7 Things to Thrift to Get That Ralph Lauren Cottage Look

Today I'm sharing 7 things I look for when shopping secondhand to add some Ralph Lauren style to our home. Our home is ever evolving, and I love looking towards his classic timeless style for inspiration. Thank you so much for being here!
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[@mrs.r.1467]

I love the look of brown furniture. I realize that painting furniture white is the "in" thing but I like dark toned woods. I feel like it gives the home warmth. Your home evokes that kind of warm comfort and I've gotten lots of inspiration from you. Have a blessed weekend. Arlene

[@larac.8137]

I really don’t think white furniture is in anymore thank god, It seems like rich wood tones is back!

[@jannier9766]

I love the natural wood and seeing the grain. I am not a fan of painted furniture unless it is damaged and paint is the best option to make it look nice. I do appreciate the talent of how people can change a piece with paint. It’s nice we can all choose what brings joy and comfort.

[@Print229]

I love Ralph Lauren, too -especially a simplified (not so cluttered) version. I'd add tweed and leather to your fabric list and stained wainscotting and a boot/wellies rack to the architectural features of a Ralph home. ❤️

[@napturallyyours70]

Bingo!👏😊🙏

[@judytrull8503]

I think the most lovely part of your home is how much you and your family love and care for it, and I appreciate your encouragement that when you thoughtfully thrift an item there is a way to make it work most of the time.

[@angelaengler2387]

I love how CLASIC Ralph Lauren is! His designs from the 70s and 80s still work today imho . I love design that won’t look dated quickly😍

[@OldWorldHome]

Amen!

[@cassieb1860]

I love it! I am in my 50’s, so the RL look has always been my favorite (both home and clothing). Luckily, I sort of live that look since I do have horses and bird dogs! I agree that it is a timeless feel. Every one of my pieces of furniture is darker wood, ornate and fairly “heavy” pieces.

[@terryruiz7417]

Lovely home. I was wondering at what point as an adult did you realize this was the style you would follow? Sometimes it takes one a long time to settle on a decorating style to live with. I spent several years floundering until I found my way into a very traditional style...and it has been tweaked over time...I'm 75!

[@KristanKremer]

I am 39 and I 'm just now starting to realize what my style is. When I first had my own home to decorate in the early 2000s I gravitated toward the Ralph Lauren style but then I became influenced by Pinterest and other social media over time and kind of lost my vision on what was really "me". It's easy to get overwhelmed by other people's images and think that just because I think something looks nice that it's my style. As I've gotten older I've realized that traditional/classic/preppy has always been my style and all the online imagery just confused me.

[@thechickincharge1073]

I was in my later 30’s to early 40’s before I found decor that made me swoon! At 59 at am enjoying it so much!

[@Deezeelove]

I think about a year ago 😃

[@vickiesimmons4076]

I love your style. I like to call mine country-rustic-modern-by the coast 😆 I spent a while obsessed with Pioneer Woman decor. I finally realized it was just too visually overwhelming for me. That’s when I realized I can love the look of something without loving it for my home. Sold my collections. Bought soothing tones (and whites dishes). My husband builds a lot of our furniture too!

[@jannier9766]

♥️

[@joyceprice6749]

Vickie I know what you mean. I loved the pioneer woman. Now I just use them because there in the cabinet. I have the Blue Willow from England and pink that I can switch out. I already went through the victorian stage. Then the went through wildlife and horse stage because of our horses. 😆 Now I just get what I want. I have dark wood furniture. Have a good day.

[@OldWorldHome]

It’s taken me time to figure that out too… love the style of other people but it’s just not mine 💛

[@innergrandma7963]

Just a fun fact, Ralph Lauren has been the designer of the United States Olympic uniforms since 2008. Love his style.

[@jendyson6729]

Another fun fact his real name is Ralph Lifshitz (this is how my mom always refered to him, lol).

[@OldWorldHome]

Very cool!

[@alexandriascott1149]

I have come back to this video many times! I would be so interested in this as a series!

[@JL-hn6hi]

Would love to see you do more videos about your thoughts on this style. Love it.

[@imahick5723]

Your home is so tasteful and functional at the same time. I have a lot of the same elements except for the artwork. I have picked up artwork of a lot of landscapes and things that I like. I need to edit that down and maybe add some newer touches, more classic. I think I'll watch this video several times to help me transition a little bit more so that I don't have such a hodgepodge look. Thanks for simplifying this Hillary!

[@sallyward3791]

Also, have had RL sheets and curtains for decades. Quality.

[@marm2371]

Love Ralph Lauren style. More on this type of decor would be great!!

