Grandmillennial style has taken the design world by storm! This colorful, classic, and layered design style is growing in popularity in recent years. What exactly is the grandmillennial decor trend – and how can you incorporate this look into your decorating? Follow along as we explore this style!
A grandmillennial is someone in their 20s or 30s who adores styles generally considered by others to be stuffy or outdated. Think vintage ginger jars, blue and white china, monogrammed napkins and towels, dark wood furniture, gold ornate frames, chinoiserie, wallpaper. It’s all items you probably inherited from your grandmother, but reimagined in a bright and modern way.
Grandmillennial style is nothing new. Another term to describe this style is “traditional.” The classic lines and accessories of this style have been around for years, and the resurgence in interest proves that some things never really go out of style.
Personally, I adore grandmillennial or traditional style. It’s classic and timeless, which I always prefer over trendy. It’s very on trend right now, but it’s also proven to be an enduring design style. I love using antique and vintage finds in my home.
If you’re looking to infuse some grandmillennial style into your home decor, here are some ways to do that!
Traditional style comes in a variety of color pallets, and can be neutral with a pop of color or very colorful. Blue and green are probably the most common colors utilized by this design style, as they are very natural and soothing yet still bright. I’ve also noticed that modern grandmillennial style has lots of pops of hot pink, which infuses a bit of a modern touch.
Layering patterns is a hallmark of traditional style. You can put pattern on your walls with wallpaper or into your textiles, with a patterned couch, patterned curtains, or patterned bedding. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns that have similar colors and play well together. You could also try “pattern drenching” by putting the same pattern on your walls, curtains, and other textiles.
Antique and vintage furniture fits in preferring this design style. Whether a hand me down from your grandmother or an antique Marketplace find, you can keep the original wood finish or paint it in a color that matches your scheme. Look for china cabinets, secretary desks, French provincial style, dark wood, and gold hardware.
My favorite part of decorating is the accessorizing. Look for all manner of ginger jars, blue and white china, bust sculptures, beautiful ceramics lamps, French figurines, patterned vases, and more. A term you may want to familiarize yourself with is chinoiserie, which is a term for Asian inspired design that fits perfectly with traditional style. Asian porcelain pieces can be found at thrift stores or estate sales and are great with this design style.
Wondering how to source unique grandmillennial decor for your home? Here’s where to shop!
Antique stores are a great place to find a curated assortment of home decor for a traditional home. They tend to be a little pricier than other options, but you’ll be doing less digging than at a thrift store or yard sale. Find some local antique stores in your area and start browsing them regularly to add to your collection!
As mentioned, at thrift stores you may have to do a little digging to find the gems, but the cost is usually lower than antique stores. With thrift stores, I like to follow the mantra, “shop often, buy seldom.” I check out my local stores a few times a week when I’m looking for something, but I only buy when I really love something.
During the warmer months, I love a good yard sale. Prices are usually very low, and you can haggle with the seller – especially if you are buying a lot of items. My favorite time to shop yard sales is when the towns around me are hosting their town wide yard sales. That way I can make multiple stops in one day and maximize my time. Check out my tips for yard sale shopping for more advice.
Estate sales are often a treasure trove of antique and vintage finds! They require a bit more planning to attend. Look for local sales at EstateSales.net. Get there early in the day for a wider selection, or go later in the day if you want a deal.
Ultimately, grandmillennial decor is about timeless pieces that never go out of style. If you focus on surrounding yourself with items that speak to your personal style, you will never grow tired of your decor. Let’s make it trendy to hone our own style, rather than following trends!