If Marie Kondo’s brand of paring things down to bare essentials and the pervasively minimalist, neutral-toned interiors that dot every Instagram influencer’s feed today seem lacklustre to you, maximalist design might be more up your alley. Add to that a penchant for vintage furniture and era-mixing—and you might just be a fan of grandmillennial style, the trendiest new approach to interiors making vintage young and fun again.
A portmanteau of grandma and millennial, the term grandmillennial refers to a unique crossing point between the sensibilities of a millennial and the nostalgia of what their grandmother’s home looked like—complete with a chintz couch, skirted tables and needlepoint pillows. Grandmillennials are averse to design monotony, so they’ll opt for floral cushions over plain and papered walls over bare while embracing clashing prints and colour on colour.
What grandmillenial style is not is straight up granny vibes—there are fine differences that filter touches of freshness into an otherwise retro space. It could come from a distinctively modern abstract art piece in the living room, or swapping sepia tones out for crisper, brighter colours. What’s key is an editorial eye capable of keeping items which spark joy while steering clear of drearier picks that add weight to a room.
If you’re looking to train your inner grandmillennial into an interiors-fusion expert, here is a good place to start—Vogue’s recommendations for incorporating some granny-chic flair into your own home.
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Floral Cushions from Kartell
Every grandmother’s favourite, a good old floral print is a quintessential part of grandmillennial style. Pick a blown out version in easy-to-match colours, like these versatile cushions from Kartell which are made to last in Italy.
$250, available at Space Furniture
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Freaky Carpet from Moooi
Plain wooden floors are too boring for a grandmillennial—you’ll need a funky carpet to add some character to the room. Opt for bright colours and vibrant prints that have tons of personality with this statement piece by experimental designer Bertjan Pot.
$5,275, available at Space Furniture
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Nettie Table Lamp from Light Atelier
Reminiscent of vintage oriental lamps, this updated vase-shaped take is elegant and luxe, crafted in blue and white ceramic. Its neutral colour palette makes it suitable for adding some mid-century charm to any room in the house.
$318, available at Light Atelier
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Candlesticks from Canggu
We may no longer be using candles for their light (instead, the scented variety reign king), but these rustic candlesticks will add a dose of old-school whimsy as accent pieces in your living room. Carved from Mahogany wood, they are available in two sizes—though we recommend buying them in a set.
From $59, available at Island Living
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Nanny Rocking Chair from Sika-Design
Nothing feels like you are back at grandma’s house like a beautiful rocking chair. Rather than the orthopaedic-esque shape of modern versions, this slender piece crafted in rattan features a unique silhouette and a light-weight frame—transporting you to a place of calm before you even sit down.
$966, available at Finnish Design Shop
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Bistro Rattan Sideboard from Born in Colour
Exuding a distinctively vintage feel, this sideboard is made from eco-friendly rubber wood and handwoven rattan. Its eye-catching shape and unconventional structure make it a stand out item in the home its placed in, even as the calming shade of green helps it blend in.
$1,299, available at Born in Colour
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Floral Wallpaper from Craft Axis
Whether or not your grandparents ever put this up in their own homes, floral wallpaper reliably evokes a sense of nostalgia for an era gone by. While a full room of a print this retro might be too much for most modern homes, an accent wall decorated with this joyful pattern might be just what you need to fully embrace your inner grandmillennial.
Price upon enquiry, available at Craft Axis
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3-seater Sofa from Finn Avenue
Custom-upholstered and hand-tufted on its backrest and seat, this luxurious velvet sofa is the true definition of grandmillennial style: the sleek finish and modern colour means that your grandmother would have never picked this out herself, but it carries a hint of her spirit in its vintage quilted details all the same.
$1,690, available at Finn Avenue
