Preppy interior design is a blend of classic and modern elements, creating an inviting and stylish home that never goes out of style. It embodies an entire lifestyle, reflecting the quintessential all-American style that embodies sophistication and cheery hues. The style features bright colors, classic patterns like stripes and plaids, and traditional motifs like gingham and madras. Preppy interior design mirrors preppy fashion, embracing layered patterns like gingham and madras, pastel color palettes, and sporty or nautical motifs.
The preppy home aesthetic 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. Preppy decor is a timeless aesthetic that combines comfort, sophistication, and a touch of whimsy. The cornerstone of preppy interior design is layered patterns, such as plaid, madras, stripes, houndstooth, and gingham, creating a rich yet inviting look.
Preppy decor has seen a notable revival this season, with ideas like lean coastal, border frame bedding, and incorporating gingham indulging in excess. The preppy bedroom ideas are rooted in classic style but bring in pops of color or pattern, making them perfect for a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
In summary, preppy interior design is a blend of classic and modern elements, creating an inviting and stylish home that never goes out of style. By incorporating layered patterns, traditional lines, classic materials, and eccentric mix of patterns, preppy interior designers can create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere that reflects the quintessential all-American style.
| Article | Description | Site |
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| What is preppy interior design? The style, explained | “The preppy home aesthetic is a quintessential all-American style that embodies sophistication and cheery hues,” says Shivani Vyas, interior … | realhomes.com |
| So Your Style Is: Preppy | 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. | houzz.com |
| 25 Preppy Room Ideas That Nail the Timeless Aesthetic | Take a Minimalist Approach … One of the best things about preppy interior design is that it fuses well with nearly any personal interior style. | housebeautiful.com |
📹 Hottest Interior Design Styles for 2025 4 Styles That Are IN & 4 That Are OUT
In this video, I’m sharing my opinion on four interior design styles that are in the four that are out! You can see how some of these …
What Does A Preppy House Look Like?
Preppy home decor reflects a quintessentially American lifestyle, marked by traditional wooden furniture, a vibrant mix of patterns, and a pastel color palette featuring shades like pink and green. This aesthetic is rooted in the classic country club vibe, showcasing a blend of textures, such as velvet and silk, alongside timeless motifs like plaids, checks, florals, and nautical stripes. The preppy design approach thrives on monogrammed accents found on throw pillows, wall art, and furniture, creating a refined yet welcoming atmosphere.
Infusing your space with preppy charm is achievable through the thoughtful use of decor elements. Consider incorporating lively designs, such as flowers and vines, in bedding, curtains, and rugs to enhance the cheerful undertone of preppy style. This look favors vibrant colors and patterns, evoking a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a fresh and contemporary flair.
Moreover, preppy interiors often celebrate antique collections and family heirlooms, adding layers of personal history to the design. Elements like blue-and-white ceramics, vintage suitcases, and steamer trunks contribute to the sophisticated, polished atmosphere characteristic of the preppy ethos. By combining traditional elements with modern aesthetics, preppy decor encapsulates a timeless elegance that beckons a refined yet comfortable living experience. This decor philosophy transcends mere trends, embodying a lifestyle that resonates with those who appreciate classic designs interwoven with personal touches.
What Should A Preppy Interior Look Like?
Preppy style in interior design embodies a stately yet understated aesthetic, balancing formality with casual charm. Key elements include a wingback chair accompanied by a martini on a water-ring-stained mahogany table, showcasing the paradox of prep culture. Designer-created rooms inspire this timeless and sophisticated style without taking itself too seriously. Central to preppy decor are playful patterns and personal touches, such as gingham, stripes, plaid, and monogrammed items.
Incorporating a classic color palette with sophisticated furnishings results in a chic living space that reflects elegance and personality. This aesthetic, rooted in American elite culture and influenced by British elements, emphasizes comfort while channeling traditional themes. Preppy decor thrives on an eclectic mix of designs, including plaids, pastel colors like pink and green, and the quintessential country club vibe. Layered patterns, including animal prints, paisleys, houndstooth, and geometric shapes, enhance the preppy charm.
