Over time, old things can become new again, especially in interior design, with popular styles cycling through the years. In the last several years, we've seen a growing trend among millennials for traditional interiors known as Grandmillennial decor. Emma Bazilian, author and content director at Frederic Magazine, first coined the term in a House Beautiful article to "refer to the 20- and 30-somethings who love an antiquated design aesthetic," according to Business Insider.
"Emma Bazilian first coined the term in a House Beautiful article to refer to the 20- and 30-somethings who love an antiquated design aesthetic," according to Business Insider.
The generation that popularized upcycled vintage clothing and minimalist, sustainable design also craves a granny's house with its sense of traditional coziness in a style also known as Granny Chic. Not all of them, of course, but enough millennials like this aesthetic to become its own style. Out with the minimalism and in with a maximalist's dream!
With patterns and bold colors, they don't hesitate to add modern artwork and other elements to update granny's style and keep things more contemporary. The overall look trends toward granny's living room but with this younger generation's unique, bold twist.
Grandmillennial Features
warm tones and colors
warm wood furniture
needlepoint pillows
skirted tables
patterns like chintz, toile, & plaid
floral wallpaper
landscape or floral mural wallpaper
ornate chandeliers
vintage brass
bamboo, wicker, & rattan
ruffles, pleats & fringe
embroidered linens
slipcovers
Chinoiserie
some modern pieces
Creating the Look
If you're trying to create this look, think of an English country house - perhaps with a touch of eccentricity. Millennials (and everyone else who loves this maximalist look) shop at retailers, eBay, auction houses, vintage stores, consignment stores, and antique shops to source the look. Some work with interior designers.
There are various ways to create the Grandmillennial style, and fabrics are an easy way. These Schumacher prints could be perfect to create a Grandmillennial style, reinforced with other style elements in the room.
A Last Word
Everything old is eventually new again. Just add a touch of contemporary to keep things from looking, as millennials say, O.T.T. (over the top)!