The “Old Money” Home Style
How to Decorate Your Home in the "Old Money" Style
The "old money" aesthetic has long been associated with timeless elegance, understated luxury, and an effortless sense of sophistication. Rooted in tradition and quality, this style reflects a lifestyle steeped in heritage rather than fleeting trends. If you’re looking to bring this classic and refined aesthetic into your home, here’s how to achieve it.
Photo Courtesy of Studio McGee
1. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Old money homes are never cluttered with disposable decor. Instead, each piece tells a story and is chosen for its craftsmanship. *Tip - Antique markets, estate sales, garage sales and thrift stores are excellent places to find these items!
Invest in:
Antique furniture made of solid wood like mahogany, walnut, or oak.
Persian or Oriental rugs that ground rooms with texture and color.
Statement heirlooms or vintage pieces that carry a sense of history.
2. Select A Traditional/Historic Color Palette
The old money style leans heavily on muted, neutral warm tones with occasional rich deep color accents.
Consider:
Neutral walls in cream, taupe, or beige.
Accent with deep colors like burgandy, emerald green, gold and a dark blue.
A Moody Vibe For Walls- Think Academia and select paint colors in a rich deep green or saturated blue for elegance and sophistication.
Patterns, such as herringbone, plaids and pinstripes, for a touch of sophistication.
*Scroll to the bottom for our FAVORITE PAINT COLORS
3. Embrace Timeless Textures and Fabrics
Texture plays a significant role in achieving the old money look. Incorporate:
Linen or velvet curtains that pool elegantly on the floor.
Velvet upholstery on sofas and chairs.
Leather accent chairs with nailhead detail
Cashmere throws or faux fur blankets for added warmth and luxury.
*Click the photo below to view links
4. Incorporate Art and Books
Art and literature are essential in conveying a cultured and refined space. *Tip - Antique Markets, garage sales and thrift stores are excellent places to find these items!
Aim for:
Oil paintings in gilded frames, preferably landscapes, portraits, or classic still lifes.
A curated library with rich deep colors, old - hardback books.
Sculptures or vases placed strategically on pedestals or console tables.
7. Focus on Architectural Details
Old money homes often feature beautiful architectural elements that set the stage for the decor. If your home doesn’t have these built-in features, consider adding:
Crown molding and wainscoting to walls.
Built-in bookshelves or cabinetry.
Marble and ornate fireplaces as a focal point in living areas.
8. Keep Technology Discreet
In an old money home, technology takes a backseat to classic aesthetics. To maintain this balance:
Hide televisions behind custom cabinetry or art.
Use wireless speakers that blend seamlessly with decor.
Opt for classic-looking clocks and avoid overly modern gadgets.
*Click the photo below to view links
Accent Clock
Mantle Clock
Large Cable Management Box
Bookshelf Wi-Fi Speaker
9. Entertain in Style
The old money lifestyle is synonymous with gracious entertaining. Create spaces that accommodate:
A formal dining room with a polished wooden table and elegant seating.
A bar cart or built-in bar area stocked with crystal glassware, decanters and fine spirits.
Cozy seating arrangements perfect for intimate gatherings.
*Click the photo below to view links
10. Personalize With Heritage
Finally, old money homes feel lived-in and authentic because they reflect the family’s history and legacy. Incorporate:
Monogrammed linens or towels. *Tip - Source a local small business who specializes in monogramming!
A gallery wall of ancestral portraits or meaningful travel photos. *Tip - Check out garage sales for vintage frames!
Sentimental items like travel souvenirs or inherited jewelry boxes. *Tip - Look at thrift stores and garage sales for antique jewelry boxes.
11. Choose Timeless Lighting
Lighting in old money homes is both functional and atmospheric.
To achieve this:
Select crystal chandeliers for dining or living areas to add elegance.
Opt for brass or bronze table lamps with classic fabric shades for a warm glow.