To curate your preppy sanctuary, consider incorporating iconic designs that resonate with your style. The enduring appeal of classic patterns is crucial; utilizing stripes, plaids, and herringbones can enhance the depth and character of your interior. Overall, preppy home decor is not merely a style but a lifestyle for enthusiasts, reflecting a serene yet vibrant ambiance memorable in its subtleness. Embrace these timeless elements to transform your space into a preppy haven.
What Are The Colours Of Preppy?
The preppy style is marked by its distinctive color palette and patterns, primarily featuring shades like blue, light blue, green, yellow, white, and black, often complemented by pink, beige, and bright red. Key colors in preppy fashion include navy blue, hunter green, and white, which serve as a versatile base, easily pairing with vibrant hues or preppy prints. Classic patterns such as stripes, polka dots, plaid, and florals are integral to achieving the preppy aesthetic.
Essential pieces include Oxford button-down shirts, polo shirts from brands like Ralph Lauren and Lacoste, and khaki pants, which form the backbone of a preppy wardrobe. To enhance the look, incorporating one patterned item can effortlessly transition an outfit to a more preppy vibe. Exploring color combinations like navy paired with khaki or bright colors like coral and emerald green can create engaging ensembles. The use of light pastels and earthy tones adds to the soft, clean aesthetic of the style.
Overall, the preppy look thrives on a balance of classic silhouettes, a clean color palette, and carefully chosen patterns that deliver timeless elegance. For inspiration, color palettes featuring pinks and greens can be crafted to elevate the preppy attire further, encouraging experimentation with different shades while maintaining a cohesive look.
What Is An Example Of A Preppy Look?
Preppy fashion, originating from Ivy League colleges in the mid-20th century, embodies a polished, classic aesthetic rooted in elite campus culture. Key elements include cardigans, tweed blazers, collared tops, Breton tops, sailor shorts, A-line skirts, chinos, shift dresses, and more. The style is characterized by tailored looks such as crisp plaid button-downs, chino shorts, loafers, and colorful polos with popped collars. Preppy fashion is a timeless trend that can be adapted for various occasions—from casual brunches to formal dinners—by seamlessly blending understated elegance with minimalistic details.
To master the preppy look, consider staples like classic polo shirts, rugby shirts, and structured silhouettes, paired with accessories like pearls and structured totes. As fashion continues to embrace preppy style, items like blazers and loafers resonate particularly with Gen Z. Structured silhouettes, pastel colors, plaid prints, and embroidery are central to this trend, featuring in the latest collections from brands such as Ralph Lauren.
For a quintessential preppy outfit, combine must-haves like a half-zip jumper over a check shirt with tailored trousers or stylish shorts. Overall, the preppy look celebrates tradition and classic style while promoting current trends. Embrace this aesthetic with careful selections, ensuring a wardrobe that reflects the sophistication and charm associated with the Ivy League lifestyle.
What Are The Colors Of Preppy?
The preppy style is defined by a unique color palette and specific patterns. Key colors include blue, light blue, green, yellow, white, and black, commonly enhanced with accents of pink, beige, and bright red. Achieving the perfect preppy vibe may require some effort, and tools like WhatColors' AI personal color analysis app can help simplify the selection.
To master the preppy look, one should consider the crucial elements, such as proper colors and patterns. While navy, white, khaki, and black are staple colors for preppy fashion, patterns like stripes, polka dots, plaid, and florals significantly contribute to the overall aesthetic. Notable preppy color combinations include pink and green, navy and white, and khaki paired with various shades, enhancing appeal and versatility.
Originating among Ivy League students in the early 20th century, the preppy style blends tradition with privilege and reflects a culture valuing quality. Classic preppy colors also include burgundy, emerald green, aqua, and coral, when additionally paired with a patterned piece, further solidifies a preppy outfit.
The fundamental format for putting together a preppy outfit involves combining two solid colors or neutrals with one patterned item, ensuring a clean yet sophisticated appearance. As one explores the preppy color palette, it’s advisable to stick to common shades like navy blue, white, and hunter green. By familiarizing oneself with the essential components of the preppy style, individuals can enhance their wardrobe and elevate their fashion expression.
