Grandmillenial Takeover

Ever since 2019 the Grandmillenial trend has been gaining speed and frankly… I am here for it!

The term “Grandmillenial” has taken over the design industry. After researching more, apparently, I fit right into the narrative and am here to enjoy the movement.

“Granny Chic” as you can sometimes hear it dubbed, was declared on-trend on the rise, back in 2019 by House Beautiful.

A grandmillenial is defined as someone attracted to décor that is reminiscent of time gone by. In reference to the name, yes, something that your grandma might like. However, all Millennials want to reinvent themselves in a new and fresh way right?

So in it’s essence the Grandmillenial trend isn’t about recreating a traditional aesthetic, chock full of antiques. The trend is about honoring what was good there. More importantly, the trend celebrates the mixture of the old and the new.

So let’s dive into what a Grandmillenial likes about granny’s style and how we can incorporate it into your home without it looking dated or trendy….

A grandmillenial often is attracted to mix of floral patterns. Chintz in particular are making a strong comeback. These floral patterns have been a staple in interiors for centuries and make a return to us in modern colorways. Try putting the floral in an unexpected place, like your dining room ceiling!

This beautiful dining room designed by The Collective showcases a vibrant floral to draw your eye upwards.

Anthoropologie has been rocking the Granmillenial look for quite a while now. Their home line has been flourishing lately with inspired decor and accessories. One of my top finds was this House of Hackney Artemis Wallpaper which is a true chintz pattern. Check out the fresh colorways that it is offered in! In particular, the black background, teal, and raspberry colors makes this old school pattern, hip and fresh!

The best thing about being a Grandmillienial is breaking the rules! There are no rules for as to where you can’t put pattern. In fact, I challenge you to find the most modern piece of furniture to add a granny floral. The composition is interesting and not at all tiring.

For example, check out this swanky salon designed by Robert Passal for the Kibs Bay NYC 2019 Showhouse. I adore that modern profile slipper chair in a retro floral fabric. So chic!

The Inside is a great source for upholstered items with a custom flair. They offer many prints that any modern granny would be proud to rock!

I adore the Barrell Back Dining Chair shown in Lupine Harlem Toile De Jouy. Doesn’t this print just make you smile?

Not ready to full-on commit to the nostalgic? Try adding just a touch of Grandmilenial to your décor with a pleated lampshade. I would pair any pleated shade with a lamp base of simple or clean lines, to create contrast and interest.

Sarah Bartholomew Interior Design does traditional right. Contrasting piping, floral patterns galore, wicker, antique paintings, and our lovely pleated lamp shade. The bright colors pulls this traditional space into the 21st century!

Ballard Design is so great at doing updated traditional interiors. So naturally, they are offering several pleated shades to choose from.

I was immediately drawn to this denim blue shade, aptly named the “Marissa Pleated Lamp Shade”. The subtle wave pattern makes it really unique, and the soft dusty blue color is so versatile. Don’t be afraid to pair this with a lamp base made with more modern materials, like brass or glass.

Besides floral wallpaper and fabric, another way to add some granny into your décor is through wicker, rattan and bamboo. Wicker has improved greatly over the years. I’m a fan of using it sparingly, but repeated in small ways, at least three times in a room!

The Golden Girl set living room may be what most people think of when they hear Grandmillenial.

Resist the urge to go out and buy a whole set for your living room (reference Golden Girls living room – RIP dear Betty White). Rather, use it as accents for side tables, baskets, table lamps, service trays, or even mirrors.

The perfect vintage wicker bench is a great juxtaposition against the bed that has clean lines and lots of visual weight.

Emily Henderson has produced some well renowned “Grandmillenial” interiors. The above bedroom wicker bench is the perfect example of how she layers it in, very delicately, so that it is not overpowering.

This headboard through Wayfair, adds just enough sweetness with it’s delicate lines. Perfect for a guest or a children’s bedroom. I’d pair this with some raw metal bedside tables for added contrast and interest.

A huge reason why the Grandmillenial trend has taken shape is because a lot more of this age group are able to settle into a home of their own. They are defining what is important to them through a developed history of what they are familiar with in their past.

With appreciation of the past, comes admiration of what was provided to us, before our time.

The great thing about this movement is that antiques and re-purposed furnishings are no longer being tossed to the curb, but rather embraced for their solid construction, detail, and history that they add.

I adore mixing older pieces with new pieces to give a home a sense of story and familiar comfort.

In fact, I picked up a vintage stained glass light fixture off of Facebook Marketplace and have been loving the artistic variety of the glow of the glass. It is something very unique that you don’t see in the average Millennial household today.

Yup, it’s confirmed. I guess I am a Grandmillenial!

So… tell me… are you on board for the Grandmillenial Takeover?