The appeal of Grand Millennial kitchen decor is undeniable: Nostalgic, colorful, and packed with pattern, this traditional style is attractive, sustainable, and easy to switch up.
For those of you who don't already know what a grandmillennial kitchen is, it's the cutesy, tiered, traditional kitchen we see all over social media. As a decor style, it's made popular by millennials who want to recreate the feel of their grandparents' kitchens.
Grandmillennial kitchen ideas aren't just a passing fad, they're here to stay: Minimalism is dead (mostly, if not completely), and cozy layering is back — and here's how to make it look great.
Grand Millennial Kitchen Decoration
Kitchen trends come and go, but it's safe to say that painted kitchens have never gone out of style. Painted finishes are a staple in Grand Millennial kitchens, and given our need for comfortable, cozy homes post-pandemic, it's no surprise that additional layers, from window treatments to beveled patterns to floor rugs, create a timeless, fashionable look. Another kitchen style that never goes out of style, what goes with this look? Shaker kitchen ideas are a great choice.
1. Look for authentic vintage furniture
(Image courtesy of deVOL)
The one thing that sums up Grand Millennial kitchen decor is individuality, which means finding unique, original pieces that you can repurpose in the room. Think details like a grooved-front sink or fringed lighting.
“Grandmillennial kitchen style is about buying vintage and unusual pieces rather than high street shopping, having things in the kitchen that might look better in your living room or grandma's house, being courageous and original with colour, mixing old and new rather than following tried and tested (but obvious) looks, and always looking for authentic, well-made pieces,” says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchen.
2. Green is an important color for “Grand Millennials”
(Image courtesy of HUX-London)
While any era-inspired kitchen color idea will work, a green kitchen is the epitome of Grand Millennial style.
“Created in collaboration with interior designers Brooke Copp Burton, this kitchen is a mix of old and new in its eclectic elements, from the bespoke island that serves as the kitchen's focal point to the unique antique spice rack. These eclectic pieces create a room with a sense of history, depth and interest – pieces that were not purchased together but have been collected over years,” says Felix Milnes of HUX London.
“Soft pastel walls are covered in a fresh green color palette, darker tones highlight the woodwork, and neutral hues run across the cabinet doors. It's a very relaxed feel, like it's been there forever and not just a 'trend.'”
3. Add a soft layer with a rug
(Image courtesy of Carpetright)
Grandmillennial-style kitchens tend to work best when combined with the type of decor traditionally found in living spaces and bedrooms: kitchen rugs, kitchen art ideas, and fabric skirting in place of door fronts are all must-haves.
“You don't have to have an older property to embrace grand millennial style. Think painted cabinets, curtains that hide appliances, old baskets and vintage dishware. Textures like coconut rugs and shiplap ceiling beams add authentic touches while giving the space character,” says digital editor Jennifer Ebert. Houses and gardens.
4. Fluted glass cabinets and traditional wallpaper set the scene.
(Image courtesy of Divine Savages)
The idea of wallpaper in the kitchen was probably last seen in the 1980s but is now making a comeback, and designs that suit grandmillennial kitchens tend to have a more traditional feel.
“Wallpaper can transform a kitchen from sterile and functional to a more homely and personal space. Here, our favourite wallpaper from Crane Fonda is reimagined on an impactful, large-scale basis. We chose a focal colour from the wallpaper and complemented it with cabinetry in the same shade to create a modern take on traditional Shaker kitchen style,” says Jamie Watkins, co-founder of Divine Savages.
5. Fabric skirts are a must
(Image courtesy of Colours of Arley)
“Often considered traditional or old-fashioned, fabric skirting in the kitchen is becoming more and more pretentious in modern interiors, but it's never pretentious. Bringing a touch of grand millennial chic to a modern kitchen, fabric skirting is perfect for introducing a dash of pattern into a space that's often lacking in decorative detail and color,” says Louisa Tratalos, founder of Colours of Arley.