What Is Classic Preppy Style?
Preppy style is a fashion aesthetic that originates from traditional East Coast American fashion, particularly influenced by Ivy League and nautical themes. This style embodies classic silhouettes, clean lines, and a refined yet casual approach to dressing. To achieve a preppy look, incorporating items like polo shirts, tailored button-downs, blazers, and loafers is essential. The aesthetic is characterized by structured silhouettes, pastel colors, plaid patterns, and embroidery, merging historical fashion elements with a personal sense of style.
Timeless staples, including cardigans and Mary Jane shoes, ensure classic preppy remains perpetually stylish, reflecting established codes of civility and good taste. Clean, well-tailored clothing made from high-quality fabrics, along with vibrant colors and classic patterns, are distinctive features of this look. While it conveys a polished appearance, preppy style maintains a casual, coastline vibe.
The essentials include bold varsity jackets and recognizable logos, establishing the ultimate groundwork for this beloved aesthetic. As preppy fashion has evolved, it continues to draw upon its rich heritage while adapting to contemporary influences, ensuring its place in modern wardrobes.
What Is A Preppy Home?
The preppy home aesthetic is a classic all-American style characterized by sophistication and lively colors, according to interior designer Shivani Vyas, owner of Studio Vyas in Macon, Georgia. This decor style combines timeless elegance with playful charm, embracing traditional elements, refined details, and a vibrant palette. Curating a preppy style can be achieved through simple additions, such as monogrammed accessories or comprehensive decorations like wallpaper. A modern preppy home bar balances sleek design with warm hospitality, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Preppy decor typically features traditional furnishings made of classic materials, an eclectic mix of patterns like plaids and checks, and soft pastel colors such as pink and green. The aesthetic resembles preppy fashion, integrating layered designs like gingham and madras, and includes nautical or sporty touches, embodying a lifestyle for purists. Preppy homes highlight hand-me-downs and family heirlooms, incorporating worldly elements like vintage suitcases and steamer trunks.
To create a preppy space, consider timeless color schemes and sophisticated furnishings, with items like blue and white accents and gingham prints. Ultimately, the preppy style combines classic charm with a modern perspective reminiscent of Ivy League elegance, ensuring its aesthetic never goes out of style.
What Is The Definition Of Preppy Style?
Preppy style is distinguished by classic patterns and vibrant colors, particularly navy and white stripes, extending beyond its country club origins into everyday fashion. Price and stock may change post-publication, and affiliate links may yield commissions. Generation Alpha has adapted the preppy aesthetic to represent a "girly" style, heavily featuring bright colors, especially pink. The term "preppy" has evolved from its Ivy League roots to define a widely recognized fashion and lifestyle statement, originally linked to American college-preparatory schools. It denotes individuals associated with these schools, characterized by a specific vocabulary and dress style.
According to online monitoring firm Bark, "preppy" now conveys a vivid, feminine aesthetic. The modern preppy look deviates from traditional elements like sweater vests, favoring a more relaxed style with items like pink Stanley tumblers and Lululemons. This transformation from the crisp polos and pleated skirts of the late ’90s and early 2000s illustrates a shift towards more casual interpretations. Preppy now encompasses structured silhouettes, pastel shades, basic garments, and plaid prints.
Additionally, the redefinition of preppy by Gen Z shifts away from its "New England country club" image to embrace a more "relaxed and beachy Southern charm." Ultimately, preppy style symbolizes a blend of timeless tradition and contemporary flair, marked by clean lines, tailored fits, and a lively color palette, highlighting leading brands like Lululemon.
What Is Preppy Style Decor?
The preppy design style emphasizes layered patterns as its cornerstone, incorporating elements like plaid, madras, stripes, houndstooth, and gingham to create an inviting atmosphere. This style marries sophistication with a relaxed vibe, showcasing bright colors and classic patterns while maintaining a traditional essence. Originating in the late 19th century and popularized in the 1980s by Lisa Birnbach’s "The Official Preppy Handbook," preppy interior design mirrors preppy fashion with its focus on layered patterns, pastel palettes, and nautical or sporty motifs. It's characterized by a blend of stately yet understated aesthetics, formal yet casual ambiance, and an overall timeless nature that combines classic and modern elements.
