What is Grandmillennial Style?

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Grandmillennial style is a growing trend in home decor. It’s a blend of classic elements with a modern twist, appealing to a wide range of people. This style is not only popular among interior design enthusiasts but also has a strong presence on social media, attracting both young and older fans.

“Grandmillennial Style” was coined by Emma Bazilian in 2019 for House Beautiful. Since then, it’s quickly become a part of mainstream culture. It’s a trend that mixes vintage looks with modern flair. It’s particularly popular amongst the millennial age group. This style revives designs once considered old-fashioned, giving them a new, elegant twist.

The Grandmillennial Aesthetic

Think of the home settings in classics like “Father of the Bride” – that’s the heart of Grandmillennial style. It’s an old style, but it’s coming back in a modern way. It mixes old-fashioned charm with today’s trends for a fresh take.

Grandmillennial isn’t just about bringing back old styles; it’s about adding a modern touch to them. It’s a stylish tribute to the past, inspired by what our grandparents had in their homes. Picture floral wallpapers, comfy old-school fabrics, detailed patterns, scalloped decor and fine china.

These elements (which make me think of Laura Ashley prints), bring back memories of family times and add a timeless charm to any room.

A key feature of Grandmillennial style is its mix of traditional design and new trends. It smoothly merges classic style with modern touches for a look that’s eye-catching and balanced.

Picture a room with floral wallpaper, paired with stylish lampshades and vintage quilts. This style weaves together different patterns and textures, creating a space that’s both easy-going and welcoming.

Vintage pieces are vital in Grandmillennial style. Combining old and new items gives a modern, fresh feel. Imagine an antique sideboard next to modern lighting, or a classic floral armchair with a sleek coffee table. This mix adds depth and personality to the room. Soft colors like blush or mint green create a calm background for the detailed patterns and textures.

Adding handmade and personal details into your own home really enhances the Grandmillennial vibe, too. Consider adding things like embroidered linens, needlepoint throw pillows, or a gallery wall that tells your story.

These beautiful items add warmth and character to your space to help achieve that grandmillennial look.

The Key Elements of Grandmillennial Style

The charm of Grandmillennial style is in how it makes us feel warm and comfortable, much like our grandmother’s homes. That’s why it’s also fondly called “Granny Chic”.

The key elements are:

• Floral wallpapers
• Blue and white palettes
• Skirted tables
• Needlepoint accents
• Embroidered linens
• Mixed patterns, especially monograms and floral patterns
• Ornate chandeliers
• Collections of silver, china, and crystal
• Pleated lampshades
• Rattan, bamboo, and wicker materials
• Dark brown wood furniture
• Fabrics such as toile, chintz, plaid, lace, and more
• Traditional wooden furniture, especially walnut, cherry, and mahogany
• Vintage brass items
• Boxwood topiaries, and more.

These elements might remind you of grandeur, but they’re designed for both elegance and everyday living. It’s more about reimagining our grandmother’s house, not just copying it.

Grandmillennial Style: A Step-by-Step Guide to Transform Your Home

1. Understand the Essentials:
   • Familiarize yourself with key elements of Grandmillennial style: floral wallpapers, needlepoint accents, skirted tables, vintage brass, etc.
2. Assess Your Current Space:
   • Look at your current decor. Identify pieces that already fit the Grandmillennial style and those that may need replacing or updating.
3. Plan Your Color Palette:
   • Choose a color scheme that reflects the style. Popular choices include pastels, navy blues, soft greens, and floral patterns. Using bold color really isn’t the idea here, the concept requires keeping it calm and uplifting.
4. Start with Wallpaper or Paint:
   • Consider adding floral prints or patterned wallpaper to a focal wall. If wallpaper isn’t an option, choose paint colors that complement the Grandmillennial aesthetic.
5. Incorporate Textiles:
   • Add cozy, vintage fabrics. Look for lace, chintz, or toile for upholstery, curtains, and linens.
6. Select Key Furniture Pieces:
   • Invest in a few signature pieces like a skirted table, a vintage armchair, or a traditional wooden dresser. Remember, thrift stores can be goldmines!
7. Add Decorative Accents:
   • Look for ornate chandeliers, pleated lampshades, and needlepoint pillows. These small touches can make a big difference.
8. Mix Old and New:
   • Combine modern elements with vintage finds. Check estate sales for hidden treasures. Pair a new sofa with an antique coffee table, or modern art with classic frames. Bring new life to those historical finds!
9. Personalize with Collections:
   • Display collections that speak to you, like china, crystal, or vintage books. Grandmillennial style is about showcasing personal style history with a fresh spin.
10. Layer Patterns and Textures:
    • Don’t be afraid to mix and match different patterns and textures. This adds depth and interest to your space and is a great way to introduce character.
11. Consider Custom Details:
    • Items like monogrammed linens or custom-framed artwork can add a personal touch that’s quintessential to Grandmillennial style.
12. Balance Function and Form:
    • Ensure your space remains livable and comfortable. It’s not just about aesthetics; functionality is key.
13. Seek Inspiration:
    • Look to interior designer magazines, blogs, and social media for inspiration. Save images that speak to you for reference.
14. Take Your Time:
    • Don’t rush the process. Building a Grandmillennial design home is about curating pieces over time that have meaning and fit the aesthetic.
15. Enjoy the Process:
    • Remember, decorating your home is a journey. Enjoy the process of finding pieces, experimenting with patterns, and seeing your space transform.

Embracing the Grandmillennial in Your Home

In interior design, trends change about every ten years. Modern Farmhouse style was big, but now it’s Grandmillennial style’s turn.

Even though trends come and go, the timeless appeal of a well-done Grandmillennial space means it’ll always be loved by design fans. The traditional details and Grandmillennial decor ideas are some of the most stunning amongst all modern designs!

If you’re thinking of updating your home, try mixing old-school charm with modern features. Grandmillennial style lets you mix the old with the new, creating a place that’s both comfortable and stylish. After all, I think this interior design trend is here to stay!

Decorating isn’t just about trends; it’s about what feels right for you. Like the saying goes, “A house is made of bricks and beams, but a home is made of hopes and dreams.” Use the Grandmillennial style to make your home reflect your story.