Grandmillennial Style: 10 Must-Haves to Achieve the Look!
Have you ever visited Grandma’s house and admired her floral print wallpaper, her gilded mirrors, her skirted furniture or even her colorful glasses on the kitchen table? It feels nostalgic just thinking about it, right? That, my friends, is Grandmillennial style! Gaining traction in home décor over the last few years, Grandmillennial takes an all-encompassing appreciation of the past and gives it a new life for the present. It blends traditional and maximalist elements, with no pattern too bold, no florals too colorful, and no piece of furniture too “out of style.” While we’ve been browsing TikTok and Pinterest feeds for the latest Grandmillenial inspo, we thought we’d share our favorite “must-have” trend elements so you can create this old-meets-new decor scheme for yourself!
Floral Arrangements
If there’s only one thing you take away from this list, let it be floral accents! You’ll never enter a Grandmillennial home without seeing lush flowers in several areas. Hydrangeas (real or fake, whichever you prefer!) are a standard choice, adding a light touch of spring to your home year-round while creating that familiar soft-and-happy feeling that’s only synonymous with Grandma’s house. Gather your blooms in vases (don’t worry, we’ll cover vases in this post, too!), and place them wherever there’s an open space — kitchen counters, coffee tables, entryway consoles, dressers, you name it — the goal is to create a soft, cozy, full interior.
Blue and White Palette
For those of us with an affinity for traditional design, blue and white palettes are must-haves; but they’re just as much a staple in Grandmillennial style, too! These two colors mesh to create the perfect balance of classic and modern chic — white, a more timeless, elegant feel, and blue, a subtly energetic feel. Incorporating this color scheme into a paisley or floral-patterned vase, area rug or upholstered furniture can create a foundation for other colors and patterns to connect within your space. And of course, you’re not limited to just these colors; soft pinks, greens and yellows can all be used to create this Grandmillennial look… it’s up to you!
Crystal Glassware
A simple way to look expensive on a budget, displaying crystal glassware (whether you use it for drinking or purely decorative purposes) elevates your space with intricate details. As a decor piece, crystal glassware is reminiscent of Grandma’s curio cabinet that always displayed her most precious dining wares. When using them for drinks, they make any beverage, including water, iced tea or a summer cocktails, feel like an experience. Tip: If you don’t have crystal glassware, check your local thrift stores or antique shops. You can usually find small sets of matching glassware, but building a collection with individual pieces can be even more fun!
Accent Lighting
Haven’t you heard? Chandeliers and retro lampshades are in! For your side tables and bookshelves, try more pleated, curved lampshades. If you can’t get on board with textured lampshades, opt for smooth, simple ones and pair them with lamp bases that are more colorful or patterned. Chandeliers don’t have to be huge, crystal-laden behemoths; these fixtures can be simple, regal designs, funky shapes or a more typical, sleek look. The goal is to add a bit of whimsy without overwhelming the space.
Wallpaper Designs
When we said no pattern is off the table, we meant it! While floral and more “earthy” patterns are pretty common in Grandmillennial style, paisley or glam art designs are also strong choices. Find spaces to emphasize — a bathroom wall, behind your bed, your kitchen dining area — whatever strikes your fancy! The most important thing is to find a wallpaper that pairs well with the colors, patterns and textures you’re already displaying. If those items are “loud,” with bold patterns or colors, then a more subtle wallpaper might be best so it doesn’t compete for attention or overwhelm the eye. We suggest a stick-and-peel option, so as your design style evolves, so can your wallpaper!
Mid-century Modern Furniture
Grandmillennial takes inspiration from several décor preferences, so it only makes sense that designers gravitate toward mid-century modern furniture! A hot pink velvet couch, a three-legged coffee table — the sleek, simple lines in mid-century modern pieces ensure your décor doesn’t overpower your home. Try looking for furniture with small, rounded legs, tufted upholstery and linear structural designs. Don’t worry about these pieces looking too eclectic; their simplicity counterbalances the rich, textured elements of your décor pieces!
Details, details, details!
What gives Grandmillennial a unique edge over other design styles is how detailed it is. It’s less about the major furniture pieces (although we could browse furniture options for hours!), and more about the smaller design accents that tie everything together. Pieces like brass appliance fixtures, crystal door handles, gold mirrors with intricate designs — these will help bring your design style to life.
Dishware Displays
Much like the crystal glassware, you have to display your table wares — whether you use them or not! Investing in a set of colorful dishes and vases to show off by themselves are not only a simple décor addition, but can also serve as the perfect settings for storing floral arrangements, small trinkets or your latest weekend baking creation.
Headboards
Every Grandmillennial home needs a soft, elegant headboard. While upholstered and tufted designs are popular, you can also use basic or patterned print to add a touch of richness into your bedroom’s design. This doesn’t have to be a major expenditure either; you can totally DIY your own headboard!
Tip: If you don’t have a headboard, create a faux headboard with the wallpaper we mentioned above. Simply measure the width of the bed and cut your wallpaper so that it flows floor to ceiling at that width, and creating the illusion of a grand headboard!
Gallery Walls
Grandmillennial certainly doesn’t shy away from photos and artwork, making gallery walls the perfect opportunity to show off your collection. Family photos, original artwork, even printed pieces work. The most important features here are the frames; since this style thrives on details, you’ll want to use frames with embellishments, metallic paint, and intricate designs to convey that straight-from-the-antique-shop feeling.
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Ready to design your home, the Grandmillennial way? We love watching this décor trend evolve and know you will, too. Be sure to check out our blog for the latest design trends and follow our Pinterest boards for all the best style inspiration!