Preppy decor is more than a decorating approach; it reflects a lifestyle aligned with country clubs, family traditions, and a genteel outlook on work and leisure. Furnishings typically feature traditional profiles and materials, including club chairs, Chesterfield sofas, and bamboo étagères, promoting a sophisticated atmosphere. The preppy design trend includes vibrant colors, monogram decor, and various motifs, all encapsulating the essence of collegiate charm.
To embrace this timeless aesthetic, one can explore decorating ideas ranging from plaid and pastels to bold navy hues, ensuring that the room feels stylish and refined. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your bedroom or other spaces, the preppy style offers numerous avenues for creating a charming, inviting ambiance that never goes out of style.
What Is A Preppy Bedroom?
The preppy interior design style encompasses a unique blend of classic elegance and energetic eccentricity, making it a versatile choice for every room in a home. Preppy aesthetics are characterized by vibrant colors and playful patterns, which can be tailored to reflect personal taste, incorporating motifs like animal prints. Implementing preppy elements can be as straightforward as adding monogrammed accessories or as intricate as wallpapering an entire room. A youthful preppy teen bedroom makeover may involve bold hues, trendy accents, and lively design themes, often drawing inspiration from floral, leaf, and vine motifs that evoke a cheerful ambiance.
To create a glamorous preppy space, incorporating design elements such as monograms, stripes, and pastel colors is key, alongside geometric wallpapers or iconic preppy designs. The essence of a preppy room mirrors that of a preppy wardrobe, favoring traditional lines, classic materials, and a mix of patterns. Nautical motifs and a color palette that pivots from rich reds and navy blues to softer pinks and greens are hallmarks of this style.
Inspired by the Ivy League culture of the United States, preppy room decor emphasizes a balance of elegance and comfort. This approach aims to craft an inviting and stylish environment that resonates with refinement and playfulness, embodying a timeless aesthetic to delight in.
📹 OLD MONEY STYLE Ralph Lauren Interiors Preppy Ivy League Aesthetic Home Decor
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Yes, by definition cacophony is sound, but that’s what makes it great metaphor. We call outfits loud, too much pattern busy or noisy. Similarly, a sound can be sharp, flat, dark, or bright. A person can be sweet, or bitter and salty. Mixing senses to evoke a certain feeling has always been a golden standard in language. Cacophony was a great word choice.
Nick, I’m a professional writer, and have been a Poet Laureate, which sounds far grander than it is. With the underwhelming authority which does not dim our inner pomp, I wave my non-existent Sceptre of Verse and declare you blessed in the use of Cacaphony of Colour. It’s poetic and accurately describes the feel of these overdone orgies of clashing pattern and tone.
I’ve gotten really into what some call “Modern Colonial”. Taking my existing clean scandi furniture from Ikea and adding traditional pieces as accents: moody gilded oil paintings, brass candlestick holders and tapered candles, dark wood accents, unique thrift shop finds as decor on my bookshelves. I’m LOVING it. Comfortable and modern, but also cozy and with lots of moments of character and history. My style inspo has been Caroline Winkler’s apartment.
My European opinion as to the shabby chic: In the early 2000s it was french inspired (with a good dose swedish country mixed in) and actually (it was all white/light grey/pweter/silver and later came the brass. This really came to an end 2015ish. Than post-covid came cottagecore, which has some overlap, but the main inspiration is British country style: gingham, stripes, flowers, pastels… the modern farmhouse never went super mainstream here in Europe. There is as well some overlapp between a traditional arts and crafts and british cottage style. I myself really like that crafty, handmade, down to earth, yet classy style of british country life. But I live on an island in Norway in an old chapel from 1860, so I have to make it fit in here. 🙂
Im an Aussie. I live in Brisbane. PLEASE come! You can stay with us! We have a big house with a huge covered deck backing onto natural rainforest. You’ll love it. We are not perfect and our home has a lot of things I want to do to it, but I agree. Australian designers are amazing (and I’m saying that having lived in the states for 15 years). That being said, we recently visited New Zealand. Oh wow. You must also visit there! I think what you’ll appreciate are the use of the natural environment, natural light, natural finishings from native woods etc and the overall effect of calm, comforting sophistication and luxury. The eye relaxes and is drawn OUT – to our amazing views, devoid of pretentiousness. Anyway, thank you for your compliment. We are very proud here in Australia and New Zealand 😊. Always welcome. We’ll show you around and have the family over for a barbecue. By the way, best time of year to come is any time from March through to October. BEST time is August to October I think 😊
LOTR is great representation of different design styles. A lot of people have noticed that elves use Art Nouveau and that dwarves like Art Deco. Nick is so right about Hobbity art and crafts. It makes you wonder about Middle Earth’s other inhabitants. How would goblins and trolls decorate their dens? What is Sauron’s preferred decor?
