Sleep Talk Blog, Inspire me
A Glimpse into the Grandmillennial Style and Why We Love It.
May
Table of Contents
Grandmillennial has an affection for design trends
If you're scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest lately, you've likely encountered a fascinating interior design trend that combines vintage charm with modern sensibilities – but perhaps you couldn't quite put your finger on what to call it.
Enter the grandmillennial style, a design movement that's capturing hearts and homes across the globe. Also known as 'Granny-Chic' décor, grandmillennial interior design style is characterised by its abundant use of classic floral prints, intricately patterned wallpapers, carefully curated retro furnishings, and an array of nostalgic décor pieces that might transport you back to your grandparents' cherished abode.
The grandmillennial bedroom style represents a masterful fusion of traditional elegance and contemporary aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from the timeless appeal of our grandparents' homes whilst incorporating modern elements, this style creates spaces that feel both familiar and fresh.
The style speaks to those wondering 'what does grandmillennial style mean' – it's essentially about embracing the comfort of nostalgia while maintaining a current and sophisticated atmosphere.
Here are some key elements that define the grandmillennial bedroom style:
The Grandmillennial or Granny-Chic Décor Trend
The term itself is a clever portmanteau of 'grandmother' and 'millennial', perfectly encapsulating what this style represents – a beautiful marriage between cherished traditional elements and contemporary design sensibilities. This isn't just about recreating your grandmother's sitting room; it's about reimagining those classic elements through a modern lens.
The grandmillennial style emerged as a refreshing antidote to the ubiquitous, often sterile-looking interiors that have dominated design trends for years. It's a deliberate departure from mass-produced furniture and the minimalistic white-and-grey spaces that have become somewhat predictable.
Instead, this style encourages personal expression and celebrates the art of display – from carefully chosen botanical prints to elegant chintz, beautifully pleated lampshades, decorative fringe and trim details, and collections of coloured glassware that tell a story.
Are You a Grandmillennial?
If you find yourself gravitating towards maximalist rather than minimalist aesthetics, you might just be a grandmillennial at heart.
The demographic sweet spot for this style typically includes millennials (those born between 1980 and 1994), but it's really more about mindset than age. If you find yourself drawn to design elements that others might consider 'outdated' – think elaborate prints, delicate ruffles, and hand-embroidered linens – you're likely aligned with the grandmillennial aesthetic.
A true grandmillennial is essentially a new-age traditionalist – someone who not only appreciates historical design elements but understands their enduring appeal and knows how to reinterpret them for contemporary living. They have an innate ability to take traditional design principles and give them a fresh, modern spin.
Distinctive Features
The grandmillennial interior design style is characterised by several key elements:
- Carefully sourced second-hand treasures and vintage discoveries
- Thoughtfully curated contemporary spaces with historical touches
- Heritage-inspired wallpapers with modern colour palettes
- Traditional patterns reimagined in updated colourways
- Abundant floral prints in varying scales
- Styling that evokes warm memories and comfort
- Rich, layered compositions that tell a story
- Bold, confident use of colour
- Classic chintz upholstery with contemporary twists
- Liberal use of patterns and textures for visual interest
How To Get The Look
1. Mix the Old and the New
The essence of grandmillennial style lies in its ability to bridge different eras seamlessly. It's about creating a space that feels curated over time rather than purchased all at once.
Consider pairing a sleek, modern bed frame with traditional elements like tasselled cushions or trimmed upholstery. The key is to balance contemporary pieces with vintage or vintage-inspired elements that add character and depth to your space.
When incorporating inherited or antique pieces, try styling them in unexpected ways. For instance, arrange vintage artwork in a modern gallery wall configuration, or use an antique chest as a contemporary bedside table. The goal is to create a space that feels both timeless and current, honouring the past while embracing the present.
Incorporate dated, second-hand items in modern spaces and arrange retro-inspired elements in a contemporary way. When embracing the grandmillennial style, the key is to thoughtfully curate vintage pieces that complement your modern aesthetic.
Consider incorporating heirloom furniture pieces, passed-down decorative items, or carefully selected antique market finds. These elements add depth and character to your space whilst creating a meaningful connection to the past.
Opt for classic silhouettes like a four-poster bed or a tufted headboard, but update them with bold colours or playful patterns. The grandmillennial interior design style encourages this blend of traditional forms with contemporary finishes.
Perhaps choose a classic wingback chair upholstered in a modern geometric print, or a traditional secretary desk painted in a bold, current colour.
2. Go Bold with Colours and Patterns
Vivid colours and patterns are paramount in grandmillennial designs. Understanding what does grandmillennial style mean involves embracing this boldness whilst maintaining a sophisticated balance. 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 grandmillennial. The key is to create a space that feels curated and intentional rather than cluttered or overwhelming.
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. This approach provides a calm backdrop that allows your statement pieces to truly shine. Consider using warm whites, soft creams, or pale greys as your base colours – these neutrals create the perfect canvas for your more vibrant design elements.
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.
The grandmillennial style celebrates these traditional patterns but presents them in fresh, unexpected ways. And make a step even further with embellishments like ruffles, pleats, and fringe – these details add texture and visual interest whilst paying homage to traditional design elements.
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. The key to successful pattern mixing in grandmillennial interior design style is varying the scale of your prints.
Embrace floral prints, stripes, and gingham in various scales and colour palettes. Perhaps pair a large-scale floral wallpaper with smaller floral prints on cushions, or mix traditional botanical prints with modern geometric patterns.
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. This approach ensures your space feels cohesive rather than chaotic.
Don't shy away from mixing and matching different patterns for a layered and visually interesting look. Consider creating a mood board to help visualise how different patterns and colours will work together in your space.
3. Granny-Kitsch Accessories
Elaborate chandeliers, ruffles, tasselled cushions and linen, needlepoint pillows, figurines, china, and crystals – Bring them all out! These decorative elements are essential to achieving the grandmillennial aesthetic. Each piece should feel carefully chosen and meaningful rather than simply decorative.
Feel welcomed with fringe lighting, tasseled lamps, floral tablecloths, coloured glassware, and scalloped furniture – You are welcome! These elements add charm and character to your space whilst creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Consider displaying collections of vintage glassware or creating vignettes with your favourite inherited pieces.
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. It's about creating a space that tells your personal story through carefully curated objects and meaningful pieces. This approach to decorating creates rooms that feel lived-in and loved rather than stark or impersonal.
As a child, I grew up in a home covered in 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. This personal connection to traditional design elements is at the heart of the grandmillennial style.
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. The grandmillennial style encourages personal expression and celebrates individuality. Opt for a color palette that is both warm and inviting, such as soft blues, greens, and pinks. These colours create a soothing atmosphere whilst maintaining visual interest.
You can also incorporate pops of brighter colours for an added touch of personality. Consider using bold accent pieces or vibrant accessories to add energy to your space. The key is to maintain a balance between traditional elements and contemporary touches.
Creating a Cosy and Layered Look:
The grandmillennial style excels at creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and comfortable. Layer different textures, patterns, and materials to create depth and visual interest in your room. Consider mixing different fabric types, such as velvet, linen, and silk, to add tactile appeal to your space.
Layer different textiles like velvet, linen, and wool to create a sense of warmth and comfort. The grandmillennial style thrives on this layered approach, where each textile adds its own unique character to the space. Consider incorporating plush velvet cushions in rich jewel tones, natural linen curtains with delicate embroidery, and cosy wool throws with traditional patterns.
Mix and match different textures to create a tactile experience that invites touch and creates visual depth.
Use throw pillows adorned with needlework or featuring classic patterns, layered blankets in complementary colours, and vintage rugs with intricate designs to add texture and visual interest. The key is to choose pieces that feel both nostalgic and fresh.
Perhaps pair a modern geometric cushion with a traditional needlepoint pillow, or layer a contemporary throw over a classic quilted blanket. Vintage Persian or Turkish rugs can ground the space whilst adding a layer of sophistication and history.
Final Thoughts
If minimalism, Scandinavian, or Japandi styles leave you feeling cold and disconnected, the grandmillennial style might be your perfect match.
This design approach celebrates the warmth and character of traditional elements whilst maintaining a fresh, contemporary feel.
What does grandmillennial style mean? It's about creating spaces that feel both timeless and current, spaces that tell your personal story through carefully curated pieces and meaningful arrangements.
Emily MacAlpine, an esteemed Interior Designer, shares her insights on the grandmillennial interior design 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 strike that perfect balance between old and new, traditional and modern.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations and trust your instincts. The beauty of this style lies in its personal nature – it should reflect your unique taste and story. Have fun with your decor choices and let your personality shine through in every carefully chosen piece and thoughtful arrangement!