14 Steps to Achieve a Grandmillennial Aesthetic

Who is a Grandmillennial?  

Ranging in age from mid-20s to late-30s, Grandmillennials have an affinity for design trends considered by mainstream culture to be "stuffy" or "outdated"—Laura Ashley prints, ruffles, embroidered linens. 

"Grandmillennial is just pretty design with floral fabrics, chinoiserie, scalloped edges, natural fiber rugs, topiaries,  wicker, rattan and bamboo furniture and accessories, floral patterns and chintz, monograms, all things chinoiserie, blue and green rooms, and trim. While the late 2000s were the white farmhouse, shiplap look of the Gaines, the 2020s will be the Grandmillennial years." - Cote de Texas

“Grandmillennial style is a generational rebellion against the sleek minimalism of midcentury modern design. While the trend has been around for a year or two, we're seeing it spread from living rooms and bedrooms to kitchens and bathrooms.” - Rebecca Breslin, Wayfair Professional

“Taking fringe, trim, chinoiserie, drapery, skirts on furniture, slipcovers, wallpaper—all of that–and updating them to be convenient for today's 30-year-old” - Becky Boyle, Interior Designer 

“There’s such a beautiful nostalgia to the trend—your grandmother probably inherited her furniture from her grandmother.  There’s this element of storytelling where people are looking to emotionally connect to their interiors, and this trend is a reaction to that.” - Christiane Lemieux

'History often repeats itself, especially when new generations rediscover decorating trends from decades past. If you ever admired your grandmother’s needlepoint pillows or coveted your great-aunt’s china, you’re not alone. Many young designers (and their clients) are embracing classic design, combining elements of traditionalism and prep to create something entirely new—an Instagram-approved aesthetic called “grandmillennial style.”' - Gabby Home

1.  Think: Your Grandmother's Living Room with a Fresh Modern Twist (a sense of history)

2.  Big doses of pattern and texture

3.  Old China

4.  Skirted Table

5.  Floral Wallpaper

6.  Patterned Upholstery

7.  Richly dark stained wood furniture

8.  Toile, Chintz, Plaid

9.  Ruffles, Pleats, Tassels, Fringe

10.  Contemporary Abstract Art

11.  Metallic accessories

12.  Earthy colour palette

13.  Collections

14.  Layer on Personality

"In general, the trend of the 2020 decade is all about what is called the Grandmillennial style or Grannie Chic.  It’s Veranda and Southern Living and Southern Home and Atlanta Homes magazine all meshed together.  It’s traditional looks with antiques and chintz usually in pastel colors.   Think pretty." - Cote de Texas

I am an Artist who carries a paintbrush, camera and notebook. Instagram: @pattifriday