If you are looking for tasteful decor that makes you smile when you enter the room, we have an idea for you. Consider preppy room decor to brighten your day. Preppy and glamorous room decor is a touch whimsical and a touch sophisticated. Bright cheerful color combinations full of art and comfortable, heartwarming bedding combine to create preppy room decor anyone will love.
In This Article
What is Preppy Room Decor?
The word preppy is from the word prep, which indicates someone who goes to a private prep school. This upper-class subculture lifestyle included the way they spoke, dressed, acted, and behaved. This was first a fashion statement, a style of dressing that students who attended these expensive schools wore. Preppy has evolved throughout time as a decor style. There is East coast preppy that is more formal and Southern coastal preppy that is lighter and less formal.
How To Create A Preppy Room Decor?
Preppy room decor gets its inspiration from the south with brighter colors and whimsical, youthful designs. It is happy, lighthearted, and trendy. So how do you create preppy room decor? We have some easy tips and tricks to create preppy room decor that is tasteful, beautiful, and stunning. There are no fast, set rules however the following is a guide to this trending decor style.
1. Preppy Paint Palette Sets The Stage
The color palette you select will set the stage for your preppy room decor. Narrow down two or three colors that you like. This foundation color will set the stage for all the other decorating elements in the room. The right wall color is key.
White and shades of white, cream, and neutrals are a great place to start. The last thing you want is for colors to clash. If you prefer a preppy color, consider light pastels like pink, blue, green, and yellow.
Here is a great example from Etsy:
2. Preppy Window Treatments & Coordinating Area Rugs
Now that you have your colors selected, two other foundational elements in preppy room decor are the window treatments and throw rugs. If you are fortunate enough to have beautiful windows to let the natural light flow in, that’s great.
Instead of heavy fabric drapes that are more classic and traditional, select a lighter, flowing sheer fabric in a neutral shade that complements the wall color. Window treatments like shutters that can open and close or a simple fabric topper above the window add a nice, touch without weighing the room down. Then, select one colorful area rug or multiple rugs to coordinate with the window treatments.
Think about how the rug feels when you walk across it in your bare feet. Go for petal soft and fluffy.
Add multiple area rugs if your room is large enough. For example, display a welcome-style rug at the entrance, a larger colorful, and fluffy one in the middle of the room, and a smaller, smiley face patterned area rug at the bottom of the bed.
3. Preppy Furniture is Fabulous
Glamour and gorgeous is on the list for preppy room decor furniture. Practical and pretty are two elements that will fill your room with style. Similar to wall color, go for lighter, cheerful pink, turquoise, blue, yellow, or white.
You can mix and match colors for an eclectic look or select bed frames, chairs, dressers, desks, and other fabulous furniture that is monochromatic, one color.
This is visually easier on the eyes and looks more sophisticated, especially with the addition of different colored preppy accents. Create a focal point with a colorful oversized bean bag chair or hanging chair.
4. Preppy Bedding Pillows and Throws
Now the fun begins. Adding a combination of bedding, pillows, and throws adds a preppy personality to your preppy decor.
This is especially the case if your walls are a set color, and you can’t paint them. Go for a fresh, pastel color palette and really comfortable, luxurious fabrics.
Layer large accent pillows with medium and smaller accent pillows. Accent pillows that are different shapes adds a delightful dimension. Casually display warm and cozy throws at the end of your bed and over chairs.
Think soft feel good to touch materials, whimsical prints, floral patterns, hearts, and other feel-good designs. Mix and match fabrics for cheerful and eye-catching comfort. Consider combining and mixing patterns with stripes.
5. Preppy Lamps, Mirrors, and String Lights
Lighting can instantly change the look and feel of a room. Lamps and string lights not only add a special touch to your preppy room decor but also enhance the space with beauty and style. Hang whimsical and romantic string lights above your desk or throughout the entire room.
Select a light-up mirror with big bulbs inspired by old Hollywood vanities and display a colorful lamp, maybe in the shape of a pelican or seashell on your nightstand. A dramatic neon light adds an unexpected touch to your preppy-style atmosphere.
6. Preppy Accessories with Personality
The final touches on your preppy room decor are totally up to you. Start with a framed inspirational message on your dresser and a colorful flower by the window. Hang cheerful wall art above the bed and display a motivational mug for a catch-all on your desk. Set fragrant candles in fresh and bright dishes on your bookshelf.