Use wall sconces in hallways or entryways to enhance architectural features.
Incorporate dimmers for adjustable lighting that suits different moods.
When you can, opt for not using the overhead light. Use table and floor lamps.
*Click the photo below to view links
Brass Sconce
Vintage French Chandelier
Library Display Light
Cordless LED Table Lamp
Crystal Glass Chandelier
Brass Wall Sconces - Set of 2
Milk Glass Pendant Light
Floor Lamp
12. Refine Hardware
Cabinet hardware is a subtle but impactful detail in creating an old money look.
Consider:
Brass or antique bronze knobs and pulls for a warm, vintage feel.
Replace door hardware with brass or marble hardware.
Crystal or porcelain hardware for a touch of refinement in kitchens and bathrooms.
Avoid overly modern designs; instead, opt for classic shapes like cup pulls or oval knobs.
Choose high-quality materials to ensure longevity and a luxurious finish.
*Click the photo below to view links
Rosette Brass Door Knob
Brass Door Knob with Plate
Rosette Glass Door Knob
Knob with Backplate
Antique Brass Cabinet Pull
Unlacquered Brass Cup Pull
Antique Brass Cabinet Pulls
Crystal Cabinet Knob
13. Incorporate Elegant Wallpaper
Wallpaper can transform a room and add an old-world charm that aligns perfectly with the old money aesthetic.
When choosing wallpaper:
Opt for classic designs like toile, damask, or chinoiserie.
Look for muted tones or sophisticated patterns that complement your overall color palette.
Consider textured wallpaper, such as grasscloth, for added depth and richness.
Use wallpaper in small spaces like powder rooms or as an accent wall to make a statement without overwhelming the space.
Our Favorite Places To Source Wallpaper:
What Keywords to Search For When Seeking This Aesthetic
If you’re shopping for decor or furniture that embodies the old money style, using the right keywords can make all the difference. Try searching for:
"Antique furniture"
"Heirloom quality pieces"
"Vintage Persian rugs"
"Gilded frames"
"Classic oil paintings"
"Mid-century traditional"
"English country style"
"Ralph Lauren Home Aesthetic"
"Old Money Aesthetic"
"Heritage home decor"
These keywords will help you discover items that exude timeless elegance and align with the old money aesthetic.
By focusing on timeless elements, exceptional craftsmanship, and meaningful details, you can bring the understated elegance of the old money aesthetic into your home. The result is a space that feels inviting, refined, and uniquely yours.
Our Favorite Paint Colors -
Dark Neutrals
Benjamin Moore -
Dragon’s Breath
Iron Gate
Rustic Taupe
Sherwin Williams -
Urbane Bronze
Warm Stone
Magnolia Paint -
Garden Trowel
Wooded Acres
Teak Cups (Leans a Dark Gray/Beige)
Homebody (Beautiful mauve undertone)
Light Neutrals
Benjamin Moore -
Simply White
Edgecomb White
Revere Pewter
Sherwin Williams -
Repose Gray
Alabaster
Accessible Beige
Magnolia Paint -
Sunday Stroll
Silos White
Shiplap
Gatherings
Moody Blues
Benjamin Moore -
Gentleman’s Gray
Blue Note
Polo Blue
Normandy
Sherwin Williams -
Tarragon (Emerald Designer Line and personal fave!)
Moscow Midnight (Blue/Green)
Dark Night
Smoky Blue
Magnolia Paint -
Weekend (Blue/Green)
Secondhand Find
Sir Drake
Duke Gray
Together
Deep Greens
Benjamin Moore -
Caribbean Teal (Blue/Green but leans green)
Vintage Vogue
Essex Green
Hunter Green
Black Forest Green
Sherwin Williams -
Rosemary
Billiard Green
Evergreen Fog
West Haven (Emerald Designer Line and personal fave!)
Magnolia Paint -
Regal Leaf
Wellington Green
Luxe
Eden
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