Last week, Lisa Birnbach, author of “The Official Preppy Handbook” (1980) was in Washington promoting her new and updated guide to the preppy lifestyle, “True Prep” (2010). There have also been reports of ’prep’ styles making a return to the spotlight in fall fashion previews, magazines and on the radio. Clearly, preppy is making a comeback! So, I thought I would contribute to the movement by focusing a blog on preppy home design.
Many people think of preppy in terms of fashion, but in reality preppy is a culture that permeates not only fashion, but also overall style, vocabulary, education and interests. While preppy culture has been criticized and made fun of in the past, there is a clean, fresh and happy vibe when you translate preppy ideas into interior spaces.
One of the most famous ‘prep’ trend-setters is Lilly Pulitzer. Through the sixties and seventies, the Lilly Pulitzer line was the unofficial uniform of the affluent at play. Lilly Pulitzer stores sprang up in the favorite resorts of the jet set and Lilly’s pink and green colors became the banner of the preppy lifestyle. In 1993 with the revival of the Lilly Pulitzer brand, the line was expanded to include high-end bedding. With this entre into home design, Lilly Pulitzer really paved the way for preppy interiors.
Some preppy rooms have a vibrant coastal mood (like that of Palm Springs) while others evoke a more country vibe. Prep isn’t for everyone, but it definitely holds a place in the design world with its unique flair that stands out from so many other styles. Here are a few rooms that I love that demonstrate ‘preppy design’ at its finest!
Preppy Chic living spaces like this one often infuse styles seen in preppy clothing. For example, the horizontal stripes on this wall remind me of a preppy belt or an Eliza B sandal.
I love the use of pink, green and the balance of black to pull this room together. While there is a lot of pink in th space, the walls or so subtle, it doesn’t feel overdone. Isn’t it pretty?
Look how stunning the green hues are in this room with the subtle pops of color in the books, florals, lamp and piping on the ottomans. What a beautiful ensemble!
What a load of pink and prep! The room below is one bold living room. It is fabulous!
Don your Vineyard Vines ties and Lily Pulitzer dresses for this dinner. The subtle use of pale purple with the bolder green is such a nice backdrop for elegant preppy dining.
A fun aspect of prep design is the bright and cheerful colors that are used in a space. For example, these salmon colored dining chairs below pop without making the room feel like it’s too bold.
Check out this beautiful little girl’s room below. Don’t you just love the combination of pink and green? I absolutely think it is adorable and wish I could have a room like this in my house, but at my age and with no children to claim it, it probably isn’t the best fit. Oh well, I will just have to find a client who wants something similar for her little girl, so I can design it and live vicariously through her little princess. 
Pretty in Pink. This eclectic room uses preppy colors like pink and orange to make a bold statement with color.
Argyle is one of my favorite patterns. Check out this beautiful baby’s room below. Isn’t the argyle mural to die for?
This robin’s-egg blue and gold bedroom has beautiful symmetry and prestige. Isn’t the canopy absolutely stunning?
The inlaid panels in this room is a beautiful backdrop for the pink and green in this room. Check out the hot pink fabric on the chair. Isn’t it fabulous!!!
Do you have a preppy inspired space to share? Please post a photo as I would love to see your finds.
If you’d like help transforming your house into the home you desire, contact me about our design services.
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