[@Shiryone]

I'm drawn to cozy Scandinavian, with lighter neutrals, and with natural elements. But I appreciate any decor that you can tell has been brought together thoughtfully, and when a home looks "lived in" and comforting. You home is lovely.

[@SharonKBM]

Thank you for helping define the Ralph Lauren style for me. My husband likes this style so I want to incorporate some into our home. I think it is a timeless look, but I prefer the way you have styled your lovely home rather than some of the photos you showed. Your home is so put-together with such interesting pieces that all fit well together. My favorite element is the blue and white pottery and I am always looking for that. I would love the find some blue and white lamps.

[@StoneCottageHome]

Good morning, Hilary! I'm not sure how many times I've watched this inspiring episode, but would love an even deeper dive into how you "research", or find inspiration on this gorgeous look. Perhaps, the overall elements that constitute the style and whatever other specific items you look for second hand. Have a lovely day!

[@amberpolk]

Great tips. I love pleated and covered lampshades. So much character can be brought into a room with a little shade.

[@OldWorldHome]

Amen!

[@lauriehester4682]

Your home is beautiful. It's crazy how long it has taken me to figure out my style, and I still don't really fall into a category. I do like a very traditional look but with a leather masculine library look coupled with a lodge look LOL! All in neutrals! I've watched your style change over the years...it really takes some time to know what style is "yours"!

[@OldWorldHome]

Yes absolutely, always evolving 💛

[@authenticallyamber99]

Ralph Lauren is timeless and classic! I’ve always been a fan!! ♥️

[@momof2momof2]

I agree. The horns are not my thing, but I agree with the others. My last home was decorated in very much this RL/old world style. My current home is the complete opposite. I started out with mid century modern with a lot of aqua, and over the past 2 years have moved into more traditional, with a lot of pinks, the furniture is a bit more art deco inspired, with my twist to keep it fresh. I do love my dark cherry wood furniture :) My oldest brother loves Ralph Lauren. He has virtually every polo shirt ever made by that company.

[@christinamo7]

I love this look - so timeless! I have a set of antlers from a buck my dad got when he and mom were newlyweds. he always hung his hat on it, but I just use it for decor.

[@tinaknutsen]

I inherited a bunch of antlers from my uncle, so I found some great inspiration fro YT and Pinterest. One I did using pallet wood, I stained the wood with minwax Aged Barrel and top coated/ mounted. Same stain I used on all of my trim throughout my house. It really has that aged barrel rustic look. I wish you could share photos on KZbin.

[@sherryhudson9075]

Dogs too. Whether prints or brass, horses and dogs

[@donnawojdacz6969]

Can’t get enough plaid🥰

[@scotchgirl9727]

You did an awesome job of concisely presenting an overview of RL style! Would love to see follow up videos focusing on each of the seven individually to flush them out even more. Your home is beautiful, btw. Your style is so the perfect combination of cozy/relaxed & traditional/formal.

[@janbarrett4544]

I draw the line at stag horns ornately framed.

[@faytharp1239]

Love your style so much. Something so classic about it. I love a layered thrifted over time look. Plus it's fun finding the "new" treasures.

[@cstar6682]

I can't get enough of plaid! I also like some leather accents like an ottoman or a desk top to balance the feminine florals.

[@carolynb1413]

I am complete opposite in my decor. I’m not into dark and heavy but prefer colour, plants soft and uncluttered. But I still accept everyone’s style as I realize mine has changed over the years.

[@mycollectivehome4620]

Silver trays and brass candlesticks

[@gigss3439]

On the hunt for that perfect small antique dresser for my living room. Great tips!

[@racheld.2046]

Thank you for simple examples & inspiration! I had my "design style" all figured out until we moved into a 1901 four square that lends towards cape code style homes... Living in a community near the water changes your perspective! I'm quickly growing to appreciate the timeless style of Ralph Lauren/East coast preppy.

[@JJ33438]

thank you so much. love your style.

[@maryc5421]

Such a classic timeless look, I love it too! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@bambiwest1391]

This video is right in my wheel house. My husband and I are redoing our family room in this exact style - simple elegant but very inviting and cozy. Warmth is a great sensation when you walk into a home and it says hello and welcome- that is what we strife for. Be well, God bless and thank you for sharing this and your home with us.

[@OldWorldHome]

Oh yes, the feeling is everything 💙

[@susanvelez6534]

I look for the floral and the blue and white I have many pieces of flow blue dish ware and the dark woods

[@donna8212]

That is a classic and timeless look. So beautiful!!! 👍🏻😊

[@courtneybougie7904]

I love your style and how you’ve put the finds together. Fabulous!

