The Grandmillenial Design Style, Explained

Millennials have always had an affinity for nostalgia, so it makes sense that home designs would follow suit. The grandmillennial trend comes from a longing for simpler times and a distaste for generic styles that dominate today’s Instagram feeds. Either way, “granny chic” is starting to become the new hot decor trend, and we’re here for it. Here’s a look at what inspires this movement and how you can achieve it in your home.

Dissecting the Grandmillennial Style Trend

Grandmillennial takes the “grand” prefix from “grandparents” (aka the ones who inspired the style). Whereas Gen Z might picture the gadgets and vibrant hues that dominate the mid-century modern style, this style is more inclined toward the traditional “grandma” aesthetic. This means floral patterns, ruffles, needlepoint, and tchotchkes galore.

The grandmillennial design trend is all about recreating the warmth of Grandma’s house, with a few tweaks to keep things from reading as stuffy or dated. A keen eye for color, placement, and balance is key for keeping the look fresh and modern—which is why this trend is also called “granny chic.”

How to Give Your Home an Instant Grandmillennial Style Boost 

How can you make your home more grandmillennial? There isn’t a set formula for achieving the aesthetic—instead, it leans heavily on a unique, personal take. Here are a few ideas to consider when making this design concept your own.

1. Choose Dark Wooden Furniture

Dark woods like walnut, mahogany, and teak pair perfectly with the grandmillennial aesthetic. Find true antiques or stain your existing furniture to achieve the look.

2. Find Blue and White China Accents

Grandmillennial designs often feature traditional blue-and-white china. You can find vintage china on reselling sites or in your local thrift store, but these designs also come on table lamps if you’re looking for something more functional.

3. Go Doily Crazy

Want to truly live out your granny chic dreams? Leave no surface un-doilied. These cute lacy accents are easy to find at your local craft store, or you can find hand-crocheted varieties on Ebay or Etsy (you can also crochet them yourself, of course). Place them under cups, knick-knacks, or wherever else your heart desires.

4. Get Wicker Furniture

Wicker furniture was a staple in many older homes and these pieces still carry a distinct vintage charm. Again, you can find the best pieces in antique stores, but you might also find some on reselling apps.

5. Add a Printed Tablecloth

A simple tablecloth with ruffles, florals, or gingham print can instantly recreate the traditional-style country kitchen. Accessorize with lacy placemats, antique salt-and-peppers, a classic bread basket, or whatever else brings up memories of Grandma’s kitchen.

6. Feature Needlepoint Pillows

Needlepoints are a staple of granny chic. You can go for more traditional sayings or you can opt for something funny or snarky for a modern twist. There’s a huge variety on Ebay and Etsy, so click around and see what you can find. Or, let’s be real: Why not pick up the craft yourself and go full-on with your granny aesthetic? 

7. Floral Wallpaper

Wallpaper is back in style! Look for floral patterns and other designs that pull in colors from your other home decor. Peel-and-stick is an easy and renter-friendly option, or you can always go for the real deal. For expert application and a wide variety of designs, get in touch with a wallpaper company near you.

8. Find Antique Furniture

An antique store or thrift shop is your go-to for furnishing a grandmillennial home. The beauty here is that antique pieces tend to be more solidly constructed—plus it’s more environmentally friendly to choose secondhand. You can refinish antique furniture for a refreshed look, or keep it as is.

Styling Tips for Aspiring Grandmillennials

It’s easy to copy the pictures you see in magazines, but you’ll lose that personal element that makes the grandmillennial style your own. Our best advice? Don’t overthink it—focus on what brings you the most joy. Aside from that, here are a few other tips for achieving a harmonious design:

• Be selective with what you choose to avoid a cluttered look.

• Rather than overwhelming yourself with a total re-do, choose a few statement pieces and build around them (e.g. an antique chair, your great-grandmother’s sewing machine, etc.).

• Accent with bold colors to freshen up your design and keep things from looking stuffy.

• Stick with a limited and well-defined color palette.

• Maintain your antique furniture’s beauty by protecting it from the elements and treating it regularly with oil soap.

• “Granny-fy” modern furniture instantly with ruffled pillows, slipcovers, and vintage throws.

• Collect what you love and display it (just like Grandma did)—whether it’s vintage salt-and-pepper shakers, figurines, or other antique collectibles.