3 Beautiful Softer Ralph Lauren Style Decor Favorites

I am all about that cottage style of layered lovelies, big beautiful blooms and all the English country style aesthetics. So how do you add a touch of that Ralph Lauren without breaking the bank? I am kicking off a new style series here on the blog and in our first post -sharing 3 simple ways to bring some of that RL style we love to your home- today is about a softer side of the style. Not the rich moody colors and masculine patterns- lighter and brighter and more feminine touches.

Side note- Who remembers the bedroom when it looked like this? The bold red checked sofa. Layers of stripes and florals and ruffles on the bed and a whole entirely different classic check on the curtains? A little sprinkle of Ralph Lauren style in some of the elements there.

Soft Ralph Lauren Style

You could ask google to sum up Ralph Lauren style- or you can call it your own in your own way with your personal twists. I prefer to do the latter. Because, I don’t love alllll the things about a style usually- I take bits and pieces that talk to me and turn it into something my own that works in my home. And with Ralph Lauren style- that is the floral prints, layers of lovely timeless fabrics and delicate romantic details like ruffles, petticoat lace and the like.

I am not as much into the more moody, rich and bold masculine aspects of RL style- mainly because in our home, lighter and brighter makes me happy. Though, in the cottage with the dark bookcases- I could definitely go all in on the mood with tartan plaids and the like. (yes I know the books are backwards for the photo- I needed something more neutral for the photo and ran out of parchment paper to wrap them in so improvised) We will save that darker moodier ideal for another post- for this post- I am focusing on the more lighter aspects of the style- more of a romantic English country cottage style.

Classic Romantic Timeless Wallpaper

Oh how I love wallpaper. I honestly don’t know why I don’t have more wallpaper in my home. I think it is probably because I have old wood plank walls that bring a ton of charm as they are. And aside from those planks being difficult to wallpaper- I like them. But in the attic- I have added wallpaper. And taken it down. And am considering adding it again. (winter looney toons over here) So if you love wallpaper too- that is a great place to start with adding some beautiful RL style. Choose a ditsy floral. Classic stripes or lattice patterns. Big bunches of flowers on repeat. And the best part with wallpaper today- you don’t have to spend hours with paste and water- they have some beautiful and inexpensive papers that have an adhesive right on the back so you are ready to add it- and remove it when your fancy changes a bit.

TIP: You don’t have to wallpaper a whole room to get the style- one wall, a nook or cubby or even the back of an open cupboard brings a lovely touch.

Patterns with Lampshades or Throw Pillows

Such a fun way to add a touch of the look without changing everything- grab a few throw pillows or lampshades that have a classic pattern or look you love.

I have a couple pairs of ditsy floral lampshades that are so charming – and they work well with various patterns in a room. And throw pillows are always on the move and changing here.

TIP: When it comes to throw pillows- bring home just the covers to save storage space. I have a few different styles and colors in covers and change them when I want to without having to store a ton of pillows in the closets or on the guest beds.

Layers on the bed

I love all the patterns of florals on the bed. Especially when they are mingling with simple solids and dainty details. ALL the layers of flowers in the bedroom is such a classic English country look – I LOVE it! Though, I have found that I enjoy that for a short time and then need some visual ‘rest’ in the overall and so sometimes, a touch of pattern is better than layers of busy. Below- it is all about the duvet and the pillows with patterns on repeat. Pardon the freshly laundered and not steamed yet wrinkles- but the vintage duvet cover & pillows below are a favorite Ralph Lauren pattern.

You don’t have to go with dust ruffle, duvet, shams, throw pillows, curtains, etc. to get that lovely English country look- unless you want to of course. In our bedroom currently, we have a floral dust ruffle, paired with a solid white linen, lace and ruffle duvet and a rich velvet quilt for warmth. With a couple layers of euro pillows and throw pillows echoing the floral duvet- it feels classic and elegant but also relaxed and comfortable at the same time.

TIP: Layer your favorite pattern with some neutrals for a touch of that beautiful English country style without being too busy and overwhelming your bed.

All 3 of these things are simple ways to bring in some of that softer color romantic Ralph Lauren style and charm – without doing a total makeover or getting new furniture. Stay tuned for our next style post.