Is preppy making a comeback? Designers say this 'umbrella term' aesthetic is back with a fresh new look for 2025 – here's how to style it just right

Preppy interiors are currently having a bit of a revival. But truly, they never really went away.

One of the most timeless, all-American interior design styles out there, the preppy interior design trend is rooted in East Coast heritage – think Nantucket cottages and Cape Cod charm – yet ready to be reimagined to adapt to contemporary life.

So, is preppy really making a comeback? 'We like to think that preppy never went out of style, but it's definitely back in a big way,' says Melissa Oholendt of Oho Interiors. 'We are seeing a shift to incorporating preppy patterns and design back into design again, but definitely in a moodier way for fall.'

Today’s version is layered, versatile, and more nuanced than ever, blending traditional decorating ideas with modern sensibility. Here, I've asked how designers suggest giving it a fresh twist for 2025.

What is 'preppy' interior design style?

At its core, preppy is a timeless style synonymous with classic motifs like plaids, stripes, and equestrian motifs that mimic the Ralph Lauren aesthetic in a playful way.

It’s a look that blends heritage with polish: crisp patterns, traditional silhouettes, and tailored details with a fresh edge. And designers are encouraging you to embrace its layered style with your fall decor. 'Preppy has always had a place in interiors, but this fall we’re seeing more of a return to this classic, polished, and layered look – with a playful twist,' explains designer Ali Henrie.

The preppy look is about balance. Structure softened by color and pattern, tradition updated with a lighter touch. 'Preppy is absolutely back, but in a layered and nuanced way,' says Kailee Blalock of House of Hive Design Co. 'We’re seeing a huge rise in plaid and pinstripe patterns, along with wallpaper making a big comeback, especially toile. What’s fun about preppy is that it’s not one-size-fits-all – it can lean nautical, Ralph Lauren, or Palm Beach chic. It’s really an umbrella term.'

That adaptability is what makes the style so enduring.

'For me, preppy style represents a harmonious blend of timeless elegance and modern sensibility,' adds Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish. 'It’s about creating spaces that feel both classic and fresh, where traditional architectural features such as fluted cornicing and intricate moldings are paired with bold, vibrant color schemes like navy and orange, or alternatively, soft and serene coastal blues. These elements have a timeless quality that transcends trends, ensuring spaces remain chic and sophisticated for years to come.'

As designer Nina Lichtenstein puts it: 'Once associated with Ivy League campuses and nautical stripes, the preppy aesthetic in interiors is quietly making a comeback, but with a modern, sophisticated twist. Today’s preppy spaces go beyond the matchy-matchy plaids and monogrammed accents of decades past. Instead, they celebrate timeless patterns, rich textures, and a refined color palette that feels both curated and approachable.'

How to get the preppy look at home

Understanding the vibe of preppy interiors is one thing, but translating it into your own home is where the fun begins. Below, designers share their best tips to help you recreate this classic style yourself.

1. Layer in classic prints

The key to achieving this multi-faceted aesthetic is layering: mixing old and new, structured and playful, bold and subtle.

Stripes, plaids, checks, and fresh floral prints are the backbone of the look, whether they appear on upholstery, drapery, or the smallest accent pillows. And while the classics never fail, designers are finding creative ways to keep them feeling fresh.

As designer Sean Symington notes, 'What feels exciting now is how preppy is being reinterpreted: softer color palettes, layered textures, and a mix of traditional patterns with more modern pieces. It has that comforting, polished feel while still feeling inviting, which I think is why we’re seeing it pop up more often.'

'Preppy to me means crisp patterns like stripes, plaids, and stylized florals, and an overall sense of clean tailoring and American style,' says designer Heather Peterson. 'It's all in the mix', she adds. 'After years of neutrals and then rich, saturated colors, we are loving fresher palettes with clear undertones.'

