How to Make Your Room ooz Preppy Style

Preppy style is having a major moment. With its cheerful, classic aesthetic of plaids, bright colors and casual furnishings, it's no wonder this fresh look is trending. Breathing new life into your room's decor is easy with preppy accents.

First, let's dive deeper into what defines preppy style. Preppiness originated on American Ivy League campuses in the early 1900s. Picture students in cable-knit sweaters, blazers with school crests, khaki pants, and penny loafers. Preppy style exudes heritage, sportiness and academic excellence.

Today, preppy evokes relaxation, optimism and good times. It blends traditional Americana with beach house chic. The look is breezy and casual, perfect for dorm rooms or bedrooms. Preppy interiors use classic motifs you'd find on school crests - like stripes, plaids, monograms and emblems. The color palette is bright and cheerful, dominated by navy blues, pinks, greens, yellows and crisp whites.

Fabrics are natural and textured - think cotton, linen, seersucker, and corduroy. Furniture has an heirloom sensibility, with antique-inspired shapes that feel both timeless and relaxed. Ultimately, preppy decor creates an easygoing atmosphere reminiscent of long summer vacations.

Incorporate Preppy Patterns

Plaids, stripes, checks and ginghams epitomize preppy pattern play. These classic motifs infuse personality when used in moderation. To try this trend, consider:

• Preppy throw pillows in multicolored stripe or checkered designs
• A striped duvet cover or ticking stripe headboard
• Window treatments like flowing cotton curtains with gingham or plaid prints
• An argyle, tartan or buffalo check area rug underfoot

Preppy Palettes

Preppy color schemes are bright, punchy and saturated. They take classic hues up a notch for fun. Some top choices include:

• Nautical navy - Paint an accent wall or bedframe to anchor the space.
• Cotton candy pink - Use as pillowcases, lamps or artwork for pops of femininity.
• Sunshine yellow - Cheerful touches on ceramic table lamps or tufted headboards.
• Maritime green - Botanical art prints, leafy plants or upholstered chairs.
• Crisp whites - Breezy linen or eyelet bedding keeps the look light and summery.

Fabrics That Flaunt Preppy Style

Along with playful palettes, certain fabrics scream preppy. For furniture or bedding, consider:

• Crisp cotton in solids or dainty floral prints
• Textured seersucker or linen for laidback, beachy wrinkled vibes
• Nubby chenille or corduroy for coziness on cushions or quilts
• Classic chinoiserie patterns with bamboo, pagodas or landscapes
• Madras plaid, a colorfully woven cotton fabric used on blazers/skirts

Display Preppy Accessories

It's the little details that pull preppy decor together. Some signature accessories to display:

• Framed botanical prints, antique maps or academic sketches
• Pennants, school banners or family crests flanking beds
• Monogrammed or embroidered throw pillows and ceramics
• Stacked vintage books on the nightstand for scholastic vibes
• Porcelain animal figurines or nautical models on shelves

Preppy Furniture & Lighting

Furnishings set the relaxing, nostalgic mood when chosen thoughtfully. Look for:

• Twin sleigh beds or four-poster styles with draped mosquito netting
• Nightstands with vintage drawer pulls or open shelves for books
• Washable quilt bedding tailored but casual
• Slipper chairs or wingbacks with skirted slipcovers in lively colors/patterns
• Built-in bookcases or workspaces with cork bulletin boards to pin memories

Preppy Bedroom Must-Haves

• A upholstered twin or full-sized sleigh bed with elegant lines
• Vintage-inspired bedside table lamps
• A woven laundry hamper or monogrammed cotton bin
• A tailored bulletin board for pinning photos & memories
• A slipper chair for lounging with a book and cup of tea
• Built-in or floating bookcases to store treasured books
• Framed family photos, vintage sailboat prints & botanicals
• A sturdy wood desk for studying with a green banker's lamp