Hold on to your Izod, preppie is back. A new day has dawned.   Navy, kelly green and hot pink are claiming a place in family rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, even kitchens and baths.  This is not only happening here at home in the USA, but all over the globe.    The economy has risen and with it has come a world of color.  What does this mean for you and your abode?  Classic looks mixed with wit and suitability.  It’s time for our rooms to be happy.
 
A style that was defined a hundred years ago has come of age.  What does the original “athleisure” look in fashion have to do with your house.  Everything.  The preppie movement is exuberant and exhilarating.  It is more than a style, it is an attitude.  The original preppies of 1910 took the staid and formal manner of America and breathed life into it.
 
Good taste and suitability are the name of the game.   Preppie style kicks back with confidence. Relax the room with saturated color and feel the energy flow.  Introduce some joy into your living space.  Pop some hot pink in that room.  She shines in the corner like a beautiful flower that never wilts.  Pair her up with some navy and white pillows and you have taken your room to the next level.
 
What does saturated color mean?  It is color in its purest or truest version.  That is the definition of preppie.  It is youth, purity and authenticity.  Let your room reach out to you and surround you with vitality.   The movement embodies all that is real and all that is simple.  The basic blue blazer, a staple for the preppie, can be interpreted as a fabulous tuxedo sofa.  Yes, you know it, a basic three seater, three cushions for the seat and three cushions for the back.  This sofa rises above trend.   For the preppie room the sofa is best covered in white, khaki or navy blue, but you are not limited to just those.  You can use bold stripes or plaids.  Note, the energy comes from the contrast in the colors. You can use other colors but white is the partner for all them.  She tames the power of saturated, pure color.   In the past white was unfairly treated as the “safe” color.   A fall back if you didn’t know what to do in your room, safe, non-threatening and non-descript.  Preppie white is not your grandmother’s safety white!  She is here in all of her gleaming glory to give your space the pop and pizazz it has been longing for.  Have fun with this style, it is really versatile.  Preppie style can take you from a casual beach room all the way up to a formal dining room. 
 
Remember the principles of this timeless exhilarating style are honorable, exuberant, energetic and fun.  Tennis anyone?

You know your house reflects you and somehow you are supposed to understand how it all works together to create the essence of you.  Wow.  There is so much to you have to understand when you are creating the room of your dreams.  Are you frustrated?  Do you feel inadequate?  Are you overwhelmed?  
 
The heat is on, literally.  Not to mention, there is always that good friend or relative who just knows how to do things and even though she loves you very much, there is a condescending way about her when she enters your space.  What is a girl to do?
 
I wish I could tell you there is a magic formula to transform your home into that beautiful Shangri-La you have in your head.  There isn’t.  Are you doomed to a space that is second rate and unsatisfactory?  No, not if you don’t want to be. 
 
I don’t know how you felt about school, but interior design is a lot like those early days.   Remember how much fun it was when the teacher introduced you to the wonderful world of finger painting?  The excitement of the colors as they were generously scooped onto the gleaming white paper?   The rich odor of the paint. All of possibilities in the world of creation were right there at your fingertips.  You were ready to create with the purest reds, the richest blues and the brightest yellows.    They were vibrant, you could touch them, they literally took on a life of their own.  Suddenly you were free to express yourself.  
 
Well, if you are like me, your exhilaration went too far and suddenly the all colors blended and the result was a sickly purple and there was no turning back.   Your room is like that.   At first you add a few things, you think, hmmm, maybe that will work, then you add some more and now, you’ve got that purplely mess, only this is your room.   
 
The first step toward creating that home of your dreams is the one that requires the most of from us, everything after step one will be fun, I promise.   It is the same thing you have to do every time you set a goal, discipline, discipline, discipline.   Clean out the clutter.   
 
Stop, look around and start with letting go of those things that are not working for you.  Those pieces that someone gave you, it has sentimental value but it isn’t you.  Say a prayer in thanksgiving for the beautiful relationship that blessed you with the piece and give it away, spread the love.  There are many giving opportunities all around you.  Free yourself, break the bonds of sentimentality and go for what you love.  You must be fearless and quick.  Do not stop to think about this, move with abandon.  You are setting yourself free. 
 
Now, let your room breathe.  Wash the windows, vacuum, sweep and dust.   Now take another look, what do you see?  If you were bold and courageous, you should see the birth of a new space.  This time it is the one you can call your own.   Congratulations!  You are the proud owner of a new wonderful beginning room!

But as we well know, spring makes everything young again.   Edit out that accumulated winter clutter.  The curtains are open, now let that wonderful sunshine fall on a room that has been de-cluttered for spring.   
 
Believe in the power of pillows, instant personality.  Think about those tired pillows that have been supports for those long winter days.  Give them a rest.  Add fun, down filled pillows to your room.  Note, pillows need to be at least a 22inch square, for me, personally, 24 inches is the magic number.  Down or feather down is the very best, if you have an issue with down, use the synthetic version.  The look and comfort of down is very important to the space.  Think of a beautiful silk scarf.  Got my point?  There is an art to pillows, use that art to make your room a happy spring and summer spot.  Think of linens, bold stripes, buffalo plaid, don’t forget beautiful bright silks.   Ta da, a happier room.
 
Now, let’s look at your walls.  Do you need to a fresh coat of paint to brighten or intensify?  Is that too much trouble?  For you who answered yes, there is an alternative that isn’t so labor intensive.   You got it, mirrors, but you already knew that.  A mirror is a fabulous way to brighten and lighten your room.  Think about it as your earrings, the thing that dazzles and adds pizzazz to the ensem.  Would you leave home without them?   You did go to a lot of pain and trouble to have your ears pierced, didn’t you?   The same is true for your room.  Add the dazzle, be brave, get a big mirror.  Open up that room and let the light shine.  You will not regret it!
 
So now that the nest is feathered, get outside in this beautiful sunshine.  BOOM!