One of the latest Interior Design style that has popped up on Instagram recently is a modern interpretation of 'granny chic', which has been aptly dubbed 'Grand Millennial' by House Beautiful. This modern spin off from granny chic is far more sophisticated and elegant than its mother style.
Grand Millennial interior design has its own take and personality, whilst also drawing inspiration from the past. Timelessness is encapsulated beautifully by this design style and the nostalgic vibe is absolutely glorious. This fresh twist on an old take really does take story telling to a new level. Every element is carefully picked so it relates and works in harmony and balance with the next. It is all about putting together unique and individual pieces which exude personality and character.
Source: SCW Interiors
Grand Millennial design takes 'outdated' and 'over the top' design styles and regenerates and transforms them into something fresh and full of vigor. The best part is that this style is not an ironic backlash, and is pretty much all about showing appreciation and respect for the design style that is loved by grandparents all over the world.
“The grandmillennial trend is really a reaction to the generic mid-century interiors we’ve seen for so long,” explains Christiane Lemieux, co-founder and CEO of The Inside. “Just as Gen X found nostalgia in the mid-century designs their grandparents coveted, millennials may be finding a similar sense of nostalgia in familiar, classic designs,” she explains. “This style feels attainable, as Victorian and Neoclassical styles have not been part of trending design movements, so these antiques are often a deal, especially considering their build quality and the inherent sustainability factor of buying secondhand.”
Source: Cary Bosbyshell
When it comes to designing, craftsmanship is widely celebrated in this design style as well as vintage and artisnal. Bespoke handmade pieces are favoured above factory produced and manufactured. Think hand carved wooden chairs and tables, laden with gorgeous handmade ceramics decorated with delicate florals and filigree in blue and white. For more inspiration look back at Victorian interiors and in particular the modern interpretation of Victorian interior design.
Source: Nan Phillips
Fabrics also play a huge role in this design style with layering of luxurious fabrics. Full length curtains help add an element of drama and needlepoint pillows adds a sweet little note of love and homeliness. This is the perfect design style to bring to light your love for all things passementerie and chinoiserie related. Passementerie elements such as fringes, tassels, braids, trimmings, embroidery, beading, pompoms, applique and more are all celebrated in this design style. Floral and exotic patterned wallpaper is the most common form of chinoiserie in modern times. This influence can also be seen in fabrics and porcelain which fits in seemlessly with the Grand Millennial style.
Source: William Cullum
The key element to a well designed Grand Millennial scheme is layering. Layered aesthetic is the overall vibe of this style, the more you layer the better. Layering adds depth and personality to the space. The use of prints, colours and patterns will help you to create interesting and compelling compositions. It is also vital to remember not to over do it and add too much. It has to be just the right amount to keep it looking crisp and sophisticated. It is very easy to lose the balance and harmony when layering elements and accessories.
Colour is just as important as the decorative elements. Bright and bold or muted and calm, the Grand Millennial style embraces all colour. It is a true celebration of all things colour and there is really no limit. Anything can be the inspiration for a colour palette.
I have curated a little colour palette based on the Grand Millennial design style. The inspiration behind this colour palette is soft florals and vintage . These shades are not the popular colour which are being used in interiors these days. There are links and connotations to the Regency era and 18th and 19th century, so you have your little ode to the past but I think these colours beautifully encapsulate my interpretation of this design trend.
To start of with I have Dayroom Yellow by Farrow & Ball, which is a typical regency era colour. A simple and muted yellow which brings in light and freshness.
Rose Bay by Fired Earth is a pink which has taken inspiration from Mediterranean shrub called Oleander. This was a popular colour from the 18th/19th century. This rosy pink in preppy and fresh without being too bright and in your face.
Can Can by Earthborne Paints is the perfect colour to give you a quick burst of pinky red. A pop of colour to add personality and character to a room as well as colour complexity.
Pressed Olive by Valspar is also another traditional/vintage colour which has dropped in popularity over the recent decades. This is a gorgeous and harmonious combination of both bold and calm, yet also quite muted. This is the perfect shade to