If you’ve landed here, you may be wondering what exactly Grandmillennial or “Grand Millennial” style is. If you gravitate to a more traditional aesthetic but crave a modern twist, you’ll love the classic, charming style Grandmillennial homes have. I also specialize in Grandmillennial Style on a Budget, so follow along if that’s you too!
Let me walk you through the blue and white chinoiserie world that so many of us love to call home.
What Is Grandmillennial Style?
It’s no secret that trends are cyclical. The florals and dark woods of your parents or grandparents’ home has come back around, as Millennilals are embracing the patterns and tones they grew up with.
Those of us who are drawn to this style like to think of ourselves as classic and timeless. We love the excitement of the antique hunt. I personally love hunting Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, and antique shops to find something truly unique for my home.
I wish I could take credit for the clever name, but it was Senior Features Editor Emma Bazilian of House Beautiful in a 2019 article who coined the term. Bazilian defines Grandmillennial as people in their mid-twenties to late-thirties who love design trends others may think of as old fashioned. While they may err on the preppy side, the terms are not one in the same.
You may be asking yourself, what exactly sets Grandmillennial decor aside from other styles? Especially traditional decor.
Grandmillennial style will often include:
- Chintz, floral patterns
- Dark woods with traditional lines and elements
- China plates and plate walls
- Skirted tables (think grand entryways)
- Floral arrangements often featuring hydrangea, magnolia, and springtime favorites like tulips
- Chinoiserie elements
- Toile fabric patterns
- Silver vases and tableware
Some modern elements of Grandmillennial Style include:
- Abstract Art
- Metallic golds in sconces, hardware, and lighting
- Blockprint fabrics
- Rattan furniture
- Modern end tables or coffee tables, to balance out the traditional woods
Grandmillennial Style Features
Let’s break down some of the key design features of grandmillennial home décor. These are just some of the little touches that make my millennial heart skip a beat.
- Monograms- Grandmillennial and Southern Traditional share a lot of similarities, one of which is the love of a monogram. Bedding, bath towels, and even serving ware are all places you’ll find monograms for Grandmillennials. Of course, less is always more, so just make sure your initials aren’t plastered across every surface of your house.
- Blue and white home décor- There’s nothing more classic to me than blue and white. I incorporate my blue and white plates from estate sales on bookcases, mantles, or sconce shelves to carry it throughout the home. You can hang your plates on the wall, too, instead of art. I especially love that in a dining area.
- Something modern- There’s just something about the juxtaposition of a few modern design items next to antiques. I will incorporate a more modern coffee table or end table (think geometric shaped or bright lacquered paint) to balance out the more traditional elements of a room, like mahogany dressers. Modern sconces are also a nice touch. (You can shop my home here).
- Floral wallpaper– Nothing says grandmillennial like wallpaper. I’m not suggesting you wallpaper every room in your home, but a little bit can go a long way. Personally I love to see a small space, like a bathroom or laundry room, with a standout design. We recently wallpapered our powder room, and I love how bold wallpaper can be in a smaller space. It’s such a fun surprise.
- Mixing patterns- This can be a little bit intimidating for people, but mixing patterns is a great way to add texture and depth to a room. I’m often asked how to layer pillow patterns, and I think a great place to start is by choosing 3 patterns within the same color scheme. If you’re feeling bold, I’d layer one animal print pillow like a tiger striped pillow. Some grandmillennials will also match their wallpaper, curtains, and bedding. It can be expensive to pull off, but the look is so high-end and timeless.
- Rugs- A rug can really make or break a room for me. Yes, we want to see those gorgeous hardwood floors, but it’s also another place to play with patterns. I personally love a sisal rug, diamond patterns, and antelope rugs. A subtle pattern on your rug layers well with patterns on curtains and pillows.
- Boxwood topiaries- I love topiaries flanking a front door. In fact, I would say all gardening is very Grandmillennial. I’m a big fan of having something living in every room, even if it’s a small floral arrangement or a small plant. Outside and inside, I don’t often do faux plants or flowers. Instead, learn about your gardening zone and what plants thrive there.
Where to Shop for Grandmillennial Style
Have I inspired you to dive into Grandmillennial style? It may take some adjusting, because you are curating a home now instead of shopping completely at modern-day retailers.
Let’s get into some of my favorite places to shop…
- Estate sales– My favorite place to shop for vintage pieces is an estate sale. When I lived in Virginia, there were some of the most amazing estate sales for Grandmillennials. I think parts of Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia also have amazing ones for blue and white. To really succeed, you’ll need to get there early. Some estate sales hand out numbers to people in line or require you to sign in. I’ve found some of my favorite large dark wood pieces at estate sales. Don’t make the mistake of thinking these sales are just an opportunity for people to get rid of their junk. So often people host estate sales because they are downsizing their home or clearing out a house for a relative. There are plenty of treasures to be found. I also subscribe to a newsletter from EstateSales.net that alerts me to ones in my area.
- Antique stores– This one may seem obvious, but in a world of big online retailers, we can’t forget about the little mom and pop shops. I love finding a quaint and cozy antique store – especially as I travel. A number of antique sellers have popped up on Instagram in recent years. Search “#antiquesellersofInstagram” to find one near you or one who ships.
- Facebook Marketplace– I find some of my best bargains on Facebook Marketplace. Sometimes, people selling on FBMP don’t really know the gem they have. My least favorite part is figuring out how to get the piece home. Sometimes, I’ll offer a bit more if they’ll deliver it to me. This has worked a few times for sellers who own a truck.
If you’re ever looking for a little extra inspiration, I love to share my favorite finds over on my Amazon storefront, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest. As more retailers recognize the Grandmillennial trend, I’m seeing more and more new pieces mimic this classic style. If you’re eager to shop, you can follow me for affordable Grandmillennial style on a budget, DIY renovations, and design help. Hope to see you there.
-Jill
