Image Credit: The Faux Flower Company
All set for a Kennedy summer? 12 ways to get the Love Story look in your interiors
Obsessed with Love Story? We hear ya! Us too.
But while we’re totally in it for the romance, 90s fashion (hello, baby doll dress) and the take-us-back soundtrack, it’s the show’s overall aesthetic that’s causing quite the buzz.
So much so that TikTok-ers are taking to the platform to share their hopes of enjoying a Kennedy summer – soft coastal palettes, preppy-inspired soft furnishings and all.
Of course, it’s nothing new for a hit series to shape how we decorate our homes.
Wednesday brought a touch of whimsigoth, The Traitors had us flirting with castlecore, and And Just Like That nudged us towards a more polished, quiet luxury look, albeit in far fancier apartments than most of us are working with.
So it’s not really all that surprising that Love Story is having a similar effect on our home decor (as well as our wardrobes).
Only this time, it’s less about a single trend and more about a whole mood.
A little bit preppy, a little bit luxe, mixed with a huge dollop of New England charm.
Think coastal blues and crisp whites, wicker, linen and big blooming hydrangeas.
“The Kennedy summer aesthetic is really about understated privilege, a look that feels quietly inherited rather than newly acquired,” explains Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors.
“It draws on that East Coast, New England sensibility where interiors are relaxed but refined, and everything has a sense of history behind it.
“What’s interesting,” adds Kunal, “is that it’s arriving at a time when people are moving away from highly curated, overly styled spaces.
There’s a craving now for homes that feel authentic, layered and lived-in.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy embodied that perfectly; her style was minimal but never cold, classic but never predictable.
This translates into interiors that feel effortless, sun-washed and personal, rather than designed for show.”
So how do you incorporate the Kennedy Summer vibe into a two-up, two-down in the UK?
According to Kunal it’s about striking that balance between polish and ease.
“The space should feel collected over time, not installed in one go,” he explains.
“I often advise clients to mix tailored elements, structured upholstery, classic joinery, with softer, more relaxed layers like rumpled linens or a casually draped throw.
“Nothing should feel too ‘done’. The beauty of this look is in its restraint.”
While we might not be relocating to New England anytime soon, we spoke to the experts about how to bring a hint of that laid-back, preppy elegance into our British interiors, trust fund not required.
Introduce a classic New England colour palette
One way to adopt the look is through your colour scheme – layering coastal blues, fresh whites and gently faded neutrals to echo the sea-air softness the Kennedy summer aesthetic captures so well.
Annika O’Connor, founder of Fynd Homeware suggests moving away from high-contrast navy and bright whites and instead recommends using tones that feel like they’ve faded beautifully over summers.
“A base of chalky white, cream, or pale grey with accents of weathered navy, sage green, and faded duck egg,” she explains.
“Introduce earth tones like sand and silvered driftwood to ground the cooler shades,” she continues.
“The key is keeping everything slightly muted.”
Kate Conrad, interior designer at Madison & Mayfair agrees that while the palette is important, so too is the finish.
“Powdery blues, soft whites and faded neutrals work best when they feel slightly washed out by sunlight rather than sharply contrasted,” she adds.
Hydrangeas everywhere
Flowers have a role to play in this aesthetic, but the look shouldn’t feel overly fussy.
“Rather than creating something too formal, the better approach is to use arrangements that look freshly gathered from the garden,” suggests Kate.
Hydrangeas are almost a signature of this look, but Kunal agrees they should feel effortless.
“Large, loose arrangements in ceramic jugs or simple glass vases work best,” he explains.
“Avoid anything too sculptural or over-arranged, they should look as though they’ve just been cut from the flower beds and dropped into water.”
And if you don’t want the up-keep of growing your own, fake it!
“These faux white hydrangeas in a glass vase work well because they bring fullness and softness to a console, bedside table or dining room,” Kate adds.
Introduce preppy details without overkill
An easy way to channel the Kennedy Summer look is through preppy detailing.
Those crisp, tailored touches that nod to East Coast style, bringing a sense of heritage to a space.
But, Kunal warns preppy accessories need to be subtle.
“It might be a piped cushion, a tailored headboard, or a beautifully bound set of books rather than overt motifs,” he explains.
“The mistake people make is leaning too heavily into theme. Instead think of it as a quiet nod to tradition rather than a literal interpretation.”
Natural materials and textures
This aesthetic relies heavily on texture.
“Linen upholstery, slightly creased, works perfectly alongside woven elements like rattan, cane or wicker,” Kunal advises.
“Light woods such as oak or bleached pine bring warmth without heaviness.
“It’s these tactile layers that stop the space from feeling flat and give it that relaxed sophistication.”
Textiles are a key element of the look.
“Loose linen upholstery and handmade touches such as quilted bedspreads are foundational and can be elevated with carefully chosen accents,” Rohan Blacker, founder of Schplendid explains.
Go for New England stripes
According to Dairine Nethercott, head of design at MOON the New England look translates beautifully to British homes when approached with subtlety. And one way of doing this is incorporating stripes.
“While we may not all live by the sea, we can still bring that relaxed, summery feel to our homes without making it feel out of place,” she explains.
“Stripes, when incorporated thoughtfully and used sparingly, nod to the aesthetic while creating a point of interest.
“Headboards are a good place to introduce a fun or interesting fabric such as a wide stripe trimmed in a matching plain,” Dairine continues.
“These subtle statements add visual interest without leaning heavily into that clichéd coastal look.”
Opt for quiet luxury in your living room
A Kennedy summer living space is defined by a sense of simplicity.
“The look reimagines coastal designer chic through a modern lens, bringing depth and personality to the enduring appeal of ‘quiet luxury’,” explainsJulia Bilotta, creative stylist at Sofology.
