New England prep isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a lifestyle. Rooted in heritage, tradition, and timeless taste, it merges coastal charm with Ivy League polish. And when fall rolls around, this style takes on new life, embracing warmth, comfort, and classic seasonal character.

Here’s how to bring the New England prep aesthetic into your home this autumn, with a focus on cozy textures, rich hues, and tasteful tradition.

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1. Incorporate Autumnal Hues

Fall in New England is legendary—and your home should reflect that seasonal beauty. Think: the changing leaves in Vermont or a brisk walk through Harvard Yard. To channel that, start with a color palette that mirrors nature:

• Deep burgundy

• Burnt orange

• Hunter green

• Navy blue

• Mustard yellow

• Crisp ivory or cream

These colors instantly warm up a room and set the tone for the season. Try a navy velvet throw on a leather club chair, rust-colored velvet pillows on a plaid sofa, or forest green taper candles on a dining table.

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2. Add Seasonal Touches (Without Going Overboard)

New England prep is about understated elegance. So while a few pumpkins are welcome, this isn’t the time for kitschy scarecrows or glittered gourds.

Choose tasteful, natural seasonal touches:

• A simple bowl of apples on the kitchen counter

• Mini heirloom pumpkins in muted tones on the mantel

• Antique brass candlesticks with beeswax tapers

• A vintage wooden crate filled with pinecones or kindling

And don’t underestimate the power of fresh florals—or better yet, dried arrangements in warm autumn tones. Hydrangeas, eucalyptus, and wheat stalks work beautifully.

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3. Add Texture

Prep style is elevated and curated, but never sterile. Fall is the perfect season to bring in texture that invites comfort and coziness.

Layer in:

• Chunky knit throws

• Woven wool or tartan blankets

• Wicker baskets

• Leather accents (think vintage-bound books or a worn-in ottoman)

• Linen or velvet throw pillows

Look for natural materials: cotton, wool, wood, rattan, leather. The goal is to strike a balance between rustic charm and refined polish.

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4. Layers, Layers, Layers

Just like you'd layer your favorite Barbour jacket over a cable-knit sweater, your home should reflect the same principle. Layering adds visual interest and depth—key to the cozy, collected prep aesthetic.

Try this:

• Layer rugs—place a smaller Persian rug over a larger sisal or jute base

• Stack pillows in various patterns and fabrics

• Drape throws over the arm of a chair or the foot of a bed

• Layer lighting—combine overhead lighting with table lamps, sconces, and candles to create a warm, ambient glow

Bonus points for incorporating heirloom or vintage pieces that tell a story.

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5. Feature Classic Patterns

No New England prep space is complete without the staples: plaids, tartans, herringbone, houndstooth, and stripes.

Ways to incorporate them:

• A tartan throw blanket across the back of the sofa

• Herringbone-patterned curtains or upholstery

• Striped wallpaper in a powder room

• Gingham or plaid table linens for a seasonal dinner party

Stick to timeless patterns in rich, autumnal colors. They add personality without being trendy—and they’ll carry beautifully into winter.