10 Home Decor Ideas For The Old Money Style
The Old Money Aesthetic We Are Obsessing Over
May 21, 2024
By Haley Holt
Image by Ozan Cuhla
The allure of the old money style is undeniable. With its timeless elegance and understated luxury, this style evokes a sense of history, sophistication, and an appreciation for the finer things in life, the higher-status lifestyle if you will.
In true Princess Diana fashion, this classic aesthetic often comes with a higher price tag. However, we are here to adopt this manner of living in a more accessible way, all while still preserving the timeless tradition of it all.Â
We’ll delve into what defines the old money style, explore its origins, and expose our top 10 home decor ideas to help you achieve this coveted look without overspending.
Image by Wirestock
What is the Old Money Style Aesthetic?
The Old Money aesthetic is characterized by its classic and elegant approach to design and feel.
Unlike modern trends that often focus on minimalism or bold statements, the old money style is rooted in tradition and subtlety. It’s all about quality over quantity, where each piece in your home tells a story and adds to the overall sense of opulence.
Key elements of this aesthetic include:
Timeless Pieces -Â Furniture and decor that never go out of style, simple but rare.
Rich Materials - Think hardwood, marble, silk, and leather finds.
Antiques and Vintage Finds - Items with a history and a unique story to tell.
Muted Color Palettes - Soft, neutral tones that exude elegance.
Art and Literature - A well-curated collection of art and books that sit as a staple piece.
Image by Yuliia Tretynychenko
The Old Money Style Origins
The adored old money style finds its roots in the wealth and tastes of historical aristocracy and long-established families.
This style has been passed down through generations, often seen in the grand estates of Europe and the stately homes of America’s elite. It’s influenced by various design movements, including Georgian, Victorian, and Regency, each contributing to its rich tapestry and traditions.
In the United States, the old money aesthetic is often associated with the Gilded Age and the early 20th century, where families like the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers set the standard for opulent living. Across the Atlantic, the grand homes of English nobility and French châteaux continue to inspire this timeless look.
What to Look for in Home Decor to Nail the Expensive and Elegant Look
Achieving the Old Money style aesthetic in your home doesn’t necessarily require a millionaire’s budget or a down payment on a house. It’s about making thoughtful choices and investing in pieces that exude quality and timelessness.Â
Here are ten decor ideas to help you get started for the Old Money style:
1. Antique Looking Furniture
Invest in antique furniture pieces that have stood the test of time. Look for well-crafted items with intricate details and a sense of history. A set of mahogany bar stools or a Chippendale ladder chair can instantly elevate a room.
2. Rich Fabrics
Use luxurious fabrics such as silk, velvet, true cotton, and damask for your upholstery and curtains. These materials look sumptuous, carry an elevated detail, and feel amazing to the touch.
3. Ornate Mirrors
An ornate mirror with a traditional gilded frame can add a touch of grandeur to any space. Place it in a hallway or above a fireplace to create a focal point that exudes elegance and makes a real statement.
4. Persian Patterns
Persian patterns can instantly add warmth and richness to a room. These patterns are known for their intricate, prestige, and high-quality craftsmanship, making a perfect fit for the old money aesthetic when played.
5. Classic Art Pieces & Frames
Invest in classic art pieces that resonate with you, that's important. Whether it’s a portrait, landscape, or still life, art is a key element in creating a refined and cultured ambiance, all while adding a touch of intimacy.
6. Greenery with Antique Urns
Fresh flowers and greenery into your decor bring a rich touch of nature indoors.
Arranging classic blooms like roses, lilies, or hydrangeas in elegant vases can add a subtle yet sophisticated touch to any room. Greenery, such as ferns or ivy, placed in antique pots or urns, can also enhance the old money aesthetic with minimal effort.
Using fresh flowers and greenery is a simple and cost-effective way to add elegance and a sense of freshness to your home, perfectly complementing the old money style.
7. Chandeliers
A chandelier can make a bold statement in your dining room or entryway. It’s a timeless piece that reflects light beautifully and adds a touch of opulence to any room.
8. Built-in Bookshelves or staple coffee table booksÂ
Showcase your collection of books in built-in bookshelves or flaunted on coffee tables. Not only do they add architectural interest to a room, but they also create a scholarly and cultured atmosphere.
Seamlessly, It's a great conversation starter when you're hosting; you might quickly discover shared interests.
9. Family Heirlooms
These pieces add a personal touch and connect you to your heritage, embodying the very essence of the old money style.
Family heirlooms are cherished items that often hold significant sentimental value and can include jewelry, furniture, photographs, documents, clothing, and other personal artifacts. Heirlooms are treasured not only for their material worth but also for the memories and family history they represent, serving as a tangible connection to ancestors and family traditions.
10. Staple Decor Pieces
Staple decor pieces for the old money style aesthetic are those lasting, quality items that epitomize understated prestige and classic elegance.
Big or small, these pieces often have a sense of history and craftsmanship that set them apart from more modern, mass-produced items such as classic clocks, wooden treasures, lighting, and golden hardware.
Embracing the old money aesthetic is about appreciating quality, history, and timeless beauty. By bringing these appreciated elements into your home decor, you can create a space that exudes elegance and sophistication, making every day feel like a step back into a more refined elite era.
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