HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ STYLED BY: HOLLY SMITH
The crispness of autumn has officially taken hold. Although sweater weather may still be a ways off in the Southern regions, there’s a delightful opportunity to transition your home from the light, summery ambiance to a warm, patterned, and nostalgic atmosphere. The latest fall fashion, vintage prep, is all about infusing your living space with a touch of classic charm, featuring soft plaid, gleaming brass, treasured antiques, vintage textiles, and botanical motifs. It’s time to bid farewell to pastel hues and welcome this autumnal approach with a timeless elegance.
Georgia designer Esther Ellard observes, “Vintage prep is steering interior design back to its roots.” The aim is to create a layered and grounded ambiance with shades like soft pink, sage, and delicate cornflower, highlighting cherished silhouettes. Intrigued about how to weave this trend into your home? Keep reading to discover the secrets.
Ellard points out that plaid, brass, and botanical elements have been making waves in cottagecore and transitional spaces. However, vintage prep introduces a fresh twist with luxurious tartan throws, vibrant cranberry and ochre cushions, and candlesticks adorned with slender candles.
Cortney Bishop, a designer from Charleston, believes that vintage prep is a response to the yearning for comfort and character once more. “Following a period of minimalism, there’s a joy in surrounding oneself with items that carry a story—patina, a hint of imperfection, or a cherished memory,” she explains. This movement is less about seeking the new and more about embracing the familiar, the soulful, and the curated.
Dallas-based designer Phillip Thomas Vanderford of Studio Thomas James emphasizes that vintage prep is the South’s effortless way of reclaiming its heritage. “This fall, the mood is more subdued…it’s prep without pretense, a blend of collegiate spirit and romance,” he remarks.
When it comes to design transformations, the key is to start with small changes. Introduce vintage fabrics, plaid cushions, monogrammed linens, or botanical tea towels—these subtle additions will make your home feel uniquely yours.
Michelle Murphy of Demi Ryan, a North Carolina designer, advises, “Layering is the essence. A vintage rug beneath your feet, botanical art on the walls, and a collection of cherished books on a side table will make the space feel lived and authentic.”
Liz Livingston of Page House Studio suggests, “The most accessible way to adopt vintage prep is through layering accents. A botanical cushion paired with a sculptural stool or pedestal introduces a serene freshness that complements richer seasonal tones. It serves as a gentle reminder that pastels are not just for spring. They can grace a room beautifully throughout fall and beyond.”
Joe Human, a Florida designer, offers advice for homeowners looking to integrate vintage prep: “Don’t be afraid to mix styles. Combine a mid-century coffee table with a leather sofa and vintage books. Balance wood tones and textures with various fabric types and patterns. If you’re starting with a living room, introduce a cozy throw that can be swapped out with the seasons,” he advises.
Elizabeth Jent, senior director of merchandising at Ashley, notes, “It’s easy to create your own vintage prep look by layering heirlooms with new pieces, mixing plaids and florals, soft pastels, and warm wood finishes that exude both timelessness and personal style.”
Murphy suggests, to truly embody the spirit of vintage prep, “fill vintage containers with seasonal cuttings, such as brass urns with magnolia branches or simple glass vases with dried hydrangeas.”
Tablescapes are another ideal area to incorporate vintage prep. “Imagine patterned china with linen napkins, silver cutlery, or mismatched candlesticks for an elegant yet inviting look,” she adds.
Gina Proctor, owner of Tallahassee’s Bedfellows, is a fan of botanical prints in autumnal hues like “subtle mossy greens, warm golds, and cranberry plaids” layered across throws, blankets, and cushions. Pair these with antique silver or a few worn leather-bound books on a coffee table, and you’ll instantly capture the essence of this trend.
Designer Gray Benko concludes, “The best homes are not just visually appealing; they tell a story the moment you step through the door. We can attest that a dash of plaid never harmed anyone. Together, we embrace vintage prep because it’s vibrant, layered, and makes you feel as though you’re in a charming English abode. Who wouldn’t want that?”
Robert Peterson; Styling: Francis Bailey
Introducing a few foundational pieces can entirely transform the ambiance of a room. “Rugs are my go-to anchor—they ground the space and establish the mood,” Bishop comments. She is drawn to vintage or handwoven pieces with natural patterns and earthy color palettes.
Jessica Davis, an Atlanta designer, advocates for sourcing authentic vintage pieces for environmentally conscious homeowners. “Vintage cotton quilts are an excellent find at thrift stores and antique malls, and once laundered, they make the perfect layering piece—free from microplastics, natural, and durable,” she adds.