[@elizabethlane4617]

LOVE the old vintage Ralph Lauren look! Back in the 80’s there was an outlet that the RL seconds went too and my mom, sis and I had almost every pattern then! Almost all the sheets and pillows shams etc we used for YEARS and YEARS and wore out! As we got married and established our own homes, we traded around the different RL bedding etc that we had- now most all of it is gone and I have been thrifting for it! I have found quite a bit at thrift stores and I am loving doing the layered bed look again with the vintage 80’s RL linens! My best score was 2 gorgeous wool plaid RL pillows this past year for $5 each!!! The plaid that you showed on the chair in your latest video and said the tassels were messed up. I almost did a happy dance in the thrift store!!!! So glad someone shared your channel with me today! Blessings on you!

[@OldWorldHome]

Oh this warmed my heart! What precious memories then and lovely decor to use now! 💞

[@janetcarbone4213]

Second hand rocks! Most of my furniture is “Hey Grandma can I have that?” I also love the mish mash of color and style. I have horses so the equestrian is a no brained for me

[@jendyson6729]

Loved everything. You and I have the exact same taste. To me this is an English cottage look and also very preppy. The look is classic and very warm and welcoming. Thanks for the video 😀

[@flowerpower3618]

Great tips!

[@traceygartrell3419]

Thank you for sharing

[@quorrakai]

Great video! I've always loved the Ralph Lauren decor aesthetic. Your home is done so well!! Gorgeous pieces. I also love RL fashion, jeans and button downs and of course the sweaters! 😎

[@toniahendrich9966]

This video was my favorite! Love your ideas! Thank You!

[@lindaroyal8161]

Not sure if it fits the RL style but you didn't mention the metals, candle sticks, bowls and vases. You have such a great collection of metals and have them displayed perfectly. I like that you actually use them as well. Maybe a video show casing all your metals, where you found them and of course your eye for bargains. TY

[@cameragrl2222]

I love your videos! I've gone through your older videos and seen how your style has changed and been refined. I feel like you have a very iconic style. Yet full of warmth and individuality. I would love to see more videos like this one. It could be an Ralph Lauren series. Thank you for all your hard work in creating these videos.

[@OldWorldHome]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@BengeFamily98]

This is so helpful Hilary! I had no idea there was a name for the style of decor in your home. I've searched different key words trying to find similar design ideas, but never Ralph Lauren!

[@juanitahill4832]

You have beautiful style for your home. Very welcoming and comfy looking.

[@sallycroft2191]

I have a houseful of solid maple furniture, interspersed with a few antique furniture pieces to keep it from being totally Colonial. I have teamed it with a rich dark brown leather couch and dining room chairs. Also, hard new dark hardwood floors, installed and it has grounded the maple furniture. I use accessories & pictures that pull out colours from rugs to keep it cohesive. Thankfully, lots of natural light. Finding your style takes time and supplementing what you have sometimes.

[@lynnehampton1777]

Hi Hilary. Blue and White pieces are lovely. So classic for sure. Love floral linens too. So pretty and very homey. I am just in love with your style in your home. Your home is jjust so lovely. Thanks for sharing. Take care. God Bless

[@kellieliacopoulos8005]

Good Morning! Soooo pretty!!! You really have made this particular look your own!! Have a great weekend!

[@karenstairs8273]

Your home is lovely...and so cozy!!!

[@jerseygirl4736]

Your home is lovely and I've followed you for some time, so it's nice to see the evolution of your style. I live near the water in NJ, so I'm partial to lighthouses, walnut-type woods, sailing ships. My favorite colors are burgundy, all shades of green as well as neutrals. Even so, I'm highly allergic to kitsch! You seem to incorporate all colors beautifully so that all live together harmoniously. Great job! -Pat

[@sandrawalker1817]

Thanks! Enjoyed your tips and like the style!

[@lianeabeyta4515]

This is definitely my style. I love a good matted and framed art print and have them everywhere, even my kitchen I also love brass candlesticks and footed little pots for plants or small items And I also have a collection of walking sticks in a large glazed ceramic tall vessel. Very RL for sure . And any dishes or tureens or vases in blue and white are my obsession.

[@Mirsada116]

Fabulous video, Hilary!

[@leem200]

Love the look.

[@chaank1069]

Love this ❤️

[@msmary126]

I love the plaid!!

[@kathymccune2679]

Lamps and rugs are my favorite things to find at thrift stores!

