Mixed patterns? Check. Plenty of feminine and floral accents? Yep. Effortless fusion of now and then? You know it! I am of course, referring to my new interior design obsession: Grandmillennial decor!
This delightful motif is what happens when Palm Beach meets the English countryside–it encompasses delicate florals and high-wattage chintz; traditional chinoiserie as well as modern color combinations; formal structures as well as a free-wheeling use of patterns. Think of all of your favorite pieces from your grandmother’s coziest room (antiqued mirrors, traditional chinoiserie vases, and heirloom-quality decor picks, for example) and then add a delicate sprinkle of modern accents (think: brass accents, eye-catching wallpaper, a youthful color palette, and bold mixed prints).
In many ways, grandmillennial style is an inspired fusion of French Country, Coastal Beach (especially when it comes to rattan and wicker elements), and the maximalism of Hollywood Regency–equal parts time-tested elegance and bold visual statements. This style draws on the decor standards set by legendary designers like Mario Buatta, as well as trends set by contemporary visionaries like Celerie Kemble and Ariel Oakin.
Read on to learn more about the interior design style sweeping homes from coast to coast, and shop my favorite KKH pieces that speak to the grandmillennial aesthetic!
Photo via River Spencer
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So, What is Grandmillennial Style? And Where is the Line Between Granny and Millennial?
There’s no doubt–the writing is on the floral wallpapered wall and grandmillennial style has officially become a decor sensation. But just what is it? You may have deduced that, at it’s a magic mixture of “granny” and “millennial.” The style is primarily attributed to women in their 30s drawing inspiration from traditional looks from generations past, nostalgia for girly 90s trends (why, hello there, Laura Ashley!), and the millennial decor hallmarks that rose to prominence in the past 10 years (millennial pink, mixing patterns, and adding pops of brass and gold in every room).
As to where the proverbial “line” is between grandmilleniall and just plain “granny”? My advice is to not stress too much about it–let your instincts guide you. If you feel drawn to antiques and old-school muted florals, let those instincts blossom! If it feels more balanced to start from a modern place and add thrifted tchotchkes, that’s lovely as well. Above all, think of grandmillennial style as being a youthful take on the traditional.
Photo via Jan Showers
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Considering Patterned Wallpaper? A Grandmillennial Refresh is the Perfect Opportunity!
One major factor in many grandmillennial designs is the presence of patterned wallpaper. And you know what, cuties? I am all here for that! I have patterned wallpaper in my home (stay tuned for a blog post soon on that topic!). If you’ve been considering adding a floral wallpaper to your home, now is the perfect time!
A few pro tips: When it comes to patterned wallpaper, subtle prints and muted colors actually make a big impact. That’s not to discourage you from going bold, but when it comes to grandmillennial style, diminutive florals, shades of peach and pale rose, and anything that looks like it might be right at home in the English countryside is going to frame your space beautifully.
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Photo via Vogue
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Simply Mix Patterns & Materials, and Finish with Vintage Accents
At the heart of a truly special grandmillennial space is an alchemy of different styles, patterns, materials, and eras. Mixing prints when it comes to wallpaper, throw pillows, and rugs is a must, as is mixing materials. Metallic decor pieces pair perfectly with natural materials plucked from eras past (like cane, bamboo, and reclaimed wood) for a grandmillennial dreamscape that offers a variety of visual touch points.
And any time you can add thrifted treasures, antiqued mirrors, and vintage vessels or vases? Simply an opportunity to layers of design depth and double down on the aspect of grandmillennial style that favors objects with a history and a personality.
Photo via Sarah Dorio
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English Countryside + Palm Beach = Grandmillennial Magic
My final pro tip for using the grandmillennial style in your home decor? When in doubt, consider a beautiful balance between the demure sensibility of the English countryside and the bold maximalism of Palm Beach. These two locales may seem world’s apart, but they both have roots that harken back to classic design elements and place an emphasis on eye-catching details.
I would say it’s very grandmillennial indeed to pair a French Country bed frame with a gold-adorned nightstand, or to surround an antiqued mirror with an eclectic collection of patterned vessels and dazzling glassware.
Photo via Michale J. Lee
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