Millennials Are Starting To Decorate Their Homes Like ‘Grandmas’

Who here has grown tired of the millennial pink and the gold-accented minimalist decorating style that has gripped our Instagram feeds for the last few years?

If you’re a maximalist at heart, then you’ll be happy to know that there is a new style of décor on the horizon that mixes modern design with retro elements in order to create a very chic, Grandmillennial effect.

In essence, it combines some of the clean lines of modern-day decoration with your grandmother’s inheritance. So, you have young professionals co-opting their grandmother’s needlework pillows and flouncy lampshades in order to fit them into their home that is shared with the popular modern, Scandinavian farmhouse décor.

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When I grow I wanna be @paigeminear 💓😂. I can’t get over this plate wall on her porch. The plates elevate the space with a traditional charm and makes me want to sit for coffee listening to the rain and never get up☕️. #designinspo #charlestonsc #antiques #charlestonsales #grandmillennial #chinoiseriechic #cloissoné #palmbeachchic #estate #estatesale #estatesalefinds #thrifting

A post shared by CharlestonSCthrifters (@charlestonscthrifters) on Nov 26, 2019 at 5:24am PST

The term Grandmillennial was first coined by Emma Bazilian who wrote a piece for House Beautiful. The portmanteau has caught on very well as it perfectly describes the new mainstream trend. You can even search the results as it is its own hashtag.

So, what exactly are the design elements that make the current trend what it is? Well, for one, there is a lot of shabby upholstery going on the chairs and sofas. Additionally, there is plenty of printed wallpaper with flora that only a grandma would love.

Let’s assess some of the trend’s essential elements. There’s chintzy upholstery on chairs and couches, punchy flora and fauna patterns on window treatments and wallpaper, and block-printed table linen. There is plenty of needlepoint cushion covers, blue and white china, wicker lampshades, and a total obsession of flowers on lots of things – as well as loads of tassels.

The needlepoint might be old-fashioned, but it’s got a new twist:

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Anyone else? 🙋🏻‍♀️😂 I’ve been having way too much fun needlepointing and searching for pretty or clever canvases in my non-existent spare time. Thanks @carly for pointing me in the direction of this one. It definitely hits the mark! #eloiseismyspiritanimal #eloiseattheplaza #grandmillennial #needlepointersofinstagram

A post shared by Hannah Matthew (@_hannahmatthew) on Oct 20, 2019 at 11:37am PDT

Design professionals have picked up on the trend:

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Color can make a room come alive…photo of a recent project of my favorite #grandmillennial living room. We used a mix of old and new with cheerful fabrics to breath life into this classic six apartment.😊 #classicsix #decoratemehappy #luxuryrealestate #nydecorator #colorfulrooms #allinthemix #newtraditionalinteriors . #Interior design: @amalkapeninteriors Photo: @marcoriccastudio . . . . #huntingtonbay #coldspringharbor #locustvalley #gardencity #manhasset #nyctohamptons #northshoreli #antiquesarenewagain

A post shared by Amal Raad Kapen (@amalkapeninteriors) on Nov 26, 2019 at 4:32am PST

As well as some home stores:

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The term #grandmillennial style might be new, but this traditional aesthetic loved by an ever growing group of millennials is anything but. Monogrammed linens and scalloped lampshades. Skirted tables, vintage Mosser jadeite, and artful hand soaps. These are the pieces you’d likely find in an apartment of a granny chic enthusiast. We recently chatted with @ebazilian, the @housebeautiful journalist behind the term, and explored just how this look came about. Tap the link in our bio to read the full interview and to shop pieces with a #grandmillennial style for your own space. (Design: @lilsemckenna, Image: @nan.philip)

A post shared by One Kings Lane (@onekingslane) on Nov 15, 2019 at 9:21am PST

And those of us who are Grandmillennials are absolutely loving the new trend:

I rounded up the best #gifts to give a true #grandmillennial this #holidayseason! –> https://t.co/LjR8JK3tvQ #giftguide #giftideas #holidayspirit pic.twitter.com/fCv79sgDgv

— Jillian Attaway (@JillianAttaway) November 20, 2019

But the nice thing about this trend is that there is no need to spend loads of money on high-end pieces and trinkets – it’s so easy to just rummage through grandma’s garage or pick up items at a thrift store. And if you’re not sure how to style your Grandmillennial items, you can always check out Pinterest for inspiration.