Trends are cyclical, and even fads that you never imagined you’d see again (such as fanny packs) can return decades after they were first popularized. You undoubtedly didn’t expect your grandmother’s living room to be a design trend that would resurface in fashion: yet it has.
It was first named Grand Millennial style by House Beautiful, and it is the counterpoint to the mid-century modern and minimalist, all-white homes that have been dominating our Instagram feeds for years. In the same way, each generation rebels against the previous one, the millennials who are presently outfitting homes are rebelling against their parents and sense of style. Having grown up amid the rise of mass-market furniture, this generation is rebelling against the monochromatic catalog styles they were exposed to. They are looking to previous generations for design inspiration instead.
The granny-chic style, which incorporates a lot of pattern and texture, expresses the desire of twenty- and thirty-somethings to live in an environment that reflects their personality. When it comes to adding flair and distinctiveness to their houses, this generation isn’t hesitant to incorporate brown wood furniture or their grandmother’s china collection.
However, these aren’t precisely the stuffy, formal settings that you would recall from your childhood years. Taking traditional design motifs (such as skirted tables, patterned upholstery, floral wallpaper, and richly stained wood furniture) and giving them a modern twist for the twenty-first century, this updated take on traditional style is sure to please. When new components are mixed in, the design is classic and pleasant without appearing cheesy.
Fabric, upholstery, and wall coverings in Grand Millennial designs are richly patterned, with traditional prints like toile, chintz, and plaid dominating the design scheme. Ruffles, pleats, and fringe, among other embellishments, are experiencing a revival in popularity. Historically significant furniture made of dark stained woods such as walnut and cherry adds a sense of heritage to these rooms. At the same time, abstract art or metallic accents help freshen and modernize the look.
A sense of contrast is at the heart of this popular design style, halfway between minimalism and maximalism in terms of appearance. Traditionalism is incorporated into the style through tape, trim, and tassels on the fabric and cushions, all in monochromatic or comparable color combinations. Make use of an earthy color palette with saturated colors for a more organic and informal look.
When it comes to pulling off the Grand Millennial aesthetic in a way that is more timeless than antiquated, a well-edited design is essential. When accessorizing, choose carefully to prevent creating a congested appearance. Choose textiles with striking patterns but keep the color palette tight and constant to create a layered and cozy look rather than overcrowded and disorganized. Above all, surround yourself with things you enjoy.
Because it’s so much fun and full of personality, this style has achieved such widespread popularity. It gives you the freedom to make design decisions and to create a setting that is anything from clean and cookie-cutter in its appearance. This huge design enables you to stand out from the crowd, and especially in today’s world, a large number are people are choosing this style.