I live on a farm. I love the cottage core style. It fits my life style. Plus if you thrift the details it won’t matter if it’s out in a couple of years but I will say keep the big stuff classic. The cottage core trend feels easy when you have kids. It hides stains well. I can’t imagine kids in an extreme minimalist home. The two doesn’t exist 😂
Absolute minimalism – if you ever watched Absolutely Fabulous, Edina and Patsy(?) were in an acquaintance’s 90’s minimalist home. They searched in vain for a place to put down their alcoholic (obv 😹) drinks and bemoaning about the lack of surfaces, and unable to tell anything apart due to the blinding white!
HAHA!!!!! Loving the Anne of Green Gables reference! As a born and raised islander, PEI, you nailed it! I love the feel of a warm & cozy cottage. I’m currently renovating and I am 100% following my heart with an English country cottage vibe ❤ My husband is a furniture maker in his spare time so I’m lucky to be able to incorporate as much wood as possible.
You also make the best point that I’ve also felt, so many of these designs work (or don’t work) depending on the type of house. If you literally live on a farm, in an old house, the farmhouse style is truly timeless. If you live in a stucco block house in HOA-land Florida farmhouse is gonna look dated. There are a lot of styles I like or appreciate, but what I pick for my house, I have to take into consideration the architecture of my actual house. I moved in in 2019, when farmhouse was the rage, but it just didn’t fit the house. I’m surrounded by NC forest, so I’ve slowly brought in elements of the outside environments from the color pallets, some paintings of flowers and trees, random bird figurines, and wooden family heirloom pieces. It has a touch of whimsy, cottage, and arts and crafts and it just works for the building type. So many diverse styles appeal to me; if you’re like that too, I’d say the best way to narrow your focus is to start with “but will it work with this style house?”.
Live with what you love, and who cares about trends except to watch fun shows like yours. We all change slowly over time and so should our surroundings. My passion has been English country house style over many decades (my so. CA version lol) and like everything else it’s changed over the years, which is what keeps it interesting.
Love this. Cottagecore: I grew up on a farm, and NO PHOTO EVER from the pages of any Country Living magazine or “country” interior design ever looked like my home. Anne of Green Gables is indeed a fantasy — cute, but fantasy. Since I grew up in a cluttered, disorganized farmhouse where both parents farmed, and “interior design” was unheard of, but saving EVERYTHING was the way to go, I’m now a minimalist. Not an extreme minimalist, but a regular “curated” minimalist. Do I use it? It stays. Anything else — gone.
Art deco is stunning and works so well with color drenching, tones rather than tints, and even sub genres like dark academia and more. It’ll probably stay popular as long as the color stories stay popular. Like you said about the pendulum swing – it’s a happy middle ground of balance between being curated, using beautiful wood tones, color saturation, and a lot of the shapes are carried through mid century, which is found widely in thrift stores. Arches, geometry, wallpaper – love love love
I agree mostly. But when it comes to the first photo from shabby chic, the one with the blue walls and green door with a bench. That is not shabby chic. It is from a Swedish building antiquarian Erika Åberg´s home and i can tell you that her home is not about shabby chic. I bet she would cringe if she knew you added that photo to that style. 🙂 She has renovated a old wooden house back to its traditional style and it is Scandinavian, but more in the terms of cottagecore, but traditional. You only see the poarch, but the inside is something absolutely stunning. Thank you for sharing Nick!
