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With a modern-meets-traditional decor style known as grandmillennial, millennials are taking a page from their grandparents’ book. Grandmillennial style, which has been identified as one of the year’s major design trends, is a throwback to the decor we’ve all grown up with and seen in our grandparents’ homes. Bold patterns and textures are used to add personality and eclectic touches to the look, which contrasts with the minimalist, modern styles that have been popular for years.
You can easily incorporate this design trend into your space, whether you live in a contemporary home or a cozy older home, with a few simple additions. Here’s how to get the granny chic look in your home just right.
Grandmillennial style, also known as “granny-chic,” is ideal for repurposing hand-me-down decor items or breaking away from the minimalist aesthetic trending on social media. Grandmillennial combines modern design trends – think Scandinavian, mid-century modern, and minimalism – with retro elements to create a warmer, cozier approach to home decor that features a lot of color and prints. Filling your space with items that reflect your personality is what style is all about.
Pairing vintage and modern items in your space is the key to achieving grandmillennial style. It’s all about striking the right balance between the two – and not going overboard – so your space doesn’t end up looking more granny than granny chic. But where do you even begin? Let’s take a look at the different components that make up this popular home decor trend:
Wallpaper with patterns
To achieve a grandmillennial home design, patterns are required. Toile, chintz, chinoiserie, and floral prints are all making a comeback and can be incorporated into your home design through curtains, upholstery, and wall coverings. To avoid creating an overly cluttered look in your space, keep the color palette light and consistent when using these bold patterns. The goal is for the space to appear layered and cozy. When deciding which pattern to use, it’s a good idea to keep the room’s size in mind. The larger the pattern or print you can use, the larger the space; the smaller the space, the smaller the pattern.
Fabrics with bold patterns and colors
Patterns and brightly colored fabrics are excellent ways to inject personality and a sense of whimsy into any room. You can play around with different fabric options on your upholstery and curtains, which makes a bigger statement than simply adding patterned blankets or throw pillows, which are great layering pieces if you’re just getting started with the style. Start with a smaller furniture piece like an accent chair or ottoman if you’re not ready to invest in a colorful couch or if you’re new to the style.
Wicker or rattan
Wicker and rattan furnishings are approachable options for dipping your toes into the granny-chic style and can fit seamlessly into any aesthetic. Incorporate brass or gold hues to achieve the granny chic look – think a brass Victorian-style mirror or gold candleholders. You can also incorporate blue and white porcelain decor, such as a vase or decorative kitchenware, throughout the space. Buying these types of decor items at an antique or thrift store is a great way to achieve a truly unique, vintage look.
Furniture with a dark stain
Darker-toned wood furniture fits in perfectly with the grandmillennial aesthetic. Keep the dark-stained pieces of furniture you already have instead of trying to cover them up with paint. Walnut or cherry wood side tables, cabinets, or console tables are great darker-toned furniture pieces that can easily be found in thrift stores if you don’t already have one.
Decorative elements
The use of embellishments is encouraged in the Grandmillennial style. Consider tassels, ruffles, pleats, and fringe as trims. These embellishments can be used on anything from pillows to blankets to lampshades. If you’re trying out the trend, add texture to your space with embellishments in complementary colors to your existing decor.
Needlepoint is a type of needlework that is done
What was once considered a grandparent’s pastime has become a hallmark of the grandmillennial style. Needlepoint is regaining popularity among millennials as a new hobby and collectible. Furthermore, you may already have embroidered pillows and wall hangings stashed away. You can make your own embroidered pillowcase or artwork to display in a vintage picture frame or stitched as a sassy saying on a throw pillow if you have a deft hand with crafts.
Showcase your collections.
While once considered clutter, “knickknacks” are now essential elements of this emerging trend. Perhaps you’re a connoisseur of China teacups, dishware, figurines, crystals, or other trinkets and baubles. Any of these items that have been packed away in storage can now be brought out and displayed in grandmillennial style to add a touch of granny-chic to your interior design. Practical components, such as vintage candle holders or old jars repurposed as plant holders, can be included in these display items. To avoid a cluttered look, group similar items together to create a cohesive look and tie your collection together.
The key to maintaining grandmillennial style is to stay current.
It’s easy to go overboard when it comes to decorating your home in grandmillennial style. The goal is to achieve the perfect balance of a sleek modern space and the warm, inviting vibes of your grandparents’ house. However, if you go too far, it can come across as more granny than grandmillennial. Rather than changing everything in your home at once, pick a few key items that will make the biggest difference.
Need help with your home decor? Our design experts would be happy to share their expertise and ideas. Book a free 15-minute Zoom call here and let’s chat about your needs.
Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608
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