'Stripes, checks, and layered textiles are making their way back into schemes, and they bring with them a certain sense of comfort and tradition,' explains Lauren Gilberthorpe. 'For me, preppy works best when it is softened and given depth. Think of a classic stripe on upholstery, balanced with natural woods and warm whites, or a check in earthy tones rather than primary brights.'

2. Embrace a country-meets-coastal color palette

Room color ideas are central to preppy interiors, with certain shades acting as instant style signifiers. Decorating with blue and white and deep green forms the foundation, while accents of red, yellow, and even playful pink can give the look energy.

'For color and patterns, we’re leaning into blues (especially navy) and seeing it mixed with burgundy, stripes, plaids, and monograms,' adds Ali Henrie. 'Furniture silhouettes stay traditional and classic, with a return to natural materials like rattan, caning, and wool to add texture.'

While that palette is the hallmark of the style, some designers are also rethinking how to update these timeless hues with moodier vibes and unexpected color combinations. 'Navy, plaid, and leather never do me wrong; and I particularly gravitate to this style for offices and libraries,' says Jeanne Barber of Camden Grace Interiors. 'Incorporate a pop of citron or clementine or something unexpected to update the aesthetic.' That sense of contrast helps preppy feel polished without veering into predictable.

'As far as we’re concerned, preppy never left,' says Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors. 'I love a playful take on preppy, combining classic patterns like plaids and checks with unexpected colors, like dusty mauve and amber.'

3. Mix old and new

Preppy design blends a Nancy Meyers aesthetic penchant for collected-over-time antiques with crisp, tailored updates and a fresh palette.

'Preppy style celebrates tailored classics with a fresh twist,' says Sarah Eilers of Lucas Eilers Design. 'I love to pair vintage and painted pieces, like this bachelor’s chest [seen above] with a Hickory Chair bed dressed in crisp white linens. Unlacquered brass wall-mounted lamps with custom smocked shades add a handcrafted touch, while a blue and white vase of hydrangeas completes the look with effortless charm.'

'Nothing feels more preppy than crisp monogrammed bed linens with custom embroidery,' adds Sandra Lucas. 'I love the freshness of blue and white paired with the tradition of an antique chest and lamp. It is that mix of new and old that makes the room sing.'

This transitional design interplay between decorating with vintage and modernity is what keeps the style feeling lively. Preppy spaces also lend themselves to playful styling details.

'What could be more all-American and preppy than an old-school oil portrait of your ancestor?' says Courtnay Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic Design. In her work, the portrait becomes a focal point, while a striped ottoman 'adds a bit of whimsy to the antique side table', and the mirrored wall treatment and muted accessories prevent the look from feeling stuffy.

4. Add preppy styling touches

Because this design style is so very nuanced and layered, it can be hard to put together a finite list of colors and styling pieces that tie the entire aesthetic together. But the one thing that really sets it apart is a sense of personality and charm.

In this cozy living room seen above, Sandra Lucas explains how 'This client and I share a love of blues and greens, so pulling those together was pure fun. Family porcelain in classic blue and white took on new life against the apple green bookshelves, while the green and blue striped fabric on the skirted lounge chairs ties everything together. The updated bell jar light fixtures keep it feeling bright and current.'

Accessories are where preppy’s playful side shines. Vintage art, rattan pieces, striped rugs, nostalgic sporting objects, and brass lighting are just a few ways to anchor the look, while the layering of personal touches ensures each space feels uniquely lived-in.

'On the walls, landscapes paired with rich wood paneling and a touch of tartan create a style that channels the Ralph Lauren vibe,' adds Ali.

Similarly, Kailee suggests adding vintage props like vintage rackets, golf clubs, or equestrian gear to bring in that refined “country club” spirit without tipping into cliche.

Shop the preppy look

Preppy style has quietly lingered in interiors for some time, evolving with each passing season while staying true to its classic, polished roots. Today’s preppy aesthetic combine crisp patterns, tailored furnishings, and timeless color palettes with thoughtful layering, playful accents, and modern touches that keep the look fresh and inviting for a home that never dates.