Old Money Interior Design: How to Bring Timeless Elegance Into Your Home
“As our lives become increasingly digital and filled with noise, the home has become a refuge longing for a sense of peace and authenticity. The idea of luxury is evolving, from a symbol of excess to an emblem of mindfulness and well-being.”Jessica Harris, designer
There is a certain kind of home that doesn’t beg for attention but instead earns it. It’s the kind of space that feels like it has a story to tell, where every detail is deliberate. This is the essence of Old Money interior design. Rooted in tradition and refined over time, the style embodies comfort and quiet luxury. The Old Money interior design style is more than just a visual aesthetic; it’s a mindset that values meaning over momentary style. Don’t let the name fool you, Old Money Design isn’t about wealth—it’s about timelessness. Rooted in tradition, this aesthetic draws from heritage homes, antique detailing, and a sense of curated elegance that stands the test of time.
By contrast, “New Money” style is about chasing trends. Old Money decor speaks in a softer, more confident tone. It’s about restraint, not flash. Spaces are defined by woods, curated antiques, layered textures, and an emphasis on quality over quantity. If this aesthetic aligns with your design instincts, you’re already halfway there. With thoughtful choices and support from Levtex Home’s classic collections, you can create a home that feels both effortlessly elegant and personal.
What Is Old Money Interior Design Style
Old Money interior design is inspired by European estates and historic homes. The style blends layered textures and subdued color palettes with thoughtfully curated antiques and art. Jackie Kennedy’s White House restoration and Ralph Lauren’s Bedford estate reflect Old Money through rich textiles and by prioritizing understated luxury.
This aesthetic avoids over-decoration and novelty. It favors structured layouts, and materials that age well. The result is a home that feels consciously put together. Not overly bold and driven by trends, Old Money interior design focuses on decor that is timeless.
Simply put: Old Money homes are not decorated overnight. They are built, piece by meaningful piece.
"There’s been this wave in fashion, but it’s a little different for interiors. It’s been called ‘quiet luxury,’ which is more simplified and more about quality and fabrications and cuts. With interiors, it is a little bit the opposite, because it’s not the same minimalism we’ve already experienced. I think it’s going to be about layering on with quality—things like more records, books, art… all of these things involved in a lifestyle full of activity. At the same time, we’re going back to analog; we love the idea of a vinyl in this world of everything digital. A smart home can actually drive me crazy. Now I want a real light switch."Estelle Bailey-Babenzien, designer
Defining the Old Money Aesthetic: Key Elements of Timeless Home Design
Achieving an Old Money look means understanding the design values that define it. Here are the essential characteristics:
1. Old Money Color Palettes: Neutral and Moody Tones for a Classic Home
Old Money interiors lean towards a classic color scheme that feels inviting. Shades like ivory, taupe, forest green, and navy blue create a rich but minimized backdrop that lets your carefully chosen decor take center stage. To bring this palette into your bedroom, use Levtex's Cross Stitch Quilt Set in navy.
2. Quality Materials: The Foundation of Old Money Home Design
When it comes to materials, Old Money depends heavily on natural, tactile elements like mahogany wood, linen, leather, velvet, and brass. These aren't just pretty surfaces; they add texture and character. They add a sense of history to a room that gets better with age instead of losing its charm.
3. Traditional Patterns in Old Money Decor: Florals, Plaids, and Stripes
Old Money loves classic patterns like cozy plaids, pinstripes, toile, or delicate botanical florals. You'll find them in wallpaper or bedding. These patterns aren't flashy; they bring narrative and warmth to your space. For a touch of this charm, Levtex's Embroidered Decorative Pillows offer beautifully crafted designs that are heartfelt and lasting.
"The true old money style balances patterns with interesting textures and solid colors. Florals, stripes, and tartans are classic when it comes to curating the right aesthetic. Textures such as silk and leather are a great way to scale up the luxurious tone of the room alongside dark woods and antique-toned brass.”Jen Nash, senior design lead at Magnet
4. Symmetry: Why It Matters in Old Money Interior Design
One of the subtle but powerful ways Old Money design achieves its polished look is through symmetry. Balance is important. Matching nightstands and lamps, centered artwork, or neatly placed furniture layouts help create a polished, composed space. Using paired decor can help create this visual harmony.