Aussie here. Also, first time commenter, MASSIVE binge watcher over the past couple of months as ‘the algorithm’ threw your website in my path. I literally subscribed in the first article I watched (which I never do) I’ve watched almost all of your content in a short space of time. I am a 55 yo single woman who has no clue about interior design who is blessed to be moving into a brand new home near the beach in March 25. Thanks to you, I have found my style, and over the last 3 weeks I have had the confidence to go order lots of new furniture. I was actually anxious & stressed about it before I found your website. So thank you! I’ve loved perusal your really old articles & seeing how much more confidant & ‘you’ that you are now! ADORE your sarcasm, we could be related! Please fly to Australia in March and come help my put my new house together! I’m more than happy to be roasted for my choices 😂 (I have dubbed myself 75% scandi 25% (classy) coastal) 😆
Timeless styles are always in within the proper context. My first house was a 1952 faux Frank Loyd Wright bungalow starter house. It had black and green tile on the counter tops trimmed with stainless steel rails. It looked great. The previous owner put in parque floors down the main hallway. It never looked proper, but I left it because I was poor as a church mouse.
I love Art Deco, too, and despised that whole glam movement. It was art deco as interpreted by the Dollar Store. Your use of cacophany was very expressive and appropriate. The term itself may typically be used as a description of sound. My understanding of it in that context made it easy for me to understand your application of it in relation to color and pattern. Nice job, Nick!
I have loved mid-century since I was a little girl and I don’t think I’ll ever abandon it however I’m very attracted to contemporary arts & crafts. I really do appreciate how much better made older furniture is made and I have always respected how original arts and crafts was a reaction to the poor quality from the industrial revolution. I can only pray for a similar Renaissance away from Temu/Shein/Fast Fashion TRASH. I think the key with all these new styles in keeping your home up to date or stylish is carefully mixing styles with changes here and rotating out really dated items if they absolutely cannot be refreshed.
As an Aussie, this is the first time I have heard Australia mentioned in the same sentence as “leading contemporary design”. It’s all about lifestyle and living in spaces. Yes, you should come here, and you can knock on my door and see a typical Queenslander (type of house,) space with big verandahs and decks. Indoor/,outdoor living, we cook outside half the time. Interesting that Australians turn to the US and Europe for inspiration. We also buy the set! But we mix ar,t, pillows etc so it isn’t flat.
Nick thanks for the update. I’ve loved Victorian influenced design for years. I recently moved and furnished my condo in CT on a budget with vintage and antique furniture, mostly purchased on Facebook marketplace and refinished. The exterior of the condo development is very traditional white/black and stone old farm. There are some modern or whimsical elements mixed with my Victorian and 1920s to 40s furnishings to make it feel less stuffy. Yes? Wish I could have your opinion because I have to live with this style for a little while. On the other hand, I currently love it.
I started looking to redo my flat in 2022, saw the extreme maximalism and fell a bit in love. But I knew I couldn’t achieve it (and long term it would drive me crazy) so I worked out what I liked and went from there (it took some time). My flat is largely thrifted furniture (predominantly traditional), lots of wood and otherwise neutral colours, with walls and accents in green and purple. I am certain any designer would hate it (!), but I’m really pleased with what I’ve been able to intuit from trends and commentary.
The start of this vid I was thinking “he’s just describing Australian homes” and then he referenced us! Maybe its because housing and owning a home is so core to the Australian lifestyle, and DIY is very normal here, so renovating older homes and having the mix of old and new is very common. Cool observation!
