The decorating style called grandmillenial was first coined by House Beautiful in fall 2019 to describe a new trend that combines grandmother’s traditional décor with fresh updates for the 20- and 30-something age group known as the millennials.
From medium- and large-scale floral wallpaper to the revival of brown furniture, especially walnut and cherry, millennials want to replace the minimalist look of mid-century modern or the unadorned modern farmhouse styles that have dominated in recent years for something cozier. Gone are the white and grey solid fabrics; they are replaced with either soft pastel patterns like toile on a bed or slipcovered sofa or brightly-colored geometrics or florals on easy chairs or skirted tables. Once again, pleats, fringe, and ruffles are seeing a resurgence with grandmillenial décor adding to the nostalgia your grandmother’s house.
Cane and bamboo style dining room chairs are trending, maybe painted a fresh orange or green, and the table is set with grandma’s china. Coffee table books make a comeback as do monogrammed linens and needlepoint pillows showcasing a cute saying.
When it comes to art and accessories, modern touches are added with abstract paintings and gold and brass sculptural pieces to freshen what could easily turn too stuffy, too quickly.
What you will not see are afghans resurrected from the mothballs, petite furniture when previous generations were smaller in stature, or kitschy accessories that someone thought would be priceless heirlooms someday.
Anyone wanting an updated, warm, comfy style will enjoy this look. But if you aren’t in the right age group, don’t embarrass yourself calling it grandmillenial. Stick with granny chic.
With many satisfied clients since 2008, Barbara Graceffa owns and operates Secretary of the Interior in Quincy, MA offering decorating services at reasonable rates. If you want to suggest a blog topic or have a decorating, downsizing/decluttering or home staging project needing professional help or are interested in hosting a workshop or quilt show, please contact her via her website www.sec-interior.com or phone 617.921.6033.
Secretary of the Interior: Decorating Blog 