I understand, I get it. You want your bedroom to spout that you are an heiress to a Hamptons estate, without having that trust fund, right? Lucky you since more than simple navy blazers and dull plaid designs have been in vogue with preppy bedroom decor. I have been ruminating lately over these trends and I have to say that on some of them I was surprised.
Following my room makeover last year and those of a few friends bedrooms, I now realise that modern preppy style is more vibrant than one could imagine. Ready to make your bedroom a posh retreat that you envisioned it to be?
Classic Color Palettes with Modern Twists
Navy and White Never Gets Old
No need to say preppy without the power couple you’re talking about: navy and white. But where it gets really interesting is I’m seeing people add in random unexpected textures and patterns that take this combo classic and make it brand new.
An example would be light-colored linens with a dark blue headboarded, but add in some kind of textured pillows or an antique-style rug. The trick is to contrast navy blues, in paler tones all the way up to soft powder blue.
| Element | Traditional | Modern Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Walls | Plain white | Navy accent wall |
| Bedding | Solid colors | Mixed patterns |
| Accessories | Minimal | Layered textures |
Pink and Green: The Unexpected Winner’
I feel that this is a major combination at the moment, and I am loving it! We are referring to the dappled light pinks that will blend with the sage greens, not loud bright pinks that the teenager version of you might like. This colour scheme takes the preppy garden party look and brings it to your bedroom.
I actually recently ysed this trend to help a friend incorporate into it and what we used pink pillows on a duvet on white with green curtains. The result? Stunning and loads more sophisticated than it sounds.
Statement Wallpaper That Actually Works
Chinoiserie Patterns
Ever wondered why chinoiserie wallpaper makes everything look expensive? It’s because it literally screams old money without saying a word. These intricate patterns featuring birds, flowers, and scenic landscapes add instant sophistication to any bedroom.
Pro tip: You will not need to wallpaper the whole room. Instead of an accent wall around the entire room, an accent wall behind your headboard will have maximum impact but without looking overwhelming.
Gingham Gets Grown Up
Okay, listen to this one. I know a fabric like gingham wallpaper might be associated with a rustic country kitchen, but using this wallpaper in the right way it can create preppy perfection. The secret is to take bigger scale patterns with subdued hues like sage green or dusty blue.
I was doubtful until I saw it in real life – it is not to busy but adds interest and texture. It also photographs really well in case you like that Instagram look 😛
Furniture Pieces That Make a Statement
Canopy Beds Are Back
Four poster and canopy beds are definitely raising their head and it was about time. These beds immediately raise the level of elegance in your bedroom and assure that you have a luxurious hotel feel every night.
The new one tends to be sleeker with the use of lighter components. Consider light colored or natural wooden frames, instead of darker heavy ones. Curtains can be DIY too, wasting not money but also your time!
Vintage-Inspired Nightstands
Artificial nightstands? It was last decade, The modern tendency is to have vintage pieces that do not match or vintage furniture with story behind it. Seek styles with exciting hardware, shape or unusual color.
When I painted my favorite nightstand $30 pick up at the thrift store it looks like it was a designer piece.
Textile Layers That Add Luxury
Mix Your Patterns Like a Pro
Here the fun starts with Slovak preppy style pattern mixing! The trick is to stick to a similar range of colors and differ on the scales of patterns. Try pairing:
- Large floral prints with small geometric patterns
- Stripes with polka dots or checks
- Solid colors as your neutral base
Start with small pieces such as throw pillows in case you are not confident of carrying through larger items.
Quality Over Quantity
High quality textiles are the hallmark of preppy. Try a high-quality bed linen: pure cotton sheets, down-filled comforter, and woolen covers. Those items may be more expensive initially, but they will keep you going strong in years to come and, immediately, will transform the atmosphere of any space.
I learned this the hard way, I bought the cheapest bedding and after three wash it looked awful: /prites
Lighting That Sets the Mood
Brass Fixtures Make Everything Better
Brass lighting is the trend of this moment and I am all over it. Brass creates a warm, classic glow and can be used as a bedside lamp, ceiling light or wall sconces to glam up your bedroom.
The trick here is to use contrasting brass colours, some items can be bright and others matte. This avoids being matchy- matchy.
Natural Light is Your Best Friend
FYI, maximizing natural light has to be the first consideration. Preppy is best in open airy rooms. Consider:
- Sheer curtains instead of heavy drapes
- Light-colored furniture to reflect light
- Mirrors strategically placed to bounce light around
Art and Accessories That Tell Your Story
Gallery Walls with Personality
Abandon the generic inspiring quotes and make a gallery wall that is actually representative of something you are interested in. You could frame some photos, little paintings, possibly some old postcards or botanical prints.
The key is same frame colors but different size. White, gold or natural wood frames do the job in creating that preppy look.
Books as Decoration
No better way to give the appearance of well-read, sophisticated than to have books in strategically placed position. Place them on night-stands or shelves, or utilise them as risers of ornamental things.
Tip: Take off the dust jackets to give it a cleaner more streamlined look. Typically, the real book spines are with great colors and typography.
Window Treatments That Actually Matter
Layered Curtains for Maximum Impact
And a single panel of basic curtains will no longer do. Hang a sheet of paint on the wall with a thicker curtain or with matching color or print. The style provides you with privacy choices and gives it a visual appeal and texture.
I like this technique that even little windows will look bigger and more significant in the room.
Roman Shades Add Structure
Roman shades have that custom demeanor that exudes preppy sophistication. Select them in traditional designs such as flowers or stripes, or get solid colors that will match the rest of the coloration.
They are particularly useful in bedrooms that have several windows where a curtain would have blockbuster effect.
Storage Solutions That Don’t Compromise Style
Wicker and Rattan Baskets
Functional storage need not be sub-par. Rattan accessories and wicker baskets create a textured look as well as keeping order to your space. Put them to good use with all types of additional items including more blankets and magazines.
These organic materials incorporate that laid back beachy fiber that offset’s more preppy squaring off – perfectly.
Vintage Trunks and Chests
A vintage trunk at the foot of your bed is accessible storage and a place to sit. Search out things with unusual hardware or paint them in your colors.
I got mine in an estate sale and it has become one of my favorite items in the room.
Personal Touches That Make It Yours
Family Photos in Beautiful Frames
Your bedroom must be intimate not hotel-like. Put family snapshots in a similar frame, or make up a little album of your own.
Select frame colours that suit your broader personal style e.g. silver to cool palettes, brass to warm tones, or white to clean and classic.
Collections with Character
Collections of any kind can range anywhere from vintage perfume bottles, small sculptures, or beautiful jewelry boxes and add unique personality to your space. When grouping, do so with items that have as much impact as possible.
The trick is to edit your collections – you do not have to show everything at once.
Achieving that genuine preppy bedroom without it feeling like a thrown back college dorm room is all about striking a balance between fundamental preppy basics with personal touches as well as contemporary updates. You do not have to spend a lot of money or adhere to each and every trend to get the needed effects: choose the ones that appeal to you more and make them fit in the limits of your budget and the capacity of the available space.
Key in mind that preppy bedrooms look natural, though we all know that it takes a lot of planning. Start with one or two items of this list and get going. Your high- beloved peace is here!