Stripped back yet inherently warm, living room decor for this aesthetic favours considered minimalism.
“Low-slung, generously proportioned seating anchors the space, combining comfort with understated opulence,” Julia continues.
“Natural textures and sun-washed, sandy tones create a soft, cohesive foundation, while subtle graphic details and gently industrial accents introduce contrast and visual interest, creating a space that feels both relaxed and quietly sophisticated.”
Create a ‘Love Story’ bedroom
According to Kunal a Love Story-inspired bedroom should feel soft, intimate and slightly nostalgic.
“Start with a palette of whites and pale blues, then layer in texture through quilts, cotton sheets and light throws,” he advises.
“Keep furniture classic and unfussy and introduce small personal details; a stack of books, a simple lamp, sheer curtains that move with the breeze.
“It should feel calm, romantic and entirely uncontrived.”
Rachal Hutcheson, interiors expert at Sharps, says the secret of a true coastal Love Story bedroom lies in capturing a sense of lightness, tranquillity and effortless elegance – the kind that instantly transports you to a serene beachside retreat.
“It’s about layering softness with subtle luxury to create a space that feels both elevated and deeply relaxing,” she says.
“White-washed wooden floors to set the tone.
“They form a beautifully breezy foundation, reflecting natural light and bringing that relaxed, beach-house atmosphere into the room.
“Pair this with creamy, floor-to-ceiling fitted cabinetry to enhance the sense of height and openness – drawing the eye upward while maintaining a seamless, airy aesthetic throughout.”
If coastal isn’t entirely your vibe you can channel your inner Carolyn Bessette and opt for crumpled linen bedding in a soft blush as seen in her warmly neutral city apartment.
Secret Linen Store’s Spiced Sid Stripe set gives a perfect nod to Bessette’s deliberately relaxed vibe.
Go coastal, not nautical
Think coastal, not nautical – the rule is, if it belongs on a boat (anchors, thick ropes, life rings), leave it out.
“Instead lean into seascape artwork (especially vintage, textured pieces), subtle stripes (a ticking stripe or pinstripe), glass lamps with imperfect, sea-glass finishes, brass accents (lights, wall sconces and trinket dishes with patina), and weathered wood accents,” suggests Annika.
“It should feel like a memory of the coast, not a seaside theme.”
Kate agrees that instead of relying on obvious maritime motifs, the look should focus on decorative accents that hint at tradition and quiet luxury.
“Blue and white ceramics are especially effective because they bring in that classic, collected quality without feeling forced,” she advises.
“This blue and white ginger jar or this floral cake stand are good examples of how to introduce that heritage colour story in a subtle, liveable way.
“They feel decorative, but also useful, which is very much in keeping with the look.”
If you want to introduce one stronger statement, Kate suggests doing it through a single accent piece rather than lots of smaller themed accessories.
“A ceramic stool or side table in blue and white, for instance, can add that preppy, collected feel in a more sophisticated way than overt coastal ornament,” she explains.
Layer your lighting
Lighting plays a key role in shaping this atmosphere of Kennedy summer interiors.
“Soft, layered illumination enhances the mood, while thoughtfully chosen materials elevate each piece,” advises Mara Rypacek Miller, founder of Industville.
In episode one when the Kennedy family are dining we see a soft, terracotta-hued fabric pendant hanging low over the table, and Mara says this is a key look for this season.
“Linen shades gently diffuse light, casting a warm, ambient glow that slows the pace of a room, while clear glass introduces a subtle note of modernity without disrupting the overall sense of seaside ease,” she says.
Entertain like the Kennedys
For entertaining spaces, Kate says the Kennedy summer mood is feeling like a room is good to go for guests.
“It is less about dressing a table perfectly and more about creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming and quietly elegant,” she explains.
“Blue and white serving pieces, simple glassware and relaxed styling all help.
“These have that timeless, easy-to-layer quality that suits long lunches, drinks trays or informal summer suppers.”
Kunal agrees this look really comes to life when it’s used.
“A simple tray with gin, sliced lemons and classic glassware instantly sets the tone,” he suggests.
“Linen tablecloths that aren’t perfectly pressed, layered with timeless and mismatched crockery, create that relaxed but elevated feel.
“It’s entertaining that feels instinctive rather than staged.”
Source vintage finds that tell a story
This look is all about layers and textures that build up over time.
“Rooms that feel like they’ve evolved rather than been installed in one go,” advises Annika.
Vintage pieces are essential because they bring authenticity.
“Whether it’s an antique side table, aged brassware or inherited ceramics, these elements give the space depth and narrative,” Kunal explains.
“Without them, the look can feel a little too new and therefore miss the point.”
Introduce some Kennedy finishing touches
Finishing touches should hint at a life well-lived.
“Think books, framed photography, travel pieces, or heirloom-style accessories,” suggests Kunal.
“These are the elements that add quiet character and make the space feel personal.
“Ultimately, the Kennedy Summer look isn’t about decoration, it’s about atmosphere, memory and a sense of ease.”
It’s also important to know when to reign the look in.
“Ultimately, the Kennedy Summer look works because it is suggestive rather than literal,” Kate explains.
“It is about rooms that feel calm, intelligent and lived-in.
“It draws on a timeless decorating language of heritage colours, simple materials and elegant, useful pieces that can be added to gradually.”
Want more inspiration? Read: Peaky Blinders interiors: 10 ways to get the Tommy Shelby look at home or 2026 trend: Unserious interiors – 10 ways to get the look at home. And check out: Brits are obsessed with room-scrolling: 8 design tricks for your own interiors
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