"Before tweens on TikTok turned “preppy” into a style synonymous with Drunk Elephant skincare, Sol de Janeiro body sprays, and neon Lululemon leggings, there was one brand that completely embodied prep: Ralph Lauren. Worn by every fabulous Gossip Girl character, the Kennedys, and even Princess Diana, this classic American brand is iconic for a reason. Recently, it’s been trending again—not for its clothes but for its interior design style. Ralph Lauren’s signature style has inspired homeowners everywhere as they try to capture the look. If you’re similarly obsessed, keep reading to learn exactly how to achieve the Ralph Lauren interior design aesthetic.
Get 70% off of select areas until March 3!
What is the Ralph Lauren aesthetic?
If your knowledge of the brand stops at polo shirts and teddy bear sweaters, let me break down the Ralph Lauren interior design style for you. The classic American brand is the epitome of the “old money aesthetic” the internet can’t stop obsessing over. It leans on timeless patterns like plaid and houndstooth paired with rich colors like navy, dark brown, and green. Furniture often consists of vintage dark wood or leather pieces, creating a cozy, intimate vibe. Another hallmark of the look is equestrian and American-inspired details—think horse oil paintings, antique American flag pillows, and other subtle nods. The result is beautifully curated, layered rooms that feel equal parts luxurious and attainable. The Ralph Lauren interior design style is the slightly darker, moodier cousin of the Nancy Meyers aesthetic: just as timeless but more eclectic grandpa than coastal grandma.
How to achieve the Ralph Lauren look at home
If you’re ready to channel Ralph Lauren vibes in your space, here’s how to incorporate the style in your home:
Lean into a moody color palette
If you’re aiming for a Ralph Lauren interior, now’s not the time for pastel paints or bright pops of color. Instead, it embraces darker, earthier tones. Swap stark white for a warm cream, trade sage green for deep olive, and lean into navy blues and rich browns. While the style’s color palette skews deeper, it doesn’t have to feel heavy. Lighter neutrals can still work if you ground the space with dark, richly hued accent pieces.
Mix styles and patterns
Ralph Lauren’s interior design draws inspiration from various styles, allowing you to tailor the aesthetic to your taste. Still in your Cowboy Carter era? Lean into RL’s western side. Dreaming of living in the chicest library imaginable? You can embrace dark academia vibes with the Ralph Lauren style, too. It often combines elements from multiple styles, creating a unique, collected look. Grandmillennial patterns are paired with leather accents or vintage touches alongside contemporary details. The key is avoiding an overly matching approach. Embrace eclecticism to achieve that layered, curated feel.
Opt for classic pieces over trends
The Ralph Lauren interior design style has been around for decades, standing strong as countless trends come and go. To nail the look, skip fleeting design fads and focus on classic pieces that feel timeless. Shopping vintage is one of the best ways to ensure your decor stands the test of time, and antiques are found in pretty much every Ralph Lauren-inspired room. If the pieces are a little “well-loved,” it just adds extra character to a room.
Decorate in layers
If there’s one thing that can take a room from just OK to Ralph Lauren-level gorgeous, it’s layers. Rugs, throw blankets, pillows, curtains, and wall art are essential in creating a visually interesting space. Even if your main furniture pieces are perfectly on-brand, a lack of layers will leave the room feeling incomplete. You don’t have to go full maximalist, but adding enough decor and texture will make all the difference.
Add American and equestrian touches
No matter your actual day job, your home should give off the vibe that you moonlight as a polo player or horseback rider in your free time. Incorporating equestrian and American-inspired decor will complete the classy, preppy look. Pieces like horse artwork, picture frames with subtle Western influence, and plaid throws are essential to replicating the Ralph Lauren style. It doesn’t need to scream “stable chic” or look like a Fourth of July celebration, but small, intentional touches will complete the Ralph Lauren vibe.
Incorporate natural textures
Materials like leather, wool, linen, and natural wood add the warmth and depth this style requires. By contrast, a sleek glass table or acrylic lamp might feel too stark for this style. Instead, natural textures ensure the space feels cohesive and perfectly Ralph Lauren.
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.