Achieving a Grandmillennial Style for Your Home
Posted On July 3, 2024Do you want to create a home interior that whispers stories of the past, yet feels modern and fresh? Are you fascinated by a space that cohesively blends plush textures, rich colors, and curated collections of your unique style?
Then discover the aesthetic charm and eclectic world of grandmillennial home decor! This trend has taken the interior design world by storm over the last few years. While reminiscent of cozy and familiar grandmother homes, grandmillennial style celebrates classic elements reimagined for the modern world.
Whether you are drawn to floral prints, vintage finds, or antique furniture, the grandmillennial style blends timeless elegance and cozy nostalgia to form a delightful fusion of old and new.
This blog guides you through the captivating world of grandmillennial interior design, where we’ll unveil practical tips and tricks to creating a space that’s both timeless and trendsetting. From mastering the art of mixing patterns to breathing new life into vintage finds, we’ll equip you with everything you need to know to transform your home into a haven of curated comfort.
What is Grandmillennial Interior Design?
Coined by writer Emma Bazilian in 2019 for a House Beautiful article, a grandmillennial interior design is described as a resurgence of the traditionally classic styles of old. It ranges in age from mid-20s to late-30s and has an “affinity for design trends considered by mainstream culture to be ‘stuffy’ or ‘outdated.’”
Often dubbed as “granny chic” or “new traditional,” grandmillennial style celebrates the aesthetic sensibilities of the past, drawing inspiration from the cozy, eclectic interiors of our grandparents’ homes. After all, nothing says cozy like staying in their humble abode. In fact, its name is a portmanteau of ‘grandmother’ and ‘millennial.’
Grandmillennial decor is characterized by an eclectic mix of vintage furniture, traditional patterns, and plenty of decorative flourishes. To get a better idea, think of patterned, printed cotton fabric, floral wallpapers, antique furniture, and heirloom pieces, all infused with a fresh and modern perspective.
How did Grandmillennial Decor Start?
Identifying the origins of trends can be challenging. However, the current craze may stem from millennials reaching the age where they are creating homes for themselves. Often, this generation has experienced the loss of their grandparents, and interior design becomes a way to evoke a sense of familiarity and nostalgia.
Tips for Achieving a Grandmillennial Interior Design
Go for Bold Prints and Patterned Upholstery
From decorating with stripes and checks to ditsy floral wallpaper, infusing patterns can instantly bring new life to any living space. Embracing daring design choices adds visual interest and personality to a room, encapsulating the essence of grandmillennial home decor, celebrating eclectic charm and timeless elegance.
Consider adding pops of color and eye-catching visuals to a space. Bold prints and patterned upholstery captivate the eye, drawing the gaze and encouraging exploration within the space. Whether a striking geometric rug or whimsical wallpaper, these attention-grabbing elements transform an ordinary room into a captivating space.
Add Traditional Furniture and Antiques
Shape or silhouette is more important than age when selecting furniture for a grandmillennial interior design. For instance, we recommend sticking with traditional furniture lines but juxtaposing them with modern elements like mirrors or artworks.
Consider placing a classic wingback chair with updated bold, modern upholstery or a traditional sofa paired with vibrant throw pillows. These pieces strike a delicate balance between old-world charm and contemporary sophistication, adding depth and character to your space. Accent them with tassels, fringes, and embroideries to elevate their luxury.
Antique pieces are a hallmark of grandmillennial decor. Pieces such as a beautifully carved Victorian sideboard, a charming farmhouse table, or an ornate gilded mirror infuse your home with history and character. Learn to embrace the patina of aged wood, the elegance of brass accents, and the craftsmanship of bygone eras to create a timeless and storied space.
Pro tip: Combine heirloom furniture made with dark woods with contemporary art or metallic details to modernize your space while highlighting unique and trendy pieces.
Incorporate Rugs
Rugs can serve as statement pieces that anchor the room’s design. When adding one to your living space, opt for Persian or Oriental rugs with intricate patterns and rich colors. These rugs are embellished with traditional motifs, such as florals, medallions, or geometric patterns, reminiscent of the charm of yesteryears.
A grandmillennial interior design celebrates richness and opulence, so don’t shy away from bold colors and textures when selecting area rugs. You can’t go wrong with jewel-tone area rugs that add drama and sophistication to a room, like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red, which add drama and sophistication to a room. Meanwhile, plush textures like wool or silk bring a luxurious feel underfoot.
Display Your Collections
Collections personalize your living space, infusing it with nostalgia, history, and individuality. After all, most grandparents’ homes sprawl with collections, such as vintage china patterns, figurines, botanical prints, or antique clocks.
Collections aren’t just about accumulating items; they’re also about curating and displaying them thoughtfully and intentionally and turning them into decorative elements that contribute to the room’s overall aesthetic.
A grandmillennial style is highly influenced by sentimentality and nostalgia. Showcasing collections allows homeowners to display items that hold sentimental value, whether they’re family heirlooms, cherished mementos from travels, or collectibles accumulated over time.
Moreover, these items let you put visual focal points in your home, adding interest and intrigue to the decor. Make your space feel dynamic and engaging with the stories your collection tells, whether it’s a display of vintage teacups, a gallery wall of amusing prints, or a collection of antique books.
Introduce Eclectic Accents
Express individuality and showcase your personal style with eclectic accents, whether you’re drawn to quirky collectibles, vintage finds, or handmade treasures. These unique accents allow you to curate a space that truly reflects your personality and interests, allowing you to tell your story through your decor. By incorporating eclectic accents into your home, you can create a space that feels authentic and lived-in, filled with pieces that hold sentimental value or evoke cherished memories.
Moreover, eclectic accents let you mix different styles, eras, and aesthetics to create a dynamic look that is both visually stimulating and emotionally resonant. For instance, you can pair vintage furniture with modern accessories or juxtapose traditional patterns with contemporary artwork, adding depth and character to your space. Whether it’s a quirky objet d’art, a vintage curio, or a handmade treasure, eclectic accents add personality and charm to your decor, transforming your home into a reflection of your unique style and taste.
Embrace Maximalism
Maximalism isn’t just a design style; it’s a philosophy that celebrates abundance, creativity, and individuality. Homeowners can incorporate maximalism into their space by layering patterns and textures. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these visual aspects to create a sensory-rich environment, whether layering rugs, mixing throw pillows, or combining different fabrics and materials.
Furthermore, don’t overlook details. While maximalism focuses on the big picture, the small details can make a significant impact. Look at decorative trims, ornate hardware, intricate wallpaper, and statement lighting. While they may not appear as poignant and thought-evoking, these finishing touches add personality and character to your space, elevating it from dull to extraordinary.
Explore the Allure of Grandmillennial Interior Designs
Grandmillennial home decor has no hard and fast rules; this style thrives on personalization. Show off your preference and cultivate a home that speaks to your soul, from letting your favorite colors sing to embracing quirky finds that spark joy. After all, your home should reflect your unique story.
Transform your living space into a sophisticated and inviting haven where cherished heirlooms are displayed and cozy nights are best spent with a good book.
Learn more interior design trends by visiting the Cyrus Artisan Rugs blog.
