How To Decorate Your Home Like Gilmore Girls
Whether you've stayed awake countless nights binge-watching "Gilmore Girls" or are just now getting into the series, there's no denying the Gilmore family has an eye for home decor. Per Scene Therapy, mother-daughter duo Lorelai and Rory keep things casual and comfortable in their two-story home with plush furniture (perfect for weekend nights) and unique, quirky pieces. At the same time, Emily and Richard (parents to Lorelai and grandparents to Rory) have a more traditional, upscale style in their house. Is it vastly different? Yes — but both are worth incorporating in your own home.
From filling your space with antiques and kitschy decor to adding personal touches with family photos and kitchen essentials, join us as we explore all the ways you can recreate the feeling of "Gilmore Girls" without having to rebuild the Stars Hollow set in your backyard. There are plenty of simple ways to get the look. With just a little DIY mixed in with trendy home decor additions, your space will soon emulate the beloved TV show home.
1. Add some color to your kitchen
There's a time and place for minimalist kitchen decor — just not in the Gilmore house. As you can see in this YouTube clip, Lorelai and Rory's home features a bold, bright, and eclectic kitchen with colorful accents lining the walls (and refrigerator). The entire room has a shabby chic, vintage feel, thanks in part to the paint colors. The walls and cabinetry — which boast a minty green hue — work incredibly well with the pale yellow elements in the space. While green can add some liveliness to your kitchen, yellow can open up the room, making it feel airier, according to HGTV. And as a bonus, these colors also look great alongside white and wood pieces. If your kitchen has either of these details, a green and yellow kitchen might be perfect for your home.
Of course, the paint colors aren't the only aspects of the space that make it stand out. To really emulate the look of the Gilmore house, make sure you put some bright (and mismatched) dining essentials and drinkware on your shelves as well. Hanging a few decorative plates on the walls will serve as a final Lorelai and Rory-approved touch. Overall, have fun with it — and don't think too hard about the coordination between everything.
2. Paint your house blue
Take your "Gilmore Girls" home decor inspiration outside for an exterior update. The iconic home of Lorelai and Rory boasts a gorgeous powder blue hue, and it's worth trying out for yourself if you can. According to The Spruce, this color can make your home feel a bit more relaxing. This particular blue is quite cool (as opposed to warmer colors like yellow and orange), and the white trim on the exterior allows it to mimic the colors you see in the sky. The result? A house that will elicit a grateful, relaxed sigh when you pull into the driveway. After all, who wouldn't want their home to look like a warm, sunny day?
In addition to the calming effects, the shade has a widespread allure for homeowners since it makes a house appear friendlier (via Benjamin Moore). And considering Rory and Lorelai often spend hours sitting outside their home — whether on the porch or the front steps — it's definitely worth opting for this paint color.
3. Lean into antiques
What's old is new again — whether you're in Lorelai and Rory's home, Emily Gilmore's house, or the Dragonfly Inn. All over the "Gilmore Girls" universe, you'll find plenty of antiques. While Lorelai and Rory tend to opt for quirkier flea market picks, Emily focuses on higher-end pieces in her home. This YouTube clip highlights just how elaborate some of the antiques in Emily's house really are. Of course, it isn't as simple as you might think to embrace the world of decorative objects and older pieces fully.
It can help to start with a statement item — whether that's furniture or artwork that you love. Especially if you lean toward modern decor in your home, an antique object can help round it out. On the other end of the spectrum, you can add small antique accents in your home to dip your toe into the aesthetic. To do so, you can implement smaller tables or area rugs, per Veranda. This is where it's a bit easier to bring in some quirkier personality pieces that Lorelai and Rory would likely love. Either way, you can't go wrong if you feel a special connection to a vintage find!
