Grandmillennial Style

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Grandmillennial Style

This comfortable, colourful, chintzy look could also be called ‘granny chic’ – and it’s the style of the moment for youngsters and the young at heart.

They say that if you wait long enough, all fashions will come around again. And for the Millennial generation (roughly speaking, those in their twenties and thirties now) the trend du jour harks back to the cosy style of their mothers and even grandmothers – a look that has been dubbed ‘granny chic’ or ‘grandmillennial’. Could it be that this cohort is seeking familiarity and security in an uncertain world? That wouldn’t be so surprising. It is certainly a trend that, however old you are, is a welcome change from the cold, monochromatic, minimalist looks that we have seen in recent years. Grandmillennial is definitely nostalgic (and not in an ironic way), but it’s timeless rather than outdated, combining a more-is-more approach with a careful edit of traditional elements alongside modern touches. It’s fun, pretty, happy and approachable; all in all an invigorating expression of individuality.

Furniture Essentials

Dark wood furniture is having a moment once again. Good quality, polished walnut, mahogany or rosewood, for example, all work with this look. On the other hand, wicker, rattan and cane pieces will also fit right in – think headboards, occasional chairs and small tables. When it comes to relaxing, choose the super-comfortable Victorian style of deeply buttoned upholstery, in the form of sofas, armchairs and ottomans – or even (think back to your nanna’s house) a pouffe. Velvet or chenille are both great fabrics to use, with a desirably soft, tactile and warmly traditional feel.

Embellishments

Ever since the Modernists decried the use of ornamental additions, interiors have become more and more pared down and unadorned. Not with this style! Extravagant embellishments are your goto for perfecting the grandmillennial look. Tassels, fringes, gathered skirts, pleats, scalloped edges, ruffles, braids and ribbons. These are the little extras that make this look interesting and different. Can you have too many? Maybe, but why not give it a try anyway?

Pattern and Colour

Pattern and colour are the heart of this design style, and while it’s true to say that they can be bolder and more layered than in the average

home, that doesn’t mean they can be a complete free-for-all. Colours might be bright but they are also fresh rather than overpowering, with designs often on a white or pale background, or at least carefully controlled so they don’t clash (or at least, only clash tastefully). Wallpapers are a big feature in the grandmillennial room, but if an entirely papered room is not for you, a good alternative is a framed panel – and cheaper, too. Favoured colours are classic blue and white, pink, green and yellow (imagine a bouquet of summer flowers from a country garden), with specific patterns to look out for including chinoiserie, chintz or blowsy florals, toile de jouy and trellis.

Accessories

Few accessories could be as appropriate for the grandmillennial room as a hand-embroidered cushion in traditional style but bearing a sarcastic modern slogan: the ultimate in traditional with a twist. A selection of colourful, not too-wellmatched cushions in general is a good addition, as well as charming displays of collections such as blue-and-white china, Staffordshire dogs or milk glass. Finish it all off with some block-printed or monogrammed napkins, botanical prints, an ornate mirror and – for their scent as well as beautiful

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looks – a cut-glass vase of hydrangeas, peonies or roses.

The Rise of the Grandmillennial

The term ‘Grandmillennial’ was coined by Emma Bazilian in an article for American House Beautiful in October 2019. A self-confessed grandmillennial herself, she identified a set of Instagram influencers who might post photos of themselves wearing floral maxi dresses or with dining tables carefully laid with block-printed napkins and white hydrangeas. “Grandmillennials have an affinity for design trends considered by mainstream culture to be ‘stuffy’ or ‘outdated’ – Laura Ashley prints, ruffles, embroidered linens,” she wrote. “Unlike that of the late-aughts hipster, their taste for the antiquated isn’t ironic, it’s less twee than timeless.” She interviewed several young interior designers about the trend, who described the rise in interest in ‘old-school’ design, with layers of bolder colours and patterns and a highly individual approach. And as Manhattan-based designer Ariel Okin explained, grandmillennials “appreciate the staying power of good, well-edited design, while putting their own fresh spin on it to make it feel updated and unique.” If you want to find out more about the style, look at these Instagram feeds: @grandmillenniallifestyle; @grandmillennialshop; @grandmillennialdecor; @amyberryhome; @clarybosbyshell; @arielokin; @lilsemckenna; @emilycbutler; @lycettedesigns and @grand.millennial.

Colour and pattern – if you’re going for a granny chic bathroom, this is the way to do it! Shells And Pearls Wallpaper in lilac, £65 per roll, Catherine Rowe: 07969 845 703; catherinerowedesigns.com. Pile on the cushions and the blowsy, oversized, flower-print textiles. Add a buttoned sofa or armchair for good measure. Liberte chair, £899; Isabella velvet scatter cushions, £30 each; all Sofology: 03444 81 81 81; sofology.co.uk. This playful lamp contrasts deep fringing with the soft glow of a spherical bulb. Atmosfera fringe table lamp by Slamp Lighting, £386, Chaplins: 020 8421 1779; chaplins.co.uk.