Let’s just be honest and admit that we all have an 80-year-old grandmother inside our own heads. She’s the one that encourages you to skip happy hour for a homey Netflix binge. You know, the voice of reason that reminds you to wear extra suncream? See? She’s there and she deserves acknowledgement! Want to know one way you can show love to your inner Frances? (That’s what my inner granny is named, but feel free to pick your own.) By creating a cozy “grandmillennial” zone in your home, that's how.
The idea behind this trendy design style is pretty simple: Picture your fave grandmother/great-aunt/lovely older neighbour's home decor, and add in dash of current trends. When you're approaching ways to integrate this look into your own home, the possibilities are *pretty* vast. You can lean into coastal grandma, cottage-core grandma, or even a minimalist granny look. But! There are a few beats you'll want to hit if you want the underlying grandmillennial intention to be clear. It's a good thing we're here to lay the defining traits out for you. Keep scrolling for all the things you'll want to keep in mind while making your home a grandmillenial hideaway, and for a few products that'll really get the job done.
Maintain some modern vibes in the mix
Now, don't ignore the whole "millennial" element of this aesthetic! Adding a few trendier choice pieces will really pronounce your cozy Nana decor. It'll also add an extra layer of cool to your home, to distinguish it from just any given granny's crib. (No shade to the grandmas in your life, I'm sure they're a vibe.)
Embrace all the florals
Contrary to what one Miranda Priestly might say, they can be novel! There's nothing that screams granny more than this classic print, and the good news is, you won't be pressed to find it. There's a wealth of decor pieces that utilise flower power, including floral wallpaper and even coffee table books.
Vintage-inspired glassware goes a long way
We've gotta pay tribute to old school glassware, and now is the time. If you don't have any precious family china available, all is well, because similar pieces can be easily found on Etsy and eBay. Put a tea set or cutesy glass trinkets on display to really drive that antique aesthetic home.
Your borders? Make 'em scalloped
Random, but it's all about the little things, and focusing on edges is crucial when embracing this trend. Shop scalloped bedding, tableware, even curtains when you're creating your grandmillennial sanctuary. Check out these fun ways to bring scalloped trims into your space:
Bust out those quilts...
Let's make this house a home, ppl! It's easy to source cute hand-stitched quilts online, since they're truly all the rage RN. Luckily they're also the *perfect* blankets to have in your grandmillennial haven. Here are super cute options:
Ruffles! Lace! Wicker!
To clearly communicate "grandma," these textures and materials are definitely the move. A wicker lamp is an adorable must, so please consider.
Annabel Iwegbue is a culture editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers pop culture, lifestyle, relationships, and digital trends. She previously wrote for Harper's Bazaar, The Knockturnal, and Black Film. She's originally from Charleston, South Carolina, and is currently based in Brooklyn, New York. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Cinema Studies from New York University. You can check out some of Annabel’s work here and also find her on Instagram and Twitter.
