When it comes to interiors, Ralph Lauren (the GOAT) doesn’t just decorate, he narrates. And that’s what I’ve always loved most about his design style. His rooms feel like chapters in a book. They’re layered and interesting, effortlessly chic and timeless, well worn and always welcoming. His use of equestrian leathers, brass details, classic plaids, and rich woods creates spaces that say, “We’ve always been here, and we’re never going out of style.”
I’ve long admired Ralph Lauren’s aesthetic (in both fashion and interiors), but let’s be real: I don’t exactly have a Ralph-Lauren-esque budget. So, how does one get the Ralph Lauren look without blowing their bank account? The answer for me has always been shopping second-hand and filling in the gaps with great looks-for-less that channel Ralph Lauren vibes (rich textures, tailored silhouettes, and collected details) at prices that won’t break my budget.
Let’s break down Ralph Lauren’s signature styling.
The Equestrian Touch
What Ralph Would Do: Harness leather, brass detailing, plaids, soft velvets, animal prints, and dark wood….horses aren’t a bad idea, but creating an equestrian feel is often more about layers of texture and patina.
- plaid throw (or windowpane)
- trophy cup planter
- burl wood tray
- chinoiserie chic lamp
- brass reading lamp
- stacking burl wood boxes
- the most gorgeous coffee table book
- striped leather detail pillow
- small scale animal print pillow
- turned wood side table
- metal chest with leather detailing
Collected Not Decorated
What Ralph Would Do: Mix old with new, vintage with modern, and layer, layer, layer!
- red lamp
- ginger jar
- burl wood contact paper (I LOVE this stuff!)
- horse art
- equestrian pashmina
- plaid throw
- white velvet with black piping pillow (that is begging for a monogram!)
- leather chest
- marble & brass side table
- cordless lamps
- blue & white planter
*This burl wood box DIY is featured in my book among many other beginner-friendly DIY home decor ideas!
Storied Finishing Details
What Ralph Would Do: Never forget the storytelling! Ralph Lauren’s spaces are full of art, books, and patterns that feel curated over a long time not bought all at once. So don’t be in a hurry to get the look right away, let this be a joyful journey of creating and curating a space over time.
- brass horse book ends
- leather waste basket
- leather tissue box
- another incredible coffee table book
- striped lamp
- trunk side table (or use a nightstand!)
- round leather tray
- pencil cup
The Takeaway
Ralph Lauren’s interiors stand as a reminder that luxury isn’t about perfection, it’s about personality! You don’t need a huge budget to get the look. With a little FB Marketplace scrolling, thrift store treasure hunts, and some great Amazon finds, you can absolutely channel that timeless, collected, layered, Ralph Lauren vibe.
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