[@discoverwithdebra6038]

Hi Hillary I love ❤️ your home 🏡 thanks for sharing your tips

[@carolharner4472]

I am inspired by your sense of style!

[@patriciaconiglio6717]

Lovely video. Hillary your home is so pretty and functional.

[@shirleydunn8050]

Really interesting video. Love your curtains! I went to see “ Where the Crawdads sing” yesterday. Loved it - it stayed true to the book.

[@sushilsukumaran5688]

Stay blessed....

[@lindasmith5190]

Enjoyed.

[@phyllisanngodfrey6137]

Love it.

[@janicehunt8532]

I like your style too ,as you say it’s timeless

[@midlifemom5829]

This was such a nice video! I live in Southern California and im so tired of modern farmhouse, uber modern, and coastal. Love timeless RL

[@Jlk6532]

Vintage fall Ralph Lauren is my inspiration for our family photo this year. It’s addicting.

[@OldWorldHome]

That sounds so lovely! 🍁🐿 🧡

[@JustTheilogs]

Ralph Lauren is also one of my favorite brands to buy. I easily get hooked on something that's tagged Ralph Lauren. Have found many comforters but had to recently turn them down because it's too bulky to wash (no duvet inserts). Also love the warm tones and yes the classic style. After watching this video, I'm going to the thrift store to check out what Ralph Lauren treasures or any other treasures I may find.

[@lauriediener5328]

I really like Ralph Loren too! And equestrian decor ! 🌹

[@kathywinstead7460]

Hillary, do you refer to an outline or some sort of notes as you film your vlog? Your presentation flows so beautifully!

[@thechickincharge1073]

Oh my! This was great and much appreciated! I have watched two such videos today that really helped me zero in on my style as I spruce up here shortly for the fall months! I had forgotten that I had stag horns stashed away that I always meant to add some moss to the mount where the leather covers where it’s mounted. ( a loss for the correct terms😂) I noticed that there was a bit of gold/brass in some of these pictures and I think that works great as added charm as long as it doesn’t go from Ralph Lauren to Laura Ashley. I am definitely incorporating brass into my autumn decor. It just adds a touch of class. Love your home!❤️

[@OldWorldHome]

Oh yes, all the brass 🤩

[@SarahsOctoberHome]

I love RL too. When I get to our Den makeover. It’s going to be all inspired by RL. Love all the pictures you shared.✨I love the bedroom you shared with the plaid wallpaper. I am using wallpaper in the Den.✨

[@OldWorldHome]

Yes! Wallpaper everywhere ✨

[@michigangrandma3452]

I so love your ideas. I was going to ask you where did you get those awesome curtains? So glad you shared this. I have wanted to use them in my home but need black out since we face west and get the afternoon sun. I must find some and maybe I could back them with something to help with sun. Thank you so much for these great timeless ideas. I love the old world lived in look myself . It is so comfortable and homey.

[@jenniferdahl4475]

I like many aspects of RL but I also find it a bit cluttered as a whole. But, in any styles I usually can find ideas as to how to hang things or style items that wouldn’t have occurred to me, like the stag horns. I have a section of wall that I did baskets. I love it but one spot is missing something and didn’t want another basket. That would be perfect. Thanks.

[@constancerobinson1377]

Plaid great video

[@dabigdikdangler]

I have none of that and my house still looks Ralphy, styling is everything, be inspired by the store but use items YOU like

[@ramonawhisenant2045]

You have a beautiful home !

[@jennifersouthin7764]

He based his style on old english county style clothes and interiors.

[@susanstacy2493]

I just found your channel and I subscribed. I think you've given some great points for achieving the Ralph Lauren look.

[@OldWorldHome]

So glad you’re here Susan 💛

[@susanstacy2493]

@@OldWorldHome Thanks!

[@barbarapeterson8030]

LOVE Ralph Lauren! Happy Friday...STTB

[@OldWorldHome]

Happy Friday to you! 😎

[@tinaknutsen]

I’ve had this navy blue RL jacket and the shoulders and elbow patches are a dark brown Corduroy. I later splurged on some RL dark brown boots. Its the only RL I own that I paid full price for 10 + years ago. I look forward to wearing it every fall. I painted my guest bedroom top half tan and bottom half in navy blue. I put in all new trim between the two colors and at the base of the wall that I painted in a cream color and did the door. I then did crown molding base color in cream let it dry and slightly watered down the navy and dripped it down along the top edges, with a blow dryer on low setting and made so cool effects. Then for the raised details I added small hints of gold. This room make over took me 10 days and that was also removing the popcorn ceiling, texturing, priming & paint. I am almost done I plan to do a compass decal around the boob light …which I did in my old place and everybody liked it, and I’ve always got friends and family asking me for help decorating that I don’t get my own projects finished. So I was redoing my friends bathroom and I couldn’t reach an area from the Ladder, so I stepped on the toilet seat and it flew out from underneath me like a flying saucer and I twisted and fell, my head and shoulder hit the back of their laundry machine which is also located in the bathroom. I broke my shoulders and sprained my ankle. My husband said no more helping others…cause the hospital bills were outrageous. So when I’m healed I hope to finish my guest room.

