Let’s talk about the latest rising design trend of Grandmillennials, and let’s look at ways to work the Grandmillennial Design style!

Like a warm cup of cocoa on a winter day, grand millennial style makes you feel good, and instantly at home when you see it.  

Grandmillenial Interior Design

Image: The Glam Pad

Grandmillennials have influences here…

Influenced by older more ‘formal’ furniture and decor, BUT blended, to infuse a healthy dose of updated charm and nuanced whimsy. 

Grandmillenial design style

Image: Laurel Bern Interiors

 

Grandmillenial Elements include:

  • Ruffles
  • Embellishments
  • Chintz
  • Books
  • Rattan
  • Pleats
  • Skirts

Grandmillenial styled bookcase

Image: Society 19

Grandmillennial Rooms can look like…

Can debunk Traditional roots, with its maximum mix and is an antidote to modern minimalism, and all white, homogenous interiors.

The secret to these spaces is a no holds barred attitude.  If you want cross stitch on pillows, barley wood coffee tables, chintz drapes or crocheted blankets – then why not!  

Grandmillenial pillow

Image: Lycette Designs

Expect the unexpected combinations of today’s classic style, and yesterday’s traditions.  It’s never bland and boring, the very best part!

 

Here’s what to look for:

1. Collections

Think framed prints of birds or botanicals, and ceramics, like stoneware dishes, oversized vases, and big platters. 

oversized vases and big platters.

Image: House and Garden

No hiding your stuff!  If you have a cool collection of china or crystal or silver tea sets, then display it!  It is both charming and interesting!

chair

Image: Boston Globe


2. Patterns & Texture

Patterns bring life, colour and vibrancy into a space.  Grandmillennials mix both old and new together, a fusion that makes my heart sing!  Textures, too!  

I personally love textures!  When I was growing up, we had boucle, corduroy, velveteen, wool, shag, leather and so much more! Retro by today’s standards.  

Grandmillenial Living Room Style

Image: Veranda House

Don’t forget wallpaper!!  When I was growing up… different wallpaper in every room of the house!  😉

 

Mid West Living

Image: Mid West Living

Intention goes a long way!   Because throwing it all together is NOT what I’m talking about.


PRO TIP: Choose elements of pattern and texture that will create a cohesive look.  You can definitely mix different patterns together…  A sophisticated look will be balanced between the patina and charm of the old, with the fresh and the funk of the new. Just like modern style rules of mixing same colours, or pattern or theme.

 

living room

Image: Mark D Sikes

3. Storytelling

Like generations before us, rooms have stories to tell us!  Take that history,  travel keepsake, or antique, and craft vignettes that bring you joy!  

Where did your items come from?  How treasured are they?  Are they heirlooms?  Do you love them?  Put them together in such a way that you never get tired of looking at it!  

hallway

Image: Elle Decor

For grandmillennial style, you’re pulling elements from the past and the present, effortlessly blending and layering the mix of collections, patterns and textures- you are weaving and storytelling.  That’s why it’s never boring!  

Build on the foundation.  If you’ve decided you want to go with an English Cottage vibe, then my Bronte sister- GO!  Do it, and let all the pretty florals, and dainty china sing!

 

English Cottage vibe

Image: Amy Berry


End Note

Grandmillennial Design begs the question: Do we emotionally connect to these spaces and this form of storytelling?   It’s really about our response and connection to it.  It’s about how you feel.  And when I say, you’ll know- then you’ll know!  🙂