Trends are cyclical. Think: ‘90s mom jeans, scrunchies, and tie-dyed sweatshirts. Those trends are everywhere you look! Home décor fads work in the same way. One aesthetic you would never expect to come back in style may very well resurface decades later. (Let’s just hope shag carpeting in bathrooms never makes a comeback.)
One design trend I’m sure you never thought would come back into style — your grandma’s living room. As millennials rebel against their parents (and their parents’ style), they’re looking to the earlier generations for inspiration. Here’s everything you need to know about “grandmillennial” style.
Grandmillennials are all about taking a modern twist on a traditional style. For years, the mid-century modern minimalist style has dominated the marketplace. These neutral-themed interiors have a very specific color palette — white, beige, and taupe, with natural wood tones as an accent. Well, the next generation is rebelling against the monochromatic trend to incorporate bold colors, intricate patterns, and elaborate prints. Meet the grandmillenial trend, aka granny chic style. It includes traditional details on cushions and upholstery, heavy doses of pattern and texture, colorful tassels and dark brown wood furniture. Millennials heading down this path aren’t afraid to add individuality, personality, and uniqueness to their homes.
Patterns are the epitome of grandmillennial designs. Classic prints like plaid, toile, and chintz on curtains, upholstery, and wallpaper are becoming more and more popular. Add that with bold embellishments — such as ruffles, fringe, and pleats. Finally, bring in some old-school furniture trends like skirted tables, richly stained walnut or cherry pieces, and some metallic accents. Basically, you just need to marry patterns, colors, textures, and different materials — and voilà! You’ll resurrect Grandma’s home in no time! She’d be so proud.
It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when grandmillennial was born. Ten years ago, anyone who was into frilly pillows and ruffles would have been the outlier of the group (and probably referred to as an old lady at heart).
But some time recently millennials took something that was once labeled as stuffy or outdated and made it cool. I guess it’s safe to say anything is possible. Who knows what the Gen Z will come up with next! Overall, social media has played a big part in the popularity of grandmillennial style. Millennials’ Instagram feeds are packed full of vintage china tablescapes and rattan-inspired furniture from Target.
As you picture your grandmother’s living room, you may be skeptical that you can pull off that look. But we’re not talking about the plastic-covered couches. We’re talking about incorporating daring patterns, textures and colors into your home. To pull off a well-designed grandmillennial-styled home, the décor has to be thoughtful and a little bit brave. You want it to look timeless rather than antiquated.
Here’s exactly how to do it:
Choose a tight color palette with 3-4 select colors. They can be as bold as you want. Then pick out a few fabrics in bold patterns. Sticking to this consistent look will help your home feel layered, unique, yet still cohesive and not too overly cluttered. It’ll be just the right amount of chaos – somewhat random, but with clear themes throughout. Above anything else, decorate with things you love. This will really pull out your individuality and personality, liberating you from making design choices that will come across as cookie-cutter. When choosing what you love, your space will be timeless to the most important person in this endeavor — you!
So, now it’s time to grab your g-ma and go shopping! Or better yet, grab your grandma’s old china and some floral wallpaper for the ultimate throwback aesthetic.
