'Old Money Style' Is Back: How to Make Your Home Feel Collected and Timeless

There’s a fresh decorating trend on the scene, and it’s rich. We’re saying goodbye to the new and flashy and hello to a blast from the past that’s anything but boring. The old money aesthetic is taking the design and fashion worlds by storm, with no sign of letting up anytime soon. Read on to learn all about the trend and how you can achieve it in your own home.

Credit: Werner Straube

What Is 'Old Money Style'?

“Eschewing the obviously flashy decor, trend-chasing, and interiors showmanship of the nouveau riche crowd, this style grounds itself in classically chic pieces with staying power,” says Heather Goerzen, Havenly design editor. “It’s Ralph Lauren Home meets Christie’s with a side of polo matches and Dom Perignon.” But with old money decor, it all comes down to the quiet luxury design tenets, which, according to Goerzen, are craftsmanship, quality, and originality.

You’ll be able to spot the old money aesthetic almost instantly if you pay attention to what meets the eye—and then what’s below, above, and behind it. “Old money homes and old money aesthetic are filled with layers of curiosities and objects of interest collected as a hobby and testimony of a life well-traveled,” says Jordan Schehr, senior manager of interior design at One Kings Lane.

Over the past decade, the design world has seen a lot of white space: white walls, minimalist design, and even more open floor plans. With the old-money aesthetic, no space is left untouched, and those little corners and crannies of traditional layouts are once again being celebrated—and decorated.

Jessica Lev of Jessica Lev Antiques says this celebration of tastefully filled-to-the-brim spaces is one of the hallmarks of grandmillennial style, a precursor to the old-money design aesthetic. Plates, vintage art, and more can instantly transform bare, overlooked spaces into nooks that ooze with old-money charm.

More Behind the Trend

Call it backlash against the open-concept living we have been doing for the past decade. Now, we want our homes layered with meaningful decor choices and cozy landing spots.

Lev says we’re craving a return to the familiar, almost nostalgic decor we knew in years past, as we gravitate toward more traditional rooms. For those who have fallen prey to swapping out their decor as the trends come and go, this return to a style of yesteryear can’t come soon enough.

“Rather than constantly reinventing your space, there’s something very appealing about a timeless look that has always represented chic taste and lasting style,” Goerzen says. “I think everyone is getting a little tired of chasing the ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ trends.”

Credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Key Characteristics of Old-Money Decor

Use the following key elements of this design style to effortlessly achieve it in your space.

Color

Think blues in historic tones, burgundies, blushes, and deep greens, Goerzen says. “Old money color schemes are layered and multi-dimensional, but always balanced with plenty of warm neutrals or timeless black and whites to give the space breathing room,” she notes.

Pattern

You guessed it: Florals, botanicals, stripes, and plaids rule the roost when it comes to old money style. Goerzen recommends adding a bit of animal print or hide for a hint of edge. No matter which patterns you call on, Goerzen advises balancing with solids so the result looks well thought out.

Credit: Brie Williams

Antiques and Collections

Antiques are a must for nailing this look. Lev suggests starting small with antique books and boxes. “They’re portable and versatile, and it is a good way to ‘try out’ how you feel about antiques before making larger investments,” she says. Once you’ve gained your antique footing, she suggests next investing in a commode or chest: “They can literally go anywhere, from a statement piece in an entry or formal room to a bedside table in a bedroom.”

Goerzen recommends scouring thrift stores and antique shops for a wealth of second-hand options. “Even if you don’t have a vast estate filled with family heirlooms, you can certainly create the look of a space that’s been collected over time with these well-loved artifacts (and on a budget!),” she says.

And remember, you don’t need to buy everything at once. Take a cue from Lev and ask for special pieces when birthdays and anniversaries roll around.

Texture

Just as important as layering color, pattern, and objects is the balance of texture. “Incorporate elements with brass, crystal, mirrors, marble, and rich, dark woods,” Goerzen says. “It doesn’t have to cost a fortune; it just needs to look a little more varnished and have some history.”

Credit: David Tsay

How to Decorate with the Old Money Aesthetic

When it comes to establishing an old-money feel in your home, Lev says there’s a simple action plan: “Curate, curate, curate.”

There should be thought and meaning behind it all. “Every layer, accessory, or piece of furniture should have a purpose that adds to the overall aesthetic or function of a room,” Lev says. But most importantly, it’s important to have a connection to your collections—meaning they’re pieces you love.

To keep the aesthetic from feeling too busy or choppy, Lev says it’s important to pay attention to room-to-room transitions and to be mindful of color schemes. It should feel cohesive and flow from one room to another. One way Lev accomplishes that in her own home is through utilizing her collections.

“I collect antique boxes and Chinese porcelain,” she says. “I think having both throughout my house creates a flow that ties rooms together.”

Start Small

For those just dabbling in this layered approach to decor for the first time, determining the right cadence might be a trial-and-error process.

“[It’s about] balancing ornate chandeliers with streamlined pieces, statement wallpaper with classic art, head-turning marble with understated, polished woods,” Goerzen says. “There’s freedom to go bold in certain areas, while simultaneously exercising restraint in others.”

Knowing how and when to pump the brakes or charge ahead is oftentimes best left to the eye, though there’s certainly room for play. From finishes to fabrics, textures, and tones, weaving pieces throughout your home will create a fresh and exciting feel, says Schehr. “If you approach it with patience and attention to detail, you can build an aesthetic that is not only on trend, but timeless for years to come,” she says.