Grandmillennial has an affection for design trends
If you are on Instagram or Pinterest, you might have noticed these interiors all over your feed, and you couldn`t put a name to a face.
But now you have it. Also known as a Granny-Chic Décor, the grand millennial interiors are abundant in heavy floral prints, patterned wallpapers, retro furnishings, and other kitschy décor items that might remind you of your grandparent`s house.
The grandmillennial bedroom style is a unique blend of traditional and modern aesthetics, taking inspiration from the homes of one’s grandparents and infusing it with a contemporary twist.
It embraces a sense of nostalgia and comfort while incorporating modern touches to create a fresh and stylish space. Here are some key elements of the grandmillennial bedroom style:
The Grandmillennial or Granny-Chic Décor Trend
As even the name suggests (grandmother + millennial), this style is a beautiful blend between the nostalgia of the past and contemporary styles.
A design movement in the making, the grand millennial was born as a solution to all-look-the-same interiors that benefited from years of fame.
A reaction against mass-produced furniture and minimalistic white and grey spaces, the Granny-Chic Décor encourages you to showcase your personality and put everything on display, from botanical prints to chintz, pleated lampshades, fringe, trim, and coloured glassware.
Are You a Grandmillennial?
If you are more of a maximalist than a minimalist, you might be one.
You are a millennial if you were born between 1980 and 1994. And if you have an affinity for design trends considered outdated (in the good sense) – prints, ruffles, embroidered linens, then you are a Grandmillenial.
A Grandmillenial is a new Traditionalist, someone who appreciates the past and realises the staying power of sound and well-edited design while putting a fresh spin on it.
Distinctive Features
- Second-hand finds, vintage gems, and retro-inspired pieces
- Contemporary-focused space
- Vintage-inspired wallpaper
- Traditional patterns, updated colourways
- Floral prints
- Nostalgic styling
- Layered look
- Bright colours
- Chintz Upholstery
- Big doses of patterns and texture
How To Get The Look
1. Mix the Old and the New
The Grand Millennial style is traditional with a modern twist.
For example, you could go for a contemporary bed but try incorporating traditional details on upholstery and cushions such as trim or tassels.
Mix authentic, vintage, or inherited pieces with modern buys or style the dated furniture in new ways.
Incorporate dated, second-hand items in modern spaces and arrange retro-inspired elements in a contemporary way.
Opt for classic silhouettes like a four-poster bed or a tufted headboard, but update them with bold colors or playful patterns.
2. Go Bold with Colours and Patterns
Vivid colours and patterns are paramount in grandmillennial designs.
But it would help if you were mindful. One step too far, and you will end up with a space that is a lot more granny than a grandmillennial.
To ensure you are on the right path, leave the walls neutral to make room for bold furniture, such as an upholstered bed in a bold hue.
Try to find patterns that use the same colours or a shared design element, or combine one modern and straightforward pattern with one that`s busier and more detailed. Think of classic prints such as toile, chintz, and plaid featuring heavily on curtains, upholstery, and wall coverings. And make a step even further with embellishments like ruffles, pleats, and fringe.
Florals are a significant element of this trend, so try to find pleasure in layering different-sized floral patterns on top of each other through your choice of soft furnishings, wall coverings, and accessories. Embrace floral prints, stripes, and gingham in various scales and colour palettes.
When it comes to colour and pattern, the secret to a happy marriage between the granny and the millennial is to choose fabrics in bold patterns but keep the colour palette tight and consistent. Don’t shy away from mixing and matching different patterns for a layered and visually interesting look.
3. Granny-Kitsch Accessories
Elaborate chandeliers, ruffles, tasselled cushions and linen, needlepoint pillows, figurines, china, and crystals – Bring them all out!
Feel welcomed with fringe lighting, tasseled lamps, floral tablecloths, coloured glassware, and scalloped furniture – You are welcome!
The beauty of the grandmillennial style lets others get a sense of who you are, what you enjoy, where you have travelled, and what you have collected.
As a child, I grew up in a home covered in a lace doily. It is still everywhere in my grandmother`s house, and I was not too fond of it back then. But now, when I think about it, this helped create a timeless home full of memories and happiness and showcased my grandmother`s personality.
Adding a Touch of Whimsy:
Incorporate playful elements like chinoiserie lamps, quirky artwork, or a collection of vintage books. Don’t be afraid to showcase your unique personality through your decor choices. Opt for a color palette that is both warm and inviting, such as soft blues, greens, and pinks.
You can also incorporate pops of brighter colors for an added touch of personality.
Creating a Cosy and Layered Look:
Layer different textiles like velvet, linen, and wool to create a sense of warmth and comfort. Use throw pillows, blankets, and rugs to add texture and visual interest.
Final Thoughts
So if minimalism, Scandinavian, or Japandi do nothing but leave you cold, you might want to try the Grandmillennial style.
But before that, I will leave with you some thoughts that Emily MacAlpine (Interior Designer) shared on this style: “ I think this aesthetic has great depth and isn`t all shiny and new, which can be a little soulless. It is not about copying what was in granny`s lounge room, down to the lace doily, but rather taking a few key pieces that hold nostalgic value and pairing it with more contemporary pieces”.
Remember, the key to achieving the grandmillennial style is to balance old and new, traditional and modern. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your decor choices!
Related pages
- What is Transitional Bedroom Design? (and how to get the look!)
- Biophilic Interior Design, Bring The Outside, Inside: How to Create a Space that Celebrates Nature