This blog post is part of a mini series on the Preppy Interior. There are several styles that embrace the term preppy. There is Southern Preppy which is associated with Palm Beach style popularized by the iconic Lily Pulitzer. There is also the newer Preppy Eclectic, classic lines and tailoring mixed with generous doses of color and fun, but restrained use of bold pattern. Then there is what I consider Ivy League Preppy, it's the style that originally coined the name because it was seen in the homes of many a prep school student. This post is dedicated to this style of Preppy interior.
Ivy League Preppy is a hard style to nail down because it borders on English, American Colonial, and a few others as well. I grew up beside a house beautifully designed in this style. There is a certain feeling to it which started me on the road to my love of antiques.
Ivy League Preppy is a term to describe an understated elegant lifestyle consisting of conservative choice of home decor and clothing that perennially stand the test of time from generation to generation. The Ivy League Preppy style of decorating is definitely not trend driven, but is classic and traditional .This style home will usually be a historic older home and the interiors will not look luxurious and "modern" rich but instead will look "well off" with the tasteful patina of old money. I have tried to find some images that come as close as possible to capturing the Authentic Ivy League Preppy decorating style.
Hopefully these images will help you as you decorate in this style. You can add your own fresh take on these classics for a wonderful look. The next installment of this series will look at Eclectic Preppy interiors that adds a modern face to the classic appeal of this style. Stay tuned, post number three will feature Southern Preppy.
The Ivy League Preppy home will be full of artwork and antiques.The interiors are not as decorated as much as they are curated with collections that have been gathered over the years. The thing I like the most about the Ivy League Preppy interiors it the ease of graciousness and casual elegance they exude....always very lived in yet elegant and classy.
To be successful with this look you have to restrain from "decorating" and instead focus on tastefully arranging furniture and collections so a room looks comfortable and lived in but refined as well.
via pinterest
Libraries are an important rooms in the Ivy League Preppy interior. Make sure you have comfortable seating, this library will not be merely beautiful to look at, it will be used and enjoyed.
Libraries are an important rooms in the Ivy League Preppy interior. Make sure you have comfortable seating, this library will not be merely beautiful to look at, it will be used and enjoyed.
via pinterest
To pull off the Ivy League Preppy interior if you have not had your decor passed down from past generations you must go antiquing, slowly collecting pieces that can't be found at local home decor stores. Instead shop at antique malls and second hand stores where priceless antiques are oft time discarded by family members who could care less about Grandmother's lovely burl walnut writing desk.
To pull off the Ivy League Preppy interior if you have not had your decor passed down from past generations you must go antiquing, slowly collecting pieces that can't be found at local home decor stores. Instead shop at antique malls and second hand stores where priceless antiques are oft time discarded by family members who could care less about Grandmother's lovely burl walnut writing desk.
Ivy League Preppy interiors include original hardwood floors which are usually covered with antique Oriental rugs.You won't see wall to wall carpet in this style interior.
From Ralph Lauren who knows his way around an Ivy League Preppy interior.
Ralph Lauren
The Ivy League Preppy home has a slight masculine edge, never frilly!! Rooms tend to look well traveled.
Ralph Lauren
If you don't use Oriental rugs on your floors, sisal is a good alternative.
source unknown
Small spaces look fabulous when decorated in Ivy League Preppy. It has an impressive, yet somewhat cozy look.
Small spaces look fabulous when decorated in Ivy League Preppy. It has an impressive, yet somewhat cozy look.
via pinterest
Ivy League Preppy interiors offer a collected look and they are not " matchy matchy" but tastefully put together.
The items in an Ivy League Preppy interior will be old, and many will be family pieces that are functional and used day to day.
Mix and match your Oriental carpets in an Ivy League Preppy interior. If they are all the same it looks too structured and you lose the casual elegance.
Howard Slatkin
The Ivy League Preppy bedroom many times borders on the New England Colonial style with four posters and canopies.
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English style bedrooms such as this one by Hammish Bowles can be seen in Ivy League Preppy homes.
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Collections of art will definitely be on display in the Ivy League Preppy home.
thefullerview.com
Blue and white porcelain is a perennial favorite of the Ivy League Preppy interior.
The Ivy League Preppy interior has an easy, "I'm not trying too hard" elegance about it.
The Ivy League Preppy home will feature beautiful wood paneling and an occasional equestrian print hung about.
The Ivy League Preppy interior is not staged, it is lived in.....elegantly.
source unknown
The Ivy League Preppy style is hard to define because it has so many influences. Families traveled abroad and naturally brought European accents back to incorporate into their interiors. These beautiful pieces were passed down from generation to generation so you will see many French and English pieces.
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This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer
