Trends come and go, be it in fashion or interior design. But there are certain trends that you won’t expect to make a comeback. Millennials, for example, are now getting their style inspirations from their mothers’ and grandmothers’ closets. Hence, the rise of the “grandmillennial style,” an ode to old-school.
Also known as “granny chic,” millennials are creating chic looks by putting vintage pieces together. The young generation uses this trend to put together an outfit, but those who have their own places also use it to furnish their homes.
The Antidote to The Minimalist, All-white Spaces
For years, minimalist and all-white interiors have dominated modern homes. This trend, however, is likely to come to an end soon. Interior designers expect to see walls with more pizzazz by combining colors, patterns, and textures.
Millennials are getting tired of the monochromatic looks, too, so they design their homes inspired by their granny’s living room with an upgraded look to fit in the 21st century. An editor from House Beautiful, the one who coined the term grandmillennial, explains these millennials have an affinity for design trends that people would normally consider outdated or stuffy. This includes ruffles, Laura Ashley prints, and embroidered linens.
Additionally, the grandmillennials’ approach to interior design is a form of self-expression. Designers say this style allows homeowners to show their personality. Your visitors will get a sense of who you are when they step into your home based on how your interior looks.
Interior designers also share that more of their 20- and 30-something clients ask for treillage, chintz, and bright colors. They add that many of these clients are thrilled about having botanical prints, Gracie wall panels, and Fermoie pleated lampshaded in their home design.
Applying Granny Chic Design to Your Home
Interior designers described “grandmillenial” as a ‘New Traditionalist,’ which is someone who appreciates the past. Decorating your home using the grandmillennial style is surprisingly easy. You need to identify what classic pieces you want to put together, from floral printed wallpaper to needlepoint pillows.
Here are three key elements to achieve a chic grandmillennial home.
- Add Cane, Wicker, and Rattan Pieces
One of the most popular ways to give your home a granny chic makeover is by incorporating cane, wicker, or rattan pieces. Woven furniture and accessories made from these old-school materials bring summer vibes into the room. They are also easy to incorporate with other design details, like floral prints and needlepoint pillows, to create a cozy and timeless look.
These materials, however, can be confusing and often used interchangeably. Keep in mind that cane pertains to pieces with thin, woven accents. Wicker or rattan, meanwhile, are larger items with reed-like features. But not all wicker pieces can be considered rattan because they can be made from other materials, including willow, reed, and bamboo.
- Don’t be afraid to embellish
Embellishments are another staple for the grandmillennial style. Think of pleats, fringe, and ruffles. They add personality to a room.
A pleated lampshade, for example, is a common decor among grandmillennials. Incorporate fringe and ruffles with your curtains and upholstery. Fringed bed skirts add interesting detail to your bedroom.
- Play with patterns
Nothing says grandmillennial design more than patterns. The most common styles of pattern include chintz, toile, and plaid. They can be featured on upholstery, curtains, and wallpapers. Prints, like toile, are also seen on timeless ceramic pieces.
You can also bring out china patterns that your grandparents passed on to you. They are pretty decor accents, especially when put together with contemporary pieces. These pieces can also a pop of color to the room.
Feel free to play with different patterns. Mixing a variety of pattern designs can bring sophistication to the room. Make sure to do tastefully. Otherwise, the room will look tacky. When choosing patterns to use together, go with patterns with the same color and share a design element. Try combining a simple, modern pattern with a detailed one.
The grandmillennial style allows you to express your personality in your interior design. For some people, the choice of patterns, colors, and pieces for this design style can be stuffy or outdated. When done right, however, you can still have a fresh, sophisticated home. Learn how to edit pieces and use your artful eyes to make sure you end up having an upgraded version of your grandmother’s home.
