23 Ralph Lauren Interior Design Ideas to Bring Classic Elegance to Your Home
Ralph Lauren is known for crafting spaces that ooze sophistication, style, and timeless charm.
His designs are rooted in the essence of American luxury, blending classic and contemporary elements seamlessly.
If you’re looking to transform your home into a stylish, welcoming haven with a touch of refined elegance, Ralph Lauren’s interior design ideas will inspire you to create the kind of spaces that feel luxurious yet comfortable.
Here’s how to get that coveted Ralph Lauren aesthetic in your own home.
1. Embrace Rich, Warm Color Palettes
Ralph Lauren’s interiors often feature rich, warm colors that evoke a sense of comfort and elegance.
Think deep navy blues, burgundy reds, warm grays, and earthy neutrals. These colors can make any room feel inviting, timeless, and high-end.
They provide a backdrop that allows furniture and décor to stand out, while still offering a sense of coziness.
For example, a navy blue velvet sofa paired with golden accent pillows or a burgundy wall behind a collection of vintage-inspired frames will create an effortlessly elegant vibe.
Insider Tip:
Don’t be afraid to go bold with dark tones in living rooms or dining areas—these colors can make smaller spaces feel intimate and cozy.
Pair them with metallic finishes like brass or gold for a truly elevated look.
2. Use Luxurious Fabrics for Upholstery
Ralph Lauren is known for his impeccable use of luxurious fabrics. Think rich velvet, soft leather, linen, and tweed.
These fabrics exude elegance while being practical for everyday use.
Velvet sofas, leather chairs, and linen slipcovers add depth, texture, and visual interest to a room.
If you’re looking to recreate this, start with accent furniture such as a deep green velvet armchair or a linen slipcovered sectional.
These items give the room a refined, yet approachable feel—perfect for creating a cozy space that still feels elevated.
Insider Tip:
Mix fabrics to create layers and textures in your space.
Pair tweed pillows with a leather sofa or a velvet throw with linen curtains for an added richness.
3. Classic, Timeless Furniture Pieces
One of the hallmarks of Ralph Lauren’s style is his ability to blend classic furniture pieces with modern elements.
Antique-inspired sofas, Chesterfield chairs, and hardwood tables are just a few examples of items that never go out of style.
For your living room or study, opt for traditional leather wingback chairs or a mahogany dining table.
These pieces not only carry a sense of history, but they also offer a durable and elegant foundation for your space.
Adding modern lighting or abstract artwork can keep the space feeling fresh and balanced.
Insider Tip:
The key to pulling off classic furniture is balance.
Don’t overcrowd your space with too many traditional pieces—pair them with more modern touches like contemporary art, sleek lighting fixtures, or minimalistic décor.
4. Incorporate Statement Lighting Fixtures
Statement lighting is a signature feature in Ralph Lauren’s designs.
He often uses chandeliers, pendant lights, and table lamps to create an inviting atmosphere while adding drama and sophistication to a room.
Whether it’s a polished brass chandelier, a vintage-inspired table lamp, or sconces with crystal accents, the right lighting can elevate any space.
To get the Ralph Lauren look, consider incorporating statement lighting in key areas—such as over the dining table or above the kitchen island.
A crystal chandelier can bring a touch of luxury to your dining room, while brass sconces on either side of a mirror can create an elegant ambiance in a hallway.
Insider Tip:
Consider using layered lighting—overhead lights, task lamps, and accent lighting like candles or fairy lights to add different moods to a room.
This creates a dynamic space that feels both functional and luxurious.
5. Add Subtle Patterns with Rugs and Textiles
While Ralph Lauren interiors are often known for their solid, muted color palettes, he also loves incorporating subtle patterns.
Plaid, striped, and floral prints can be used tastefully on rugs, pillows, and curtains to inject personality into the space without overwhelming it.
A classic Houndstooth rug or a plaid throw can bring a bit of texture and interest to an otherwise neutral room.
Insider Tip:
When introducing patterns, keep them in a neutral color palette like gray, cream, or navy to ensure the look feels elegant and cohesive.
6. Focus on Natural Elements: Wood, Leather, and Stone
Incorporating natural materials is key to achieving that timeless Ralph Lauren vibe.
He often uses wood, stone, and leather to create a connection with nature, even within luxury spaces.
Rustic wood beams on a ceiling, stone fireplaces, and leather seating all contribute to the outdoor-inspired elegance of his design.
Start by introducing wooden accent pieces such as a rich oak coffee table or a stone fireplace surround to give your space that Ralph Lauren charm.
Leather chairs or wooden-framed mirrors will also make your home feel sophisticated and grounded.
Insider Tip:
Balance out the natural materials with more refined finishes, like polished marble or glass accents, to maintain an air of luxury and elegance.
7. Use High-End Accents for a Luxe Finish
The devil is in the details, and Ralph Lauren knows how to use high-end accents to complete a room.
