My Dark and Preppy Bedroom

Photos by Marcus Meisler at HGTV

Ever since I was young, I always admired the preppy style for its vibrant colors and classic patterns. Growing up in a low-class home made it hard to afford the trendy fashion seen in Gossip Girl and Clueless that I loved so much and aspired to.

Chuck Bass image from Fashionista.com

Now that I’m older, I find myself fully immersed in exploring the preppy style, particularly in my home decor. One standout example of this is my cozy, dark, and preppy bedroom. You may wonder why the combination of dark and preppy? A major influence is my partner, who leans towards a more gothic aesthetic, and prefers to dress in black.

To blend our tastes harmoniously, we opted for a fusion of deep, rich colors and plaids that bridge the gap between preppy and punk influences. And I admit the bedroom leans more preppy, but the rest of the house is another story and I will share more of that later if you’re interested.

The other reason for a dark and moody bedroom was my desire to create a moody and cozy space and for it to feel like a cold rainy day any day of the week. I wanted a room where I could escape the sunny Los Angeles weather and get lost in a novel, or work on writing my book (and now this blog). I absolutely love living in LA but the weather can get repetitive and even exhausting for someone who was born and raised in Minnesota.

If you observe my bedroom closely, you'll discover hints of whimsy and peculiarity. An interesting detail is the curtain tie-backs that I made from recycled wooden lay-figure hands, a unique touch referencing the world of fashion and mannequins. This inventive nod to fashion resonates with the essence of the preppy lifestyle that I hold dear.

The combination of plaid patterns in varying colors and scales is truly eye-catching. I find it fascinating to see how the monotone blue wallpaper complements the contrasting red and navy tartan, while the subtle tan and light blue rug tie the different plaids together harmoniously. The interplay of colors and textures creates a dynamic and inviting space that showcases the versatility of this classic pattern.

Take a look around my bedroom and see what catches your eye and hopefully inspires you.

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— Weston Saint James