Pinning down your own interior design style can be tricky. Most people don't fit neatly into one category. Maybe you feel your home is a little too rustic and not quite Japanese. Or maybe it's a harmonious mix of coastal and cottagecore. Grandmillennial has you covered with styles in between.
Classic, eclectic and elegant, a balanced blend of nostalgia (think grandma's house) and the charm of modern sensibilities, this interior design style features mixed patterns, heirloom furniture, cozy textures and tradition with a twist. If that describes you, you've come to the right place. But is the Grandmillennial decorating ideas style a trend for 2024?
To find out whether this design will stand the test of time or make your home look outdated in 2024, we spoke to the experts below.
Will Grand Millennial Style Be a Trend in 2024?
(Image credit: Alexandra Koehler / Photo by Amy Massenga)
The appeal of Grandmillennial design is its timeless quality. It seamlessly combines elements of nostalgia with modernity to create spaces that are both familiar and fresh. But while this feel-good style signature is certainly here to stay, is the trend shifting toward more minimalist décor? It depends on who you ask.
“I don't think this style will ever go out of style, especially in the South,” says designer Bethany Adams. “It's always good to put a twist on traditional styles. Pairing them with fun, bright colors and antiques (bonus if they're from Grandma!) with a few contemporary pieces will keep the look fresh into 2024,” she advises.
(Image courtesy of deVOL Kitchens)
Linda Hayslett, designer and founder of LH. Designs, agrees: “Grandmillennial style is on trend because it's a revival of past trends,” she explains.
“Grandmillennial style has become a way of blending traditional aspects of design with more contemporary elements,” says Linda. “This latest granny chic style of the 1980s and 1990s is elevated with bolder colours like black to calm the space, fun floral wallpaper and modern lighting.”
We think the cozy, sophisticated vibe of Grandmillennial interiors will continue to be trendy as people seek comfort and familiarity in their surroundings. “Millennials are blending the decorative and floral patterns of their grandma's furniture with the cool, sleek, modern look of today, which creates spaces that are homey, unique, interesting and warm.”
(Image courtesy of BC Designs)
“Traditional design elements like floral patterns, tape trim and fringe are extremely popular, and I think that speaks to this design 'style,'” says Meredith Owen of Meredith Owen Interiors.
So grandmillennial style is anything but minimalist: it's a mix of bold patterns, evoking memories and finished off with heirloom pieces that speak to down-home nostalgia.
“There's a real comfort in patterns and designs that evoke nostalgia, from memories of our grandparents' homes but also from museums and historic homes,” says James Watson, managing director of 1838 Wallcoverings. “When styling patterns that are historical in nature, you don't have to be limited to styling with antique or vintage furniture, as seen in our collaboration with the V&A museum. The new colours and scale of these patterns mean they will blend equally well with modern interiors and work perfectly with contemporary furniture too – there really are no limits,” adds James.
Adam Lips x OKA Magistry Pillowcase
(Image credit: Alexandra Koehler / Photo by Amy Massenga)
But while this style relies on a combination of vintage-inspired patterns, ornate furnishings, and intricate details that define this beloved aesthetic, there's a very thin line between organized and cluttered—and that's where more contemporary designs bring balance.
“Bring this style into your home by combining maximalist prints and colors like millennial pink, goldenrod, mint green, and Prussian blue with more traditional silhouettes and fabrics,” advises celebrity interior designer Cathy Kuo. “After all, this style is about having fun while feeling luxurious.”
Whether combining more modern paint ideas with antique furniture or embracing bold and beautiful wallpaper ideas, Grandmillennial Decorating embraces interior design contrasts for distinctive homes that aren't as overwhelming as full-on maximalist decorating ideas.
(Image courtesy of TROVE by Studio Duggan)
So how can you update Grandmillennial style for 2024? “As long as millennials are decorating their homes, I think we'll continue to see some form of the Grandmillennial aesthetic,” suggests Cathy.
“Like many design trends, this one is subject to change and updates,” she explains. “In 2024, we think Grandmillennials will lean a little more toward the dark academia and a little less toward the floral maximalism they were associated with when this trend first emerged. We'll still see the signature combinations of materials and decor, but the color palette may shift to something a little more muted.”
(Image courtesy of Dina Bandman Interiors / Photography by Stephen Karlisch)
Design is expected to gradually move towards a more eclectic approach. While the Grand Millennial style has taken on a place of its own, we will see a fusion of different aesthetics to create unique, more personal spaces that reflect individual tastes and preferences.
Designer Dina Bandman of Dina Bandman Interiors emphasizes the importance of adding an edge to everything.
“Grandmillennial style is making waves right now for its maximalist designs and nods to the past,” says Dina. “It's a nostalgic, tried-and-true style that's been loved for generations, so it's fun to see it coming back into fashion. It's all about mashing up and taking traditional elements that are usually considered outdated, like florals, fringe, chinoiserie and chintz, and giving them a fresh twist. Accessorizing with fine china is a must – if it's something inherited from your grandmother, great!”
Lu Rota Mother Nature Dessert Plate
Ginori 1735 Oriente Sugar Bowl
So, what's the conclusion? The short answer is, yes, Grand Millennial design is still on trend, with its mix of old-world charm and modern flair. The long answer is, it's a good thing, as long as you keep it a little more contemporary and up-to-date and don't make everything feel cluttered instead of organized. It's wonderfully cozy and brings a nostalgic, eclectic, personality-filled feel to your home. So, if you like it, go for it! Just remember, it's your home and it should reflect that. you Choose what you like over what's trendy.