“Creating fabric skirting around cupboards and under the sink is an inexpensive and easy update that will hide clutter and soften the space. Opt for modern fabrics, such as bold stripes in bright colours, for a fresh new take on an old trend. Complement the drab and natural materials in your kitchen by adding a playful touch. To complete the look, tie the room together with coordinating drapes and blinds.”
6. Combine old and new
(Image courtesy of Jamie Haller)
“When renovating our 1904 Craftsman kitchen, we wanted it to feel light and bright. The windows looked out onto a covered porch and didn't let in much natural light, so bouncing light around the room was key. Covering the walls in Wevet by Farrow & Ball helped us achieve this,” says Jamie Haller, founder of Jamie Haller.
“For a family that cooks together, storage was a must. To balance the upper cabinet room, we left some white space around the window to make the room feel lighter. We installed a small brass open-bulb pendant above the sink. We love how the brass connects with the restored Douglas fir framing around the kitchen window and the 118-year-old restored floor. The cabinets were painted Farrow & Ball's Oval Room Blue.”
7. Mix patterns
(Image courtesy of Future/David Brittain)
“This quintessential Grand Millennial kitchen features some mismatched patterns, which are a key element of this look,” says Global Editor-in-Chief Lucy Searle. Homes and Gardens.
“Mixing patterns and prints well isn't always easy, so I suggest three rules: first, don't use more than three colors in any three materials (windows, floors, cabinet skirting, etc.); second, choose contrasting designs that don't match (in the photo above, small, petite florals contrast with simple, wide stripes); and third, make sure the rest of the room is solid color, even if it contains elements of the colors used in the fabrics within it.”
8. Invest in cultural heritage
(Image courtesy of deVOL)
“Traditional heritage pieces like this plate rack are definitely worth investing in, or you could hire a craftsman to create something you can pass on. The ethos of the Grandmillennial Kitchen is to combine classic pieces with those of today.”
“Paint the new piece to match the rest and use it as a color jumping off point. We love the monochromatic color scheme of the pale pink walls and fabric skirt,” says deputy editor Jo Bailey. Homes and Gardens“Approaching the color scheme in this way allows all of the attention to be on the intricacy of the woodwork, rather than, say, the pattern.”
9. Decorate your walls with vintage plates
(Image courtesy of Mendelson Group)
“The Grand Millennial kitchen trend, with its mix of patterns, florals, and pops of color, feels very nostalgic to me, and I love spaces that have a sense of history. In fact, I've always preferred to approach style with the intention of creating a timeless design rather than something retro, trendy, or 'now',” says Gideon Mendelson, founder of The Mendelson Group.
“I love layering patterns in textiles and rugs, especially in rooms where people gather (living rooms, dens, family rooms) because I want the space to feel warm, inviting and cozy. Kitchens don't usually have much opportunity to use texture, but I try to layer patterns in these types of spaces with Roman shades, banquettes, chairs, stools, runners, etc. Kitchens always have cabinets, so you can bring in a Grand Millennial pop of color there, or an island with pattern, texture and color can be very impactful.”
I love the idea of wallpaper on the ceiling, it makes a room with high ceilings feel even more inviting.
10. Find mismatched furniture and copper pots
(Image courtesy of Douglas Gibb)
“This style is for those who prefer an unconventional feel over a uniform kitchen. The idea of a freestanding kitchen mixed with antique pieces is spot on. Don't forget to accessorize with copper – it's perfect for cooking and adds a warm metallic finish to your design,” says digital editor Jennifer Ebert. Houses and gardens.
How do you create a grand millennial kitchen that doesn't look messy?
“The key to success with any plan, especially a busy Grand Millennial kitchen which can quickly look cluttered, is to add details slowly,” advises Editor-in-Chief Lucy Searle. Homes and Gardens“When designing any kitchen, I recommend starting with a source of inspiration. Starting with a source of inspiration — a pretty fabric, color, wood type — will help you decide on materials, finishes, and colors for your cabinets, floors, and walls. Then you can start to incorporate window and floor layers (blinds, rugs, etc.).”