Create a collection or collage of selfies with friends and family and post them on a bulletin board. Surrounding your room with things your love and memories of people you love to reflect your individuality. As time goes by, you will begin to settle into your new preppy room decor and add more accessories to show your personality.
7. Preppy Patterns and Signs
As mentioned earlier, the preppy decor trend is all about making you happy when you spend time in your room. It is also summery, whimsical, and cheerful. If you like your room filled with preppy patterns and signs, make it work for you. If you like the less is more approach go for one or two patterns and shapes which is just as effective. Make your preppy style work for you. Take a look at a few popular preppy patterns to inspire you.
- Animal prints
- Butterflies
- Bees
- Cowboy and cowgirl themes
- Emojis
- Peace signs
- Fish
- Parachutes
- Flowers and floral prints
- Palm trees
- Owls
- Stars
- Parrots
- Tie-dye
- Lightning bolts
- Rainbows
- Rabbits
- Sugar skulls
- XOXO
- Parachutes
- Hearts
8. Do It Yourself Preppy Add Ons
If you are creative and have a crafty talent, make your very own originals. DIY projects put your own individual swing on preppy room decor.
A project can be as simple as covering an ordinary bulletin board with colorful whimsical fabric for to-do lists and photo collages. Decoupage or paint a flower pot or cover a poster board made into your initial with stickers.
Create and frame your very own painting or inspiration board. Try something new like making something old new again. Paint an old piece of furniture, transform forgotten crates into a stellar bookshelf, or spruce up an antique.
Create a headboard with multiple vintage canvas artwork. The sky is the limit to what you can create for your preppy decor.
Preppy Room Design Inspiration
There are a ton of videos on preppy room makeovers. Here are just a couple:
Another here:
Obviously you’re not going to like all of the choices in these videos, but sometimes it’s all about piecing together inspiration from multiple places to find the best items and overall look for you!
Final Verdict
Let’s review preppy room decor and what to consider for your inspiration.
- Preppy Paint Palette Sets The Stage
- Preppy Window Treatments and Coordinating Rugs
- Preppy Furniture
- Preppy Bedding, Pillows, and Throws
- Preppy Lamps, Mirrors, and String Lights
- Preppy Accessories With Personality
- Preppy Patterns and Signs
- DIY Preppy Add Ons
Creating a preppy room takes some thought and coordination. It is a fun and inspiring process as well as creative and individual as the person spending time there. Have as much fun creating and planning your space while anticipating and enjoying the overall reveal. Here’s an idea to record and remember your experience. Either frame your inspiration board and hang it on your wall or create a coffee table book as a reminder of your preppy room journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few things you can do to make your room look preppy. First, consider your color scheme. Preppy colors are typically pastels or nautical shades. You can also add patterns and stripes to your room for a preppy look. Finally, don’t forget the details! Add some monogrammed pillows or a Preppy Handbook to your bookshelf to really drive home the look.
Preppy interior design is a style that is typically light, airy, and cheerful. It relies heavily on classic colors and patterns, as well as nautical design elements. Preppy interiors often feel like a breath of fresh air, and are perfect for creating a relaxed and inviting space.
Preppy aesthetic colors are typically pastels or nautical shades. Some common preppy colors include pink, blue, green, and yellow. Patterns and stripes are also popular in preppy design.
A style is typically considered preppy if it is classic, clean, and cheerful. Preppy styles often rely heavily on stripes, patterns, and nautical design elements. Preppy styles are also often very color-coordinated.
There are a few different styles that can be considered pretty preppy. Some popular preppy styles include shabby chic, beachy, and classic prep.
Preppy style has remained popular for many years, and it shows no signs of going out of style any time soon. In fact, preppy styles are likely to continue to be popular in the years to come.
Preppy style originated in the United States in the 1950s. However, the style has continued to be popular in subsequent decades, and today it is just as popular as ever.
Preppy style is not going out of style any time soon. In fact, it remains one of the most popular styles today. Preppy styles are classic, clean, and cheerful, and they are perfect for creating a relaxing and inviting space.
The Decor Fanatic team is a staff full of people obsessive about home decor. Our team spends hours pouring over the very best products, Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube ideas, and / or have worked as interior designers.
