Trending: Grandmillennial style
Stuffy? More like stuff of childhood dreams...
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

The rise in 'Grandmillennial' style is bringing granny chic back into our homes.
Come again? Well, if you've never met a chintz you didn’t like then you're probably already a grandmillennial and proud, but for those with a taste for modern interiors, we bet you've already adopted some of this growing trend without even realising it.
The dated, granny-chic style has been slowly creeping back into our homes, and we kinda dig it.
Read Also: What's hot: all the interior trends for 2021 (opens in new tab)
Over the last year we've seen more foxed mirrors (opens in new tab), more tassels and fringing (opens in new tab) – including the return of tasseled lamps (opens in new tab) –more wild floral (opens in new tab) prints, more scalloped furniture (opens in new tab) and mid century modern (opens in new tab) pieces, and the SS20 collections are awash with wicker, cane and rattan furniture (opens in new tab).
In fact, people are even turning to needle point (opens in new tab) – and even Taylor Swift and Julia Roberts have picked up the needlepoint hobby (opens in new tab).
So what's it all about? Grandmillennial style is essentially about modern-day design co-existing with retro elements. It's about incorporating hand-me-downs and inherited pieces, alongside second-hand vintage pieces and reclaimed furniture and making them look at home in a modern interior. Millennials are incorporating dated, previously faux-pas items in their modern homes and giving a fresh take on a look they’ve known all their lives.
Read Also:Spanish bathrooms and four more Global Interior Trends To Look Out For In 2020 (opens in new tab)
Perhaps it's because the heavy florals, the chintz and kitschy decor feels nostalgic and reminds us of the warmth and comfort we felt in our grandparent's homes. It's a look that really evokes that feeling of ‘home’.
Read Also:A FIRST LOOK AT H&M HOME SS20 (opens in new tab)
It's an approachable style, rooted in warmth, with worn-out upholstery and extra ruffles. And for stressed-out young professionals, your grandparent's old armchair might represents a much-needed respite.
This appreciation for the old is very welcome in this day and age, where a more sustainable approach to how we live is top priority, and there's something to be said about finding pleasure with vintage, second-hand pieces.
Your grandparents probably inherited their furniture from their grandparents. And when things are handed down it's not just more sustainable, but there’s an element of storytelling too.
Read Also:Heal’s reveals the most sustainable pieces from its SS20 collection (opens in new tab)
Pieces that trigger memories or stories are more interesting than those you buy in a shop. They can also show guests your personality and family history, and tell a story about what you collect or where you've travelled.
It's for these reasons perhaps that Grandmillennials are honouring the Wedgwood pieces, floral prints, antique furniture, scallop-edged French linen, and bricks of French-milled lavender soap.
Read Also:We predict that this Moroccan-inspired seating from Habitat will be big in 2020 (opens in new tab)
Think of them as new traditionalists; someone who has an appreciation for the past, and who realises the staying power of good, well-edited design while putting their own fresh spin on it to make it feel updated and unique.
Previously considered to be “stuffy” or “outdated”, drapery, skirts on beds and furniture, slipcovers, Laura Ashley prints, ruffles, chintzy upholstery, palm patterned wallpaper, block-printed table linen, needlepoint cushion covers, blue and white chinoiserie, handed down chinaware, tasseled lampshades, wicker chairs, and antique furniture are officially back in fashion.
The best way to bring this look home? A good old rummage through your grandma's attic or garage.
Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.
-
-
Why I ditched my smart TV's standard operating system and started using Apple TV 4K instead
Your smart TV already has streaming apps built in, so why spend over $100 on Apple TV 4K? It's a worthwhile luxury, argues Alan Martin
By Alan Martin • Published
-
Sonos Roam vs Move: the portable smart speakers battle it out
We compare Sonos' two portable smart speakers to see which is best for on-the-go listening
By Caroline Preece • Published
-
Black Friday furniture deals: these are the places we're most excited to shop at this year, at up to 80% off
Find the best places to shop for furniture deals this Black Friday, plus a curated pick of the Livingetc editors' favorite discount discoveries
By Hugh Metcalf • Published
-
Black Friday bedding deals you won't want to miss: up to 50% off luxury bedding
Upgrade your bedding and get ready to hit hibernation mode with our pick of the best Black Friday bedding sales, including discounts at Liberty, John Lewis, Amara, and more
By Amy Lockwood • Published
-
The simple way to a more sustainable and stylish life with Fisher & Paykel
This incredible new tech saves time, energy and has become the washing machine you need to know about
By Sponsored • Published
-
Forget Cottagecore - Flora Fantasia by House of Hackney is Cottage hardcore
House of Hackney's Flora Fantasia collection blends the romanticised rural aesthetic with riotous punk elements
By Jacky Parker • Published
-
Bert & May's new hexagon tiles collection is tapping into one of this year's biggest micro trends
Tap into the microtrend for hexagon tiles and make myriad patterns with this new collection from Bert & May
By Jacky Parker • Published
-
Matthew Williamson’s tip for renovating a house on a budget is so simple, but incredibly effective
Renovating a house on a budget? See the savvy ways to control costs when managing an interior redesign
By Jacky Parker • Published
-
The fabulous new Matthew Williamson furniture collection is a cocktail of color and print
This decorative Matthew Williamson furniture is the beautiful result of collaboration with Roome London
By Jacky Parker • Published
-
Out & Out's new furniture collection is full of stylish storage solutions
This stylish storage will have your home organised in a jiffy - whatever its size
By Jacky Parker • Published