Thrifting to create the old money interior design aesthetic like Ralph Lauren

I am a retired paperhanger, 25 years in the business in Bergen County, NJ. I worked in over a 1000 homes and saw just about every kind of decorating. Hands down, the old money New England esthetic is the most beautiful, rich and warm. In fact, I have decorated my own home that way for years. Nothing broke my heart more when the HGTV contemporary look came in in the early 2000s. We went from wallpaper with beautiful colors and patterns to gray and taupe textured vinyls, lacking any patterns. My older traditional customers used to excitedly say their rooms were beautiful. My younger customers used to say their rooms looked "awesome." It was depressing. The whole historic American style has been replaced with contemporary, retro junk, thanks to HGTV and the Internet. Thankfully, the younger generations are starting to wise up.

My daughter and son and daughter-in-law were thrilled to receive furniture that belonged to their grandparents and even great-grandparents. The older furniture is made better and lasts. Well, obviously, it lasts. My children also realize that they are saving so much money by accepting pre-loved family treasures.

Oh Linda. This video was excellent. Your videos always bring me so much joy. I’m 76 years old I have been struggling with many health issues over the last year. I am recovering from surgery now and I’m feeling really good and this video all of a sudden got me excited to get my mothers beautiful Haviland china down and invite some of my friends over for lunch. Thanks for bringing this old lady so much joy. Love in Christ

I’m so glad the old world aesthetic is back. Quality, color, and special items with meaning. Thank you Linda and Bridgerton!

Remember The Bombay Company? I loved their items.

My condo is like this. Filled with furniture I've had for decades, some pieces inherited from family, decor items that are inherited, some from world travels, art from family members, inherited silver & brass. It feels elegant & comfortable. Those who visit always compliment my home & find things each time that catch their eye. Glad I still have these precious treasures around me to keep memories of family bright in my mind, as they are forever in my heart.

THANK YOU!! I adore Ralph Lauren and the old money aesthetic. I just call it New England style, I don't think just old money can have that look.

Linda...love this post. I had a screened in porch added to my home. I needed to get new cushions for my beautiful wicker. When I went to a store to see about fabrics they assumed since it was for a screened in porch I wanted botanical, palm trees, beachy fabric. I live in Tennessee surrounded by mountains, yes near a lake, but nothing beachy. I asked Why would I want cushions that belong in Florida?? They said thats what has been popular. Well, not with me. She asked me a few questions about my style and what I was going for...in a minute she brought out a fabric book of...guess what? Ralph Lauren!!! It probably helped that I had an RL blouse on. And thats what I picked...Ralph Lauren, beautiful, classic fabric cushions. That was in 2006 and they are still beautuful, classic, and have held the test of time. They were not cheap..but here it is, 2024 and still in use. Its not old money as you are talking about, but it looks like it. They will never go out of style..and I always get compliments. ❤

Good morning Linda. It's all so beautiful and what I really appreciate is the craftsmanship. Furniture, houses, clocks etc, all made with such skill & pride. Something seriously lacking in the products of today. Nothing is built to last anymore; that's why I appreciate the old & the history behind it. Thank you for this video today.❤

I love this video! I am 45 years old, and I love this look. For a long time, I had no idea what to call it. I would love to see your other ideas that you did not include in this video. Thank you so much!❤

I just discovered this channel, it’s amazing! This is how I’ve always lived. You don’t have to be wealthy to appreciate beautiful, classic design. Thank you so much for sharing!

"Old Money Aesthetic" is the opposite of the current trend toward "Fast Fashion" - which is one of the greatest polluters of our planet. "The True Cost" is an eye-opening documentary about consumption, which many kindred spirits might appreciate seeing . Thank you, Linda, for your constant encouragement (via NEFL) to thrift, recycle old goods in new ways, and focus on creating a warm and welcoming home rather than a shallow showplace. Enjoy the week!

A New England home lends itself to curate classic items. I grew up on the East Coast. But, now I live in Indiana. I am an avid finder of antique treasures.

I am always drawn to older, well-made, beautiful items. Living with Stumbling across the perfect treasure large or small or moving items from one room to the next enhance the comforts of our homes.

Love the Ralph Lauren look!!!!

I have always loved the look of Oxblood leather. I searched for the generational style and found Hancock and Moore. My great grandkids will thank me for buying it.

What I love about buying these older, antique items is that most were not made in China (unless they are the REALLY old items). Most of the decorative items in my home are pre-1970 American made items, many purchased on eBay. My most cherished item is a Philadelphia Windsor chair made by a man in Alabama, who had to close shop because of the knock-off chairs coming from China at a cheaper price. That has to change.

Thanks for making this video. Our ancestors whether they were rich or poor had this way of living. Family heirlooms were past down and kept. Now when someone passes their stuff is thrown away or donated. It is not what people today want in their homes. Sad. My middle class family decorated this way and so do I. I treasure some of the things that were my mom's and grandmothers. I have all of their antiques and paintings. All of the glassware and dishes too. However I do like to mix in classic comfortable soft furniture like couches and chairs. We do use our fine china as much as we can too.

I love your quote, "use it or someone else will." That is so very true. I just cleaned out my parents' home, and had to donate so many treasures my mom had "saved for good."

I have been asking for several years now trying to pass down my treasures to my five children. No Mom, I don't need anything.Just last week, my fifth child, girl, finally took my beautiful vintage cut chrystal glassware. Wine, champagne, goblets, etc. I have to resign to the fact, it may sit in a box for awhile.