From Ralph Lauren cover shoots to Architectural Digest spreads, the ‘old money’ aesthetic has captured the imagination of designers, decorators, and homeowners alike.

Whether or not you belong to these elite circles, the casual elegance of an aesthetic defined by heritage, tradition, and quiet luxury is one to which anyone can aspire, and we've assembled 21 top tips to help you achieve it.

Click or scroll on to learn more.

A few well-made antique or heirloom-style pieces create a more authentic atmosphere than rooms crowded with trendy décor. Your space will look more elegant if you prioritise pieces of value, giving them room to stand out and draw the eye. 

Splashy colours can often overwhelm a space, making it look cheap and cheerful rather than understated and elegant. Use muted, timeworn colours like cream, olive, navy, burgundy, taupe, dusty blue, and hunter green rather than bright statement shades for a more refined look. 

Fake wood is always obvious to an experienced eye, whereas real wooden pieces add immediate luxury and value to any room. Incorporate real wood furniture with visible grain, patina, and craftsmanship instead of glossy manufactured finishes. 

Books add warmth and texture to any space. Whether you’re fortunate enough to have a home library, or simply want to display your collection in a living area or office, built-in shelves, stacked hardcovers, and well-used classics instantly create an intellectual, inherited feeling.

Hang traditional art such as landscapes, equestrian scenes, portraits, botanical prints, or black-and-white photography. If you’re using multiple pieces of art to create a gallery wall, aim for simple, understated frames that don’t overwhelm the artwork.

Alternatively, if you’re using a single, larger piece, opt for more ornate, gilded frames to enhance the visual statement. 

An easy trap to fall into as an avid collector, overusing antiques, particularly from different eras, can make a space feel cluttered, dusty, and dated. One Georgian side table or vintage brass lamp feels more authentic and elegant than turning every room into a museum.

Sometimes time-honoured techniques really are worth the effort. Rolled-arm sofas, skirted chairs, tufted ottomans, and structured silhouettes feel timeless and add texture and luxury to a room, helping it feel comfortable and lived in while still expensive and refined. 

Always avoid overly synthetic textures. Linen, wool, leather, marble, cotton, cane, and aged brass are timeless, quality materials that not only add value to a room, but also last far longer than their synthetic equivalents.

Quality materials are always worth the investment, as they’ll save you money in the long-term. 

Though recessed lighting is becoming more and more common in new homes, there are easy alternatives you can implement to avoid harsh overhead glare. Add layered lighting with table lamps, sconces, reading lamps, and soft overhead fixtures rather than bright recessed lighting alone.

A good floral arrangement in an entryway or on a dining table can be the epitome of elegance, particularly when the bouquet reflects the time of year, or has been culled from your own garden.

Hydrangeas, white roses, branches, or garden clippings look more authentic than extravagant arrangements. Try to avoid fake floral arrangements, which often look tacky and collect dust which draws the eye. 

It’s always a lovely touch to incorporate family heirlooms if you happen to have them, keeping memories and traditions alive while showcasing valuable pieces.

However, inherited-looking accessories such as silver trays, crystal decanters, porcelain bowls, or framed family photographs can create this effect of lived-in luxury even if you don’t have access to grandma’s bone china. 

No one wants to live in a space that feels austere and forbidding, a trap which overly-curated or modern ‘designer’ interiors often fall into. Slight imperfections, worn leather, stacked magazines, and casually folded throws create warmth, realism, and effortless elegance. 

Old money style favours discretion and understatement. You may know that a piece is incredibly valuable, but you don’t need to shout about it to your guests. As always, less is more, and discretion speaks volumes without having to appear ostentatious or tasteless. 

Use traditional patterns carefully: stripes, plaids, florals, toile, herringbone, and Persian rugs add depth without looking flashy. In some circumstances, patterns can be layered for a whimsical, cosy look.

Model ships, tennis racquets, riding boots, maps, or travel souvenirs personalise the space naturally, and antique sporting goods add a stylish and quirky textural element in addition to paintings or photographs.

Your family’s interests are unique to you, and this can be a fun way to highlight them for guests, or even just for yourselves. 

Choose curtains that puddle slightly and are lined properly. Heavy linen or cotton drapery instantly elevates a room, adding texture and luxury. Make sure the pattern is understated and compliments or matches any other upholstery in the space.   

Include pieces with provenance or stories behind them: estate sale finds, inherited furniture, travel antiques, or handmade objects. These can be great fun to collect, and will always give a room a sense of history and heritage. 

Symmetry is a time-honoured tradition in classical architecture and design. Matching lamps, balanced furniture placement, and centred artwork create calm elegance, and enhance the timeless feel of any space, from dining rooms to bedrooms.

The essence of old money decorating is confidence, permanence, and ease rather than trying to impress visitors. Spaces should feel comfortable, casual, and lived-in, but incorporate quality materials and heritage decorative items for a sense of elevated living that feels effortless. 

Old money interiors evolve slowly over decades instead of changing with every design cycle. Layering is an important part of this process, as new soft furnishings, artworks, and antiques are added to a room over time.

These pieces should offer individual value rather than something selected at random to fill a hole in the space. 

Just because you are cultivating a traditional aesthetic doesn’t mean every piece in your home needs to be an antique. Feel free to incorporate both modern and heritage pieces to create an elegant blend, with nods to both the past and the present.

This will give your space a stylish, up-to-date air, and prevent it from feeling stuffy or dowdy. 

Loved this? Now discover more design tips and inspiration