous

Masculine Prep? Of course!

For the Littlest Prepsters

The Not-So-Subtle Prep

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