Think polished brass handles, crystal vases, sleek glassware, and elegant sculptures.
These finishing touches create a sense of refinement and luxury without feeling overly ornate.
Incorporate golden candle holders, marble trays, or a decorative brass bowl on your coffee table to add the finishing touches to a Ralph Lauren-inspired room.
These items help to make the space feel well-curated and thoughtfully designed.
Insider Tip:
Don’t overdo it—less is more when it comes to high-end accents. Choose a few key pieces that stand out and complement the rest of your décor.
8. Mix Traditional and Modern Art
A blend of traditional and contemporary art is a key element in Ralph Lauren’s style.
He often mixes landscape paintings, vintage portraits, and abstract sculptures to create a dynamic collection.
The goal is to create an art collection that feels personal, yet curated.
To get this look in your own space, start with classic art prints or antique portraits and pair them with modern abstract pieces or photographic works.
These collections can be arranged in grids or hung above a mantelpiece to bring life and dimension to your walls.
Insider Tip:
Consider mixing mediums—use oil paintings alongside framed photography or watercolors with charcoal drawings for a more dynamic look.
9. Create a Timeless Entryway with Antique-Inspired Furniture
Your entryway is the first thing guests see when entering your home, so it’s important to set the tone.
Ralph Lauren’s entryways often feature antique-inspired furniture such as classic console tables, vintage mirrors, and ornate lighting.
Consider placing a mahogany console table under a large mirror in an entryway or hallway.
Add a vintage lamp, a small floral arrangement, or crystal decor to make it feel welcoming yet sophisticated.
The entryway should feel elegant, offering a glimpse of the luxury that awaits inside.
Insider Tip:
Layer vintage-style furniture with modern lighting and luxurious textiles to create an entryway that feels timeless yet contemporary.
10. Integrate Rich Wood Paneling
Wood paneling is one of Ralph Lauren’s signature design features.
He often uses dark wood paneling on the walls to create a rich, cozy, and sophisticated atmosphere.
Whether it’s in a library, office, or formal dining room, wood paneling offers a refined backdrop that pairs well with traditional furniture.
Try installing wood paneling on one feature wall or creating beadboard accents for a more subtle effect.
Rich mahogany, cherry wood, or walnut paneling will bring a classic, luxurious appeal to your space.
Insider Tip:
Opt for lighter wood tones in smaller rooms to avoid overwhelming the space.
For larger rooms, deeper wood paneling will make the space feel intimate and luxurious.
11. Incorporate Leather Upholstered Furniture
Nothing says timeless luxury like leather upholstered furniture.
Ralph Lauren uses leather as a staple in many of his designs, whether it’s in luxurious sofas, armchairs, or ottomans.
Leather adds elegance, comfort, and texture, making any room feel inviting and stylish.
A deep brown leather sofa paired with a plush rug and soft throws can be the perfect anchor for your living room, while a leather ottoman works wonders in a study or reading nook.
Insider Tip:
Pair leather with soft fabrics like cotton or wool to avoid making the room feel too stiff or formal.
The combination creates a balance of comfort and luxury.
12. Layer Patterns with Classic Rugs
Classic rugs are another key element of Ralph Lauren’s design aesthetic.
He often uses oriental rugs, tartan patterns, and plaid designs to add texture and color to rooms.
These rugs serve as both decorative accents and functional pieces, giving a space a sophisticated yet cozy feel.
Consider layering a bold-patterned rug over a neutral-colored carpet or placing a rich-toned oriental rug beneath a sleek sofa.
The patterns help to introduce depth and warmth to your space, while the luxurious fabrics create a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.
Insider Tip:
When choosing rugs, ensure that the colors complement your overall palette.
Bold patterns should be grounded by neutral tones like beige, gray, or navy.
13. Add Cozy Yet Elegant Throw Blankets
A touch of luxury can be as simple as adding a cozy throw blanket to your sofa.
Ralph Lauren uses throws in a way that balances comfort with elegance.
You can easily elevate your space by throwing a soft cashmere or wool blanket over the back of a chair or sofa.
Opt for throws in neutral colors, soft wool, or cashmere to add warmth without compromising style.
A light gray or ivory throw adds a sense of understated elegance, while a bold plaid blanket can inject a bit of personality.
Insider Tip:
Keep the texture of the throw interesting, using materials like knitted wool or plush velvet for a luxurious feel.
14. Create a Cohesive Story Through Accessories
Ralph Lauren’s interiors tell a story through their use of accessories.
From vintage books and tarnished silver trays to antique sculptures and vintage maps, each item adds to the narrative of the room.
Start by incorporating a few key accessories that reflect your own personality or interests.
A vintage globe might speak to your love of travel, while family heirlooms can create a warm, personal touch.
Insider Tip:
When adding accessories, don’t overcrowd the space. Choose a few meaningful pieces that fit into the room’s overall theme.