4. Don't shy away from kitsch
Matchy-matchy decor? Not on "Gilmore Girls." Here, it's all about kitsch. From bold, maximalist decor to eye-catching decorative objects (anyone remember the monkey lamp?), the easiest way to get their look is to fill your home with anything funky. According to Decor Tips, this also means avoiding typical interior design "rules." Meaning you'll want to toss aside balance and instead wildly mix and match different aesthetics, colors, eras, and textures.
You'll find plenty of kitschy accents in both Lorelai and Rory's home and Lorelai's Dragonfly Inn — which she opens with her friend Sookie in Season 4 of the series. From bold accents to colorful chairs and couches, there's plenty of inspiration in both spaces to get some ideas flowing for your own area. If you're interested in starting small, add some little decor pieces (vintage or new) to your coffee table or desk. Then, when you're ready to embrace the kitschy lifestyle fully, start incorporating larger pieces — like unique lamps or bold, bright furniture — into your home.
5. Hang some string lights
There's just something so cozy about a set of string lights at night. And thankfully, "Gilmore Girls" gives us an excuse to cover our house or apartment in them. While you'll typically see this decor on the exterior of Luke's Diner within the show, there's no reason to limit their use to one place! Per Home Edit, you can use string lights all over your home in different ways. Try creating a makeshift headboard out of them, using them as a reading light for late-night novels, or as a simple, chic way to hang photos in your space by using the lights and a few clothespins.
Of course, if you'd prefer to keep them to the outside of your home, that's definitely an option (and Luke approves). Hang them over your outdoor furniture for extra-special dinners, or use the trees in your backyard as an anchor for the lights. You can even opt to cover your fence in string lights to brighten up every part of your home's exterior (via Country Living). However you choose to use these twinkly lights, you'll love the warmth and glow they add to any space.
6. Keep things extra cozy
While Emily and Richard's house may be a bit more formal, the opposite is true for Lorelai and Rory's home. Not only do they embrace kitschy decor, but they opt for maximum comfort levels — from cozy couches to overstuffed armchairs. (All the better for popcorn and candy-filled movie nights, right?) Thankfully, making your own space cozy — no matter the size of your home or your personal decor style — isn't difficult. There are so many ways to get a relaxing, plush look. To start, add some extra throw pillows around for maximum comfort. Then, fill your home with candles and lamps for a warm glow. Redbook recommends placing lights in different points of interest around the room. "The key is to layer your lights, which helps draw your eye around the room, from table lamps to floor lamps, wall sconces, and overhead light fixtures such as a pendant or chandelier," Alice Chiu, principal designer of Miss Alice Designs, told the publication.
And once you've got your lighting down, go ahead and toss in a few soft blankets atop extra-comfy furniture. You'll notice the Gilmore girls never miss an opportunity to curl up on the couch with a movie and a ton of food.
7. Display family photos
One of the easiest ways to make your home feel like you're on the "Gilmore Girls" set is to add a few personal photos. These photos could be of your dog, your family, or even a portrait of the show's cast. The choice is yours, but it definitely adds another level of personalization to a space. And while you certainly don't have to go with huge frames similar to Emily Gilmore's portrait of Richard in "Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life," you can opt for photos and paintings as big or small as you'd like. The important aspect of this decor is that it brings you joy and reminds you of loved ones (or your favorite TV characters).
Per Architectural Digest, you can go about hanging photos in a myriad of different ways. The publication recommends sticking to two side-by-side portraits for a more minimalist look or an entire gallery wall if you're feeling maximalist. These images can be displayed in any room of your home, too — from the kitchen and bedroom to hallways and bathrooms. Or, if you'd rather keep frames off the walls, you can choose to place photos on a desk, shelves, or even wrapped inside a glass bottle for an incredibly unique display (via Home Edit).
8. Stock up on cute drinkware
In case you somehow missed it, the Gilmore gals are rarely seen without a cup of coffee in their hands. This is why it's so important to keep your kitchen stocked with adorable drinkware (mugs, specifically) if you want your home to emulate the TV show. You don't have to go for matching cups and plates — but if you do, try bold and bright colors that bring your kitchen table or dining room to life. Ultimately, coordination doesn't really matter in "Gilmore Girls," so go as maximalist as you'd like.
