What Is Grandmillennial Style?

If your interior design inspiration comes from your grandmother’s rattan coffee table or boldly patterned couch, you’re not alone. More and more people are straying away from minimalist aesthetics in favor of decor that feels richer, more nostalgic, and full of personality. That’s why grandmillennial style—a term coined by Emma Bazilian in a House Beautiful article—has become such a popular trend. We spoke with an interior design expert to find out how this trending style of mixed textures, eye-catching embellishments, and heirloom furniture can be used in stylish ways.

What Is Grandmillennial Style?

Grandmillennial style re-imagines old-school design fads and combines them with contemporary looks. The resurgence of this specific design style is a rebellion against the mid-century modern look that has ruled interior spaces for the past several years. “Grandmillennial style is an editorial name coined for the resurgence of traditional style with a breath of a modern, more colorful touch than what we have seen trending in the last decade,” says Leslie Davis, interior designer and owner of Deeply Southern Home in Birmingham, Ala.

Grandmillennial style also gives 20- and 30-somethings the opportunity to infuse their spaces with personality. The newfound fascination with bold prints, ruffles, embroidered linens, and chinoiserie has awakened newer generations to the interior design possibilities that go beyond neutral color schemes, clean lines, and minimal patterns. “In essence, the grandmillennial style is just a new name for this generation’s version of traditional design,” says Davis.

Origin of Grandmillenial Style

Interior designer Davis sees a clear connection between the resurgence of traditional design and the nostalgia millennials feel for the homes they grew up in. “Many of the generation grew up in homes decorated in the Tuscan style of the early aughts. While this style was often manifested in a red and gold color palette, it was easily discerned by the abundance of overstuffed brown, traditional furniture, wood cabinetry, and faux finishes,” says Davis.

“Despite the shortcomings of this trend, I always thought the heart of the Tuscan or Mediterranean style was warmth, comfort, and family. I can easily see the parallels with the grandmillennial style. It just looks brighter and lighter but equally traditional and heavy on the layering of patterned upholstery and fabrics.”

How to Replicate Grandmillennial Style

There’s more to this trend than simply replicating the sometimes-kitschy rooms you may have seen during your adolescence. “It is worth noting that this new take on traditional emerging now is an updated spin on the floral chintz fabrics and patterns of the 1980s,” says Davis. “These vintage items can often be acquired at estate sales, thrift stores, and Facebook Marketplace. Millennials love a good upcycle and savvy consumerism and who can blame them?” 

Bold Prints

If you want to try grandmillennial style in your own space, there are a few design elements to focus on that will help you achieve this niche look—but always go big on pattern. Consider choosing heavily printed curtains, upholstery, and wall coverings. Embellishments are also a key detail to pulling off this vibe—think ruffles, pleats, and fringe.

Heirloom Furniture

Combining heirloom furniture crafted from dark woods with contemporary art or metallic details is another trick. This will make your space feel modern while still highlighting unique, on-trend pieces. No matter how you choose to furnish your home to pull off the look, a well-edited design is key to avoiding a grandmillennial space that looks distracting.