Sometimes it can be hard to identify your own interior design style. For most of us, we don't perfectly fit neatly into one category. Maybe your home feels a little too rustic to be totally Japandi, or perhaps you're a harmonious mix of coastal-meets-cottagecore. Grandmillennial speaks to that in-between style.
A balance of classic, eclectic, elegant nostalgia (think: Grandma's house) with all the charm of contemporary sensibilities; this interior design style is all about mixed patterns, heirloom furniture, cozy textures, and traditional with a twist. If that sounds like you, you've come to the right place. But are Grandmillennial decor ideas style on trend in 2024?
To find out whether this design has legs for longevity or if it is what is making a home look dated in 2024, we've spoken to the experts below.
Is Grandmillennial Style On Trend In 2024?
What makes Grandmillennial design so appealing is its timeless quality. It seamlessly weaves together elements of nostalgia with modern moments, creating spaces that feel both familiar and fresh. But while the hallmarks of this comforting style have undeniably made its mark, are trends shifting towards more minimalist decor? Well, it depends on who you ask.
'I don't think this style has ever not been on trend, especially in the south,' says designer Bethany Adams. 'Traditional with a twist is always good. Fun, bright colors mixed with decorating with antiques (extra points if they came from your actual grandmother!) with a few modern pieces thrown in will keep the look feeling fresh in 2024,' she advises.
Linda Hayslett, designer and founder of LH. Designs agrees. 'Grandmillenial style is on trend because it's the regeneration of past trends,' she explains.
'Grandmillenial style has become a way to incorporate traditional aspects of design with more modern pieces,' says Linda. 'This updated granny-chic look from the 1980s and 1990s has been elevated with crisper colors that ground the space such as black thrown in with fun flower wallpaper patterns and modern lighting.'
We believe that as people seek comfort and familiarity in their surroundings, the cozy and curated feel of Grandmillennial interiors will remain in vogue. 'Millennials have married the look that grandma used to have; with the trim on furniture and flower patterns; with the cool, sleek modern look of today. It makes for a homey, unique, interesting, and warm space.'
'I think traditional design elements like florals, tape trims, and fringes are very much in, which speaks to this design “style”,' says Meredith Owen of Meredith Owen Interiors.
In short, Grandmillennial style is certainly not minimal. It is a style that mixes bold patterns and finishes with heirloom pieces that bring back memories and speak to homely nostalgia.
'There is a real sense of comfort with patterns and designs that have a sense of nostalgia, not only from memories of our grandparent’s homes but also from museums and historic houses,' says James Watson, managing director at 1838 Wallcoverings. 'When looking to style patterns that have a historical nature, as seen in our collaboration with the V&A Museum, you don’t need to be limited to styling antique or vintage furniture. The new colors and scale of these patterns mean they can be just as relevant within a modern interior and contemporary pieces work perfectly, there really are no limits,' adds James.
But while this style relies on its mix of vintage-inspired patterns, ornate furniture pieces, and intricate details that define this beloved aesthetic, there is a very thin line between curated and cluttered. And that's where the more contemporary designs help to bring a balance.
'Add this look to your home by mixing maximalist prints and colors like millennial mink, goldenrod, mint green, and Prussian blue with more traditional silhouettes and fabrics,' advises renowned interior designer Kathy Kuo. 'At the end of the day, this style is about having fun in a way that still feels upscale.'
Whether you unite more modern paint ideas with antique furniture, or embrace bold and beautiful wallpaper ideas, Grandmillennial decor embraces contrast in interior design for a characterful home that doesn't feel as overwhelming as all-out maximalist decor ideas.
So how does one update the Grandmillennial style for 2024? 'As long as we have Millennials out there decorating their homes, I think we'll still be seeing some version of the Grandmillennial aesthetic,' suggests Kathy.
'Like many design trends, this one is subject to variations and updates,' she explains. 'For 2024, I see Grandmillennial leaning a little more toward the Dark Academia side of things and a little less towards the floral maximalism that was associated with the trend when it first hit the scene. You'll still see the signature mix of materials and adornments, but the color palette may shift to be a little moodier.'
We predict a gradual shift towards a more eclectic approach to the design. While Grandmillennial style has its place, we're likely to see a blending of different aesthetics to create unique and more personalized spaces that reflect individual tastes and preferences.
Designer Dina Bandman of Dina Bandman Interiors stresses the importance of giving everything an edge.
'The Grandmillennial style is having a moment with its maximalist designs and nod to the past,' says Dina. 'It's a nostalgic, tried and true style that was well-loved for generations, and it's fun to see it back in fashion. It's all about embracing a mashup of traditional elements that would typically be considered outdated – such as floral patterns, fringe, chinoiserie, and chintz, and giving them a fresh new twist. Accessorizing with fine china is a must – best if inherited from your grandmother!'
So what's the verdict? The short answer is: yes, Grandmillennial design, with its fusion of old-world charm and contemporary flair, is very much still on trend. The long answer is: so long as you keep it feeling slightly contemporary, updated, and avoid everything looking cluttered rather than curated. It's wonderfully comforting, nostaglic, and brings an eclectic personality-packed feel to your home, so if you love it, absolutely go for it! Remember, its your home, and it should reflect you and what you love rather than trends.