After renting for many years and being limited by landlords, I just bought my first apartment and I am planning the renovation and decor. I really like your point of understanding the setting, it truly would clash to have farm decor in my apartment in a 60’s building in a Madrid working class neighbourhood. I loved mid century decor, but now it is so overdone and replicated that it is losing the appeal and essence. Still, there are some pieces I will buy anyway because they bring good memories, such as the Cesca chairs my uncles had in their home and that fascinated me as a child when I visited. Such a pity they threw them away when they sold the house in 2020, before they were mainstream again, originals are worth a ton now. Same with scandinavian style, it became corrupted by replication and lost its essence! I lived in Sweden for some years and homes were warm, personal and welcoming despite their simplicity, but when people now replicate the replicas, without understanding the core values, it feels outdated, when in reality the original in its right setting is timeless
I really do appreciate how you describe and break down what works and doesn’t work about style trends. My bedroom could use a refresh, but I love all of the pieces in it for different reasons… collected over time, some are hand painted (by me), and everything ties together by color and feel more than being pigeon holed into a label. You have me thinking about things differently and looking at my space with a lens I haven’t considered before. Thank you!
Nick. Art Deco never went out! It just had to lighten up at times. Although I agree with your concerns of confusing it with Glam. Post Modern – never appealed to me. (Sends shudders down my spine.) 😖 Mom renovated an elderly 2-family home years ago, and Victorian was the theme. Fortunately, modern Victoriana has streamlined itself. We’re no longer concerned with the immodesty of shapely table legs (for the most part). Anyone who didn’t get the memo: Lighten up on the tchotchkes! This goes for any design style (except extreme minimalism, in which case, you’re good). Less is more! Keep safety and practicality in mind. Frayed electrical cords are to be repaired or replaced. Don’t use that antique lamp until it’s safe to do so. Nothing should trip those walking through your house. This includes curled-up edges of carpet. YOU WILL catch your foot on it during a midnight stroll to the bathroom. I know this personally. Also, have nothing rickety. If nobody should sit in 3x great granny’s rocker – tie a conspicuously large silky ribbon across the arms to convey that message. Costing a lot doesn’t make something “valuable.” Some high-priced shabby chic looks like it was, authentically, found on the side of the road. (That’s not the compliment some people think it is.)
My personal style descriptive’s are; Rustic, Vintage, Cottage. No ruffles, no mushrooms, neutral backdrop with mid-tone un-ornate wood pieces suits me just fine. Cottage style can be cozy elegance without an over-powering Grandma or Fairy-fantasy influence. Tonal spaces with classic patterns like plaid, stripes and windowpane are enough combined with a mix of textural textiles.
You would love Australia. It’s a magical place filled with amazing people. Historically, people there would tell you they were at least 10 years behind so the fact that you see them as being cutting edge is super cool. I love the indoor/outdoor lifestyle that I think their design leans towards but most of Australia has the weather to live that way. lol
Glad to see the formal, elegant, and traditional Victorian aesthetic being “in.” I decorate in very much a Victorian, meets Regency, with a helping of French country style. I still adore the look of Shabby Chic, as well. I am unashamed! Pamela Anderson’s old Frenchie/Shabby Chic Malibu Beach House (watch her MTV Cribs article) has LONG been a dream Home aesthetic for me. 🖤
Nick, just started perusal your articles. We are building a house (framing is done) and I’m trying to get the “feel” of the whole design. I like MCM, Scandinavian, Japanese, Art Deco, Mission, Arts and Crafts. Kind of all over the place. I really enjoy your snarky humor but more so how you put up great images to illustrate what you are saying at just the right time.
I don’t watch Nick all the time, because YT doesn’t recommend him often, but I remember when I found his website, I think it’s when he started it….and I have to say, Nicks website has grown, and I am not talking about subscriber count, I’m talking about the level of Snark. His sarcasm has bloomed into a lovely little gem. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Oh, I think I finally see my closest “style” – I’m kinda in there between traditional and contemporary arts and craft, I think. I definitely have a maximalist streak, but I swear that it’s not on purpose! I just have too much furniture that I like too much to part with, and too many hobbies for any healthy individual, and it shows! 😅
I am a professional interior designer, and a LOVER of Art Deco, and the danger of designing Art Deco is that a lack of understanding historical relevancy leads people to associating Art Deco with kitchsy Halloween party style “art deco”. It’s the teal velvet couch, yellow brass accents, and cheap geometric wallpaper of it all. Art Deco has been so watered down by our culture, and our interiors die by the same sword that made us all associate fringe mini dresses and a headband with the 1920s.
