Give Your Room A Preppy Makeover With These 7 Easy Tips

Looking to give your bedroom a fun new look? The preppy decor style is a fresh way to makeover your space with classic elements and bold pops of color. Achieving this timeless, personalized style is easy with our 7 simple tips.

Inspired by country clubs and Ivy League universities, the preppy aesthetic combines traditional furniture and accessories with bright, playful patterns and colors. Recently popular on social media, a preppy room makeover is the perfect DIY project to liven up a dorm or bedroom.

Choose a Cohesive Color Scheme

A color palette is key to pulling off a cohesive preppy style. Stick with 2-4 colors throughout the space for unity. Navy blue, pastels like pink, mint and coral, and neutrals like white, tan and grey create a classic preppy look.

Metallics like gold and silver can add nice pops of glam. Coordinate bedding, furniture, wall colors and decor pieces like throw pillows and framed art.

Incorporate Stripes and Plaids

Integrating preppy prints is an easy way to embrace the aesthetic. Striped and plaid bedding, pillows and upholstered furniture add classic flair.

A black and white striped comforter is a timeless choice. Buffalo plaid and gingham in shades of red, blue and green are also quintessential preppy patterns.

Add Some Painted Furniture

Breathing new life into dated furniture is a budget-friendly trick for achieving preppy style. Simply giving an old dresser, desk or nightstand a fresh coat of paint can make a big impact.

Soft pastels and crisp whites complement the preppy look beautifully. Painting an accent wall or bookshelf a bold navy or kelly green adds a fun, sophisticated touch.

Hang Some Wallpaper

Wallpaper is making a major comeback and is a fab way to infuse preppy pattern into your space. Stripes, polka dots, plaid and floral prints with a classic vibe are perfect.

For a nautical preppy feel, anchors and ships are charming. Horse or equestrian themes also embody East Coast prep tradition.

Display Vintage Finds

Thrift and consignment shops are treasure troves for curating a preppy dorm. Vintage school pennants, postcards and botanical prints have loads of old-school character.

Framed second-hand finds like illustrated maps, fishing gear or equestrian items can make cool conversation pieces. Just a few unique vintage pieces lend maturity.

Get Decorative with Pillows & Throws

Pillows and throws are an easy way to layer in preppy pattern and color. Mix and match solids, stripes and polka dots with plaids and florals in your color scheme for fun variety.

Fold a couple cozy printed throws at the foot of the bed to tie the look together. Monogrammed and phrases pillows add personalized flair.

Light Up Your Space

A mirror with built-in LED lights is a must for dorms and bedrooms lacking natural light. Position one near your desk or vanity to brighten up your morning routine.

String lights also embody preppy flair. Outline your headboard, bookshelves or window area to create a relaxed vibe perfect for lounging with friends.

Incorporate Personal Touches

While maintaining a cohesive preppy style, make sure to infuse personality into your space. Display photos, inside jokes, memories and items with sentimental value.

Monogram small accessories like pillows, desk items or wall art. Install a chalkboard or corkboard to get creative and stay organized.

With a crisp color scheme, timeless patterns and personal touches, it's easy to craft a preppy room makeover. This fresh decor approach makes for a dorm room or bedroom you'll absolutely adore.

Follow our 7 tips to create a space that's sophisticated yet playful, blending traditional and contemporary elements for a look that's uniquely you.