5. Thoughtful Old Money Decor: Designing with Intention and Legacy
With Old Money design, less is always more. Instead of filling your space with every trendy item you find, focus on pieces that truly add meaning. Whether it's a framed piece of art that speaks to you, a well-loved book, vintage lighting that adds warmth, or a family heirloom passed down through generations, each object should feel purposeful. This thoughtful approach creates spaces that feel authentic and full of life.
6. Antique and Vintage Accents: Hallmarks of Old Money Style Homes
Bringing a sense of the past into your home is key to achieving the Old Money look, and one of the best ways to do that is through antique or vintage accents. These pieces carry stories with them that new items simply can’t replicate. The goal is to choose items that are crafted to age gracefully. These thoughtful touches enrich your home with a sense of legacy. If you love a thrift store or swap meet, those are perfect places to seek out the perfect accents without breaking the bank.
“Central to old money interiors are items that nod to family heritage, such as oil paintings, antiques, vases, and artwork that have been passed down through generations."Jen Nash, senior design lead at Magnet
How to Achieve the Old Money Aesthetic in Your Home
Transforming your home into a haven of quiet luxury doesn't require a complete overhaul. It starts with a mindset shift: prioritize longevity and character over novelty. Here's how to bring the look to life:
Old Money Bedding Ideas: Invest in Timeless Quality and Comfort
Your bedroom is the ultimate retreat, and with an Old Money aesthetic, you’re the one who gets to set the tone! Embracing the Old Money aesthetic means choosing bedding that feels timeless, not trendy. Swap your fleeting patterns for classic quilt sets or textures damask or floral duvets that feel calm and refined. Levtex Home’s Alessio comforter set and Moreno quilt set are perfect examples. You could also go for a classic solid Levtex Home’s Ballou Quilt Set in Navy. The well-crafted designs in classic tones quickly and easily elevate your space. After all, when it comes to relaxation, nothing should feel rushed or temporary.
Layering the Old Money Way
Texture is the heart of creating a space that feels both cozy and sophisticated. Start with crisp linen sheets as your foundation, then add a beautiful quilt folded neatly at the foot of the bed. Finish with an embroidered or velvet pillow like the Levtex Kimpton round pillow or Florina pillow to bring depth and warmth. Layering invites you to sink into your space and experience a bedroom that's as welcoming as it is elegant.
Curated, Not Crowded: Decorating Your Home with the Old Money Mindset
Old Money interiors are defined by intention, not excess. Don't fill every surface; instead, focus on picking pieces that add depth. Try a vintage mirror or a stack of well-worn classics that invites a conversation. It's about creating a space that is filled with stories, not items. When each item has a purpose or memory behind it, your home feels distinctly your own.
“Old money homes and old money aesthetic are filled with layers of curiosities and objects of interest collected as hobby and testimony of a life well-traveled.”Jordan Schehr, senior manager of interior design at One Kings Lane
Old Money Color Schemes for Home Design
Color is one of the most powerful tools in setting the mood of a space. Use deep classic hues in your textiles. A navy or forest green duvet can make all the difference. And if that’s not your style, you can always start with a subtle cream linen duvet and layer out with the right pillows and throws to achieve your Old Money look.
Decorating with Antiques: Timeless Accents in the Old Money Style
Try mixing Levtex Home's newer pieces with vintage finds from flea markets or family collections. Think of an embroidered quilt draped across an iron bed frame, or a classic pillow paired with a wooden bench. This balance of old and new creates a space that feels intentional.
"Antique books and boxes are portable and versatile, and it is a good way to ‘try out’ how you feel about antiques before making larger investments. Once you’ve gained your antique footing, I suggest next investing in a commode or chest. They can literally go anywhere, from a statement piece in an entry or formal room to a bedside table in a bedroom.”Heather Goerzen, design editor at Havenly
Lighting Your Home with Old Money Aesthetic in Mind
Lighting is the secret of any well-designed space. In Old Money homes, it's never harsh or sterile. Try to go for soft, ambient lighting that creates a sense of intimacy. Swap overhead lights for table lamps with pleated shades, vintage-inspired sconces, or even a few well-placed candles. The goal is to cover the room in golden and flattering light.