Hi Nick! You sure cram a lot of information in! I’m learning to listen faster! I agree with you on all these tired dated- looking styles. I also clicked the link for your article 1 1/2 years ago and you look 10 years younger! So as you always remind us…this is just my opinion, you’re the one who has to live with your mirror, just do what you want really…HA! Really love YOUR style of communicating, facial hair or not!
Minimalish is a good place. I think no matter your style esthetic, the less extraneous stuff in your home makes it more livable and easy to maintain. If you don’t love it, if you don’t use it, if it does not add to your life, if it’s collecting dust, maybe it’s time to re-visit keeping it and letting it go.
Wishing you the Happiest New Year, Dearest Nick. I hope 2025 rings in the future and achievements you are aiming for. Looking forward to seeing you throughout the year. Thank you for your efforts this past year. You have brought and I’m sure shall continue to bring inspiration and pleasure as we sit and listen to you with our cups of coffee or tea. So Cheers from your friend from the Land Down Under.
I totally agree with designing to match the context of your home’s architecture, geographic location, climate, etc, and I long to do that. But if you live in a suburban subdivision developed in 2002 because that’s the housing you can afford, what’s the inspirational context? You can pull from the traditions of the greater region, but even that starts to feel a little goofy in the ticky tacky places that many of us can afford.
I’m in Darwin Australia and renovating and decorating my trad Darwin elevated home which has basically a tropical jungle wrapped around it, starting with a jarrah wood floor and louvre windows. Think you might hate what I’m doing though. Kind of artsy hippy kind of thing. Can’t help myself, it just happened… Regardless I find your hints and discussions super helpful.
I agree Arts &Crafts is gorgeous in antiques and as long as we are reusing or recycling wood for current projects it’s great. Otherwise, in the current state of our world’s eco system and deforestation, it’s not sustainable. Cutting down old growth trees and rainforests to plant exotic woods only to be also cut down, in the name of art for the wealthy to clad their walls,for a trend, is a further death knoll for us all.
me realizing I have been mixing all of the ‘IN’ styles in my new space: whoa. I didn’t realize people still pick a design style/era and totally move with it! my home is just a harmonized mix of all the different styles I love (and yes, I do love a little cottage-y folky moment like a quilted pillow, crocheted granny throw, or mushroom art HAHA)
I’ve always loved a more traditional/Victorian style, but am starting to lean towards the craftsman style now. I think part of cottage core is having the traditional style, but more fussy. But our house right now is more unfinished diy. I want to actually get the things I can do done in January. And hopefully, the things that need professionals will be done before summer.
Hi, love you too, Nick! So glad you recognise our amazing arch and interior designs down here in Oz. There are many outstanding homes here, really coming to the fore over the last decade. Love your vids, about to embark on what’s probably my last build (almost 60yrs old F), going for a New Traditional/Transitional pavilion (x3 pavs) Farmhouse on 5 acres 15 mins outside the Capital. :)))
When one says “clarion call”, one is rarely referring to the original meaning of the loud sound. “Cacophony of color” is both great and appropriate. Three years ago, I had my place remodeled. I went with modern Craftsman without knowing that was what it was called. Now I have a label! I also have puppet show curtains, a phrase I don’t like as much as “cacophony of color”, but which is permanently burned into my brain. Thanks for that.
This is my favorite article of yours, and I haven’t even watched the whole article, yet. You mentioned two of the best authors, ever! JRR Tolkien and Lucy Maude Montgomery, both who created interior spaces with words. Green Gables and the cozy home in the ground of the hobbit. Both are places that I cherish, even if they only exist on the page and in my heart.
I like both traditional and modern styles, since my grandma is traditional, crystal dishes and all and other grandma (but with grandpa’s influence) mid century modern, just like your style. I prefer the second, it feels so light and simplistically pretty but I also like to incorporate more traditional elements, like cushions with flowers and ‘treasure’ chests, my own paintings
My house is art deco. I’ve always loved the style and yes i’ve got a bit of that popular art deco wallpaper but most of my pieces have taken a while to acquire because as you say – they are expensive. I’ve just redone my kitchen and i had so much fun incorporating art deco elements. Even if it goes out of style i don’t think id change it much.