If you're searching for fun ways to display these quirky cups and mugs, you'll want to find some storage that's as photo-worthy as the drinkware itself. In this case, try placing your favorite pieces on a bar cart, out on floating shelves, or on a mug rack that sits out on the counter, per Better Homes and Gardens. After all, you'll want everyone to see just how much thought you've put into choosing your glasses. No hiding pieces in cupboards here!
9. Don't settle for white walls
Ditch plain white walls and put some colorful paint up instead. Per this YouTube clip, you can see that Lorelai and Rory are fans of green and yellow walls, and the extra color adds a cozy feel to the house. As mentioned earlier, the duo has mint green and pale yellow featured in their kitchen, but that's not the only place they've gone for bright and fun hues. Even in the hallway of their home, Lorelai and Rory have chosen more yellow with a simple white trim. Along with their decor and furniture, these colors complete the shabby chic style the Gilmores have going on in their house. Lucky for all of us, it's a breeze to duplicate!
One of the best types of paint to get this look is chalk paint. According to House Beautiful, the matte texture of the paint works especially well with shabby chic interiors. This particular paint has a softer texture than others and is reminiscent of chalk itself (which makes sense, considering the product's name.) So whether you choose to copy the color scheme in the "Gilmore Girls" house or experiment with different wall textures, you can't go wrong.
10. Set up an ornate dining room
The elder Gilmores clearly love a formal dining room. Richard and Emily opt for a more ornate space, unlike Lorelai and Rory, who take their meals at the kitchen table (when they're not at Luke's Diner, of course). To recreate the look they've crafted, try hanging a chandelier and opt for a tablecloth instead of placemats. And make sure that you always have a seasonal centerpiece that elevates the table itself — like flowers and candles.
In addition, you can also focus on design elements that make a formal dining room your own. Try playing around with light and dark elements for a cool contrast, or add a bit of unexpected color in the room using bold chairs or bright art. If you're not sold on the traditional look, you might prefer to combine both newer pieces with antiques in your space, per Better Homes and Gardens. Just be sure to make the room comfortable enough for guests to sit around chatting after dinner.
11. Invest in some porch furniture
If you have a porch or a deck, make it as chic as possible. As we've learned from the show, a porch is a great place to have a cup of coffee, enjoy late-night chats, or let a romance bloom — as it does with Luke and Lorelai. Especially when the weather is nice, decks and porches are just as vital as any other room in your house, and deserve to be treated as such. Invest in comfortable, stylish furniture to help ensure your outside areas are as well-decorated as your home.
Where does one even start, though? According to The New York Times, assessing your space is a great place to begin. Larger areas are great for including lounging and dining spaces — but not everyone has that much space. If you don't, focus on what you want to do the most in that space. Opt either for a spot to eat and entertain (like a table and chairs) or furniture that allows you to sit and relax (like a couch or armchair). From there, you'll want to ensure you pick furniture that'll last in the weather you experience and cushions that you can easily clean. It's all about form and function — so make sure to do some research first.
12. Go bold with bedding
In the Gilmore household, you won't find a dull area, including the bedrooms. Both Lorelai and Rory's rooms feature bold bedding styles that add color and personality to the spaces. In your own space, try skipping minimalist quilts and duvets. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to mix patterns and choose hues that don't align with the rest of your home, but by adding a pop of color here and there. You can even layer your sheets, bedspread, and pillows to achieve that eclectic look, per West Elm.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to lean into a bolder bedroom slowly. Opt for a printed duvet in a softer color, which allows you to have a bit of a pattern without going over the top. Or decorate your bed similarly to the theme of the bedroom. It might sound simple, but coordinating the walls, decor, sheets, and pillows is important for a cohesive feel. And, if you choose to add some extra color to your bedspread or other bed accessories, they'll blend seamlessly with everything else (via Better Homes and Gardens).