Grandmillennial decor, preppy, granny chic, traditional with a twist – however you refer to it, grandmillennial decor is the perfect combination of timeless and feminine while still leaving room for creativity! In the last few years, grandmillennial decor has also jumped in popularity as younger generations are wanting to achieve a traditional and inviting style without it feeling heavy or unapproachable. If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls, you know that Emily Gilmore is the queen of traditional old-money style. Her house is lavish and full of antiques and collectables; however, it feels more like a museum than a cozy and inviting home. What grandmillennial style achieves that strict traditional decor cannot is the lived-in and inviting feeling.
This post will walk you through exactly what grandmillennial decor is and how you can use its elements to achieve it in your own home!
This post is all about grandmillennial decor and how you can achieve the classic yet eclectic look.
What is Grandmillennial Style?
Grandmillennial style is the revival of classic decor combined with fresh elements that make it exciting and approachable. In essence, it is using classic silhouettes and patterns in a fresh way and coloring outside of the lines a little bit. Additionally, unlike how traditional decor can feel stiff, overly formal, and uninviting; grandmillennial decor is like a colorful, cozy, and boisterous hug.
Grandmillennial decor also combines old and new, meaning that creating a grandmillenial aesthetic is a process. It involves collecting pieces, potentially doing some DIY projects, and getting creative. Each room should tell a story and reflect how you want yourself and others to feel. Often this involves elements of whimsy, curiosity and contrast.
Source: @alexkaehlerdesign via @_havensent_
Why is it Called Grandmillennial?
The word ‘grandmillennial’ itself speaks perfects to the style it represents: your grandma’s decor from the perspective of a millennial. Aka using classic patterns, furniture, and touches in a young and creative way that will still stand the test of time.
For example, a sofa in a classic silhouette but in a fun pattern or bright color. Another great example is the photo below: three patterns that all work together to tell a story in an unexpected yet surprisingly harmonious way.
Source: @hundleyhilton via @_havensent_
What are the Elements of Grandmillennial Design?
Grandmillennial decor is characterized by a long list of elements that lend itself perfectly to individual creative expression that still feels ageless. Here are a few of the most popular and widely used elements of grandmillennial design:
- Velvet
- Rattan
- Scallops
- Fringe
- Layering patterns
- Bold prints
- Pleats
- Chinoiserie
- Floral patterns
- Bright colors
- Natural textures
- Mixing old and new
- Gold and brass finishes
- Symmetry
- Monograms
- Bows
There really is no rulebook for grandmillennial decor, which means that you can use the basic elements to create a space that is completely unique to you. If you’re not sure where to start, type any of these elements into Google or Pinterest and you will get a wealth of ideas to use as a starting point!
Source: @anndeckerdesign via @_havensent_
Grandmillennial Style Living Room
Living rooms are often one of the most-used areas of the home, and it should be a place for making memories and relaxing. One particular living room concept that grandmillennial style often does well is the idea of conversational seating. Rather than having one giant sectional sofa, you have several different seating options in groups or pairs. The first inspiration photo is a great example of this.
Other areas you can easily add grandmillenial touches in your living room is through styling your coffee table! Use flowers, coffee table books, trays, and other interesting small decor pieces to create a functional yet pretty area!
Source: @kbshowhouse via @thealluringhome
Source: @clarybosbyshell via @_havensent_
Source: @ashleybhanley via @_havensent_
Grandmillennial Bedroom
A bedroom should feel relaxing, cozy, and inviting. The best grandmillennial style bedrooms use the bed as the grand focal point with layers of bedding, patterns, and decor; all used to tell a story. The inspiration photos below are great examples of mixing several patterns within the same color family. This is one way to make a room feel like an experience with areas to discover from every angle. Notice that the elements are traditional, but yet it doesn’t feel “old”.
Source: @markdsikes_interiors via @_havensent_
Source: @tuftandtrim
Grandmillennial Kitchen
The kitchen often serves as the heart of the home, and it should feel like somewhere that you want to gather and spend time. Below are two very different but equally beautiful examples of grandmillenial elements being used in the kitchen: blue tones, scallops, rattan, gold, florals…
At first glance, these two examples might seem intimidating and you may wonder how you could achieve a similar look for yourself. However, using the right wallpaper, paint, and accessories goes a lonnggg way AND all of those things are temporary and can be changed! You don’t have to completely demo your kitchen for it to feel grandmillennial. Instead, add some wallpaper, paint your cabinets, and style your countertop spaces!
Source: @gretchenblack via @_havensent_
Source: @riverbrook__ via @_havensent_
Overall, grandmillennial decor is perfect for you if you want your home to feel ageless, bright, and interesting! For more decor ideas, read my latest post with my favorite preppy home decor pieces and follow The Homebody Hobbyist on Instagram!
Related terms: preppy home decor, southern charm, sophisticated style, grandmillennial furniture, grandmillennial aesthetic, granny chic
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