[@loridamico3368]

Oh my! Praying for a full and quick recovery for you. I hope you are feeling better everyday.

[@joyceprice6749]

I just checked and found out there's a Ralph Lauren store not far from where I live. I'm going to check it out. Thanks Hilary for sharing. 🌹❤️🌹

[@OldWorldHome]

Oooh enjoy!

[@susanf4857]

I find deer antlers in my yard and neighborhood. We have so many deer! I love using them in fall decor.

[@OldWorldHome]

Same here 💙

[@jennyharmony1371]

I love this style but I will add to please sometimes call it what it is, which is English Country. From a decor and design perspective it's less confusing to say English Country since Ralph Lauren is a brand not necessarily a type of design style or decor. Ralph Lauren is very heavily influenced by English country style. Your home is beautiful. ❤️🇬🇧❤️🇬🇧

[@danmcalister7088]

If you know Ralph is a design and style to😊

[@tlew9429]

But if you aren’t familiar with design styles but are familiar with and love Ralph Lauren then call it “Ralph Lauren style”. Another comment I’ve heard said Ralph Lauren’s style is British Colonial. To each their own.

[@flowerpower3618]

I watch a lot of British tv especially Midsommer Murders for decorating ideas for my little 1924 Tudor cottage

[@KristanKremer]

I love blue and white pieces, and I'm always on the lookout for blue and white plates to hang on the wall that do not have an Asian motif to them. I find them to be very hard to find! I really like all of your tips and I will be incorporating them more into my traditional home. I do still like to add unexpected colors like hot pink every now and then (I know it sounds weird haha). Great video!

[@OldWorldHome]

I feel you! I think an unexpected pop is so fun and easy to swap in and out

[@debbiesivertson817]

❤️❤️❤️

[@chaank1069]

Hillary could you pls make a video in how to find one’s decorating style.

[@mylynnj3792]

Don't forget, if you find a beautiful blue and white vase (any vase) that you wish was the base for the perfect lamp it can be. Purchase a lamp kit, and transform that vase into your dream lamp.

[@OldWorldHome]

So true! Very good point 💙

[@pamelacolson310]

I'm transitioning my home to have some of these classic elements. They're timeless and I never tire of this type of decor. Side note: That blue dinnerware is stunning! Any information you can give me about them? Maker and style? Thank you for this video!

[@patriciamcnichol3861]

Be careful gold trim doesn’t do well in a dishwasher

[@crystalheart9]

Love this style of decor, it looks so warm and comforting. I do love plaid as well. I don't like the trend now of painting everything bright white and black or even gray. It feels so cold and uninviting.

[@chrisjulian83]

Just found you, great video

[@OldWorldHome]

So glad you’re here 💛

[@napturallyyours70]

And let's not forget the metal/brass beds!😊🙏

[@OldWorldHome]

Oh yes! One of my favorites for sure 🤩

[@robinsawyer9182]

I love the lumbar pillow on you bed. Do you know what brand it is? Or where you got it?

[@OldWorldHome]

Thrifted it many years ago, sorry I don’t have a brand 💛

[@londawhitt6841]

👍😊

[@inspiringsimple]

This video wasn’t good for me this month as I’m on a no spend month haha. I LOVE plaid. I’ll probably go to ‘quite a few’ op shops in September 😂

[@joyceprice6749]

Me too. Plaid of every color. When I was young I loved plaid also. I had a gold and black plaid skirt, a brown plaid and a black and white one. Awe that was good days. 😆 Have a good day. 🌺

[@pamlong448]

I love the timelessness of Ralph Lauren design. Especially the matching of different patterns, colors and textures. I am not a big fan of horse or hunting type art…wondering what else would compliment…perhaps maps or black and white sketches or????

[@cassieb1860]

Yes maps! That would be great. I also have a lot of waterfowl paintings, wood and metal antique bird pieces.

[@janrobert3176]

Maybe old sailing ships art, botanical prints, or historical architecture prints. Love the maps idea.

[@pamlong448]

I think your suggestion of old architecture designs perhaps even blueprints would look amazing.