Granny Chic – the Flip Side of Minimalism

Just when you thought that grandma’s chintz fabrics, wicker sunroom furniture, and vintage needlepoint accessories were destined for the “donate” pile, think again.  After years of minimalism and mid-century modern design trends, a new style is emerging, and “granny chic” or “grandmillennial” style has gained popularity in the past year and a new generation is embracing the “more is more” approach to home decor. 

Millennials – young adults in their mid-20s to late 30s, are increasingly becoming fans of the style of interior design they may remember with fondness from their grandma’s sitting room.  Print mixing, ruffles, tassels, pleated bedskirts, toile, fringe, and blue and white chinoiserie are all back on the table, so to speak.  According to a recent CNN Underscored report, a grandmillennial has an appreciation for the past, of classic style and tradition, along with a few unexpected touches and lots of layering of patterns, color, and textures. 

Chinoiserie, art, accessories, or furniture that draws from 18th-century Chinese motifs, along with wicker and cane are key elements in grandmillennial style.  If these pieces aren’t easy to find in the grandparent’s attic, or local estate sales, stores like Urban Outfitters are recreating the vintage vibe for devotees. 

Whether the trend started as a rebuke to all the purging and decluttering over the past year or as a side-effect of thrifty millennial repurposing family “heirlooms”, the trend appears to be here to stay for a time.  Rather than seeing solid pieces of furniture and decor winding up at the curb or in the landfill, with a little cleaning and an artful eye, these pieces will give joy and comfort to a whole new generation. 

To learn more about creating a granny chic style, combining old-school preppy and granny chic with a modern vibe, follow this link to Pinterest.  Maybe the grandkids do want the china and linens after all.