Personal and Historical Details: The Soul of Old Money Interior Design
Old money design is not just about how a home looks but about how it feels. What gives these interiors their meaning? It's the presence of personal history. Add elements that reflect your history, like heirlooms or old family photos. These pieces ground the space and reinforce the idea that beauty doesn't have to be new to be meaningful.
Levtex Home Picks for Old Money Interior Design
Levtex Home offers pieces that allow you to infuse quiet sophistication into any room. Here are some top picks that reflect Old Money interior design:
Embroidered Pillows: Timeless Details That Complete the Old Money Look
Look for embroidered pillows with toile or floral motifs. These patterns bring a sense of tradition and lend a collected feel to any bed or seating area. Levtex's Embroidered collection offers a variety of beautiful options that feel like stories.
Textured Quilts in Moody or Neutral Tones: Enhancing the Old Money Interior Look
Nothing grounds a room more than a well-made quilt in a rich hue. From creamy ivory and deep navy to muted sage, Levtex's quilt sets effortlessly layer into a space and make it tranquil. The tactile fabrics and subtle stitching details bring confidence that's essential to the Old Money aesthetic.
Botanical and Floral Throws: Elegant Layers in Old Money Decor
A richly embroidered throw is the kind of piece that feels like it's been passed down and only gets better with time. Drape Levtex's Adare Quilted Throw across a sofa, armchair, or foot of the bed for an instant touch of elegance and comfort. It's an easy way to add visual interest while staying true to the delicate charm of Old Money interiors.
Holiday and Seasonal Home Decor with Old Money Aesthetic
Even during the holidays, Old Money style leans toward classic elegance. Levtex's Holiday Collection includes understated plaid and embroidered touches perfect for this aesthetic.
Final Thoughts: Why Old Money Interior Design Style Endures
Old Money interior design is a lifestyle choice that values personality, which also includes elegance and intention. It isn't about showing off wealth but showing respect for quality, culture, and comfort. During a time when fast designs and fleeting fads take place, the Old Money design style offers permanence.
It reminds us that good design doesn't need to be loud to make an impact. That simplicity can be luxurious. That legacy matters.
With thoughtful details and smart styling, you can build a space that not only looks beautiful but feels meaningful. Whether you're in a city apartment or a country house, Old Money style is about creating a home that tells a story and stands the test of time.
Levtex Home offers an array of collections that work with the Old Money aesthetic. Take a dive into our catalogue and find the bedding that's perfect for your tastes.
FAQ
What defines Old Money interior design?
Old Money interior design is defined by classic elements: rich woods, muted palettes, symmetry, and meaningful decor. It prioritizes timeless quality over fleeting styles. This design approach emphasizes heritage and understated sophistication over high trends or flashy displays. Materials like wood, linen, and antique finishes help create a home that reflects the Old Money aesthetic while feeling custom and personal.
How can I decorate my home in the Old Money style on a budget?
Focus on high-impact, affordable pieces like embroidered pillows, classic quilts, and layered textures. Mix new items with vintage finds and choose neutral tones for a sophisticated feel. Shop intentionally and prioritize secondhand markets or local home decor stores where vintage wooden furniture or botanical wallpaper can be found at a regular price. With thoughtful styling and timeless color choices, your home can channel the Old Money style—without a high price tag.
What colors work best for Old Money interior design?
Cream, navy, taupe, forest green, burgundy, and charcoal all reflect the moody, muted palette of this aesthetic. These tones map back to traditional interior design rooted in historic estates and countryside homes. Incorporating these colors in textiles, walls, or accessories gives your space a refined money aesthetic that feels classic, not trendy.
References
1. "The Old Money Aesthetic: Can WASPy Interior Style Be Reclaimed by a New Generation?" on Architectural Digest - https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/old-money-aesthetic
2. "Old Money Decor Is the Timeless Look Taking Over Interiors" on Better Homes & Gardens - https://www.bhg.com/old-money-aesthetic-decor-6754749
3. "The Quiet Luxury Interior Design Trend That Whispers ‘Old Money’" on Living Spaces - https://www.livingspaces.com/inspiration/ideas-advice/styles/the-quiet-luxury-interior-design-trend-that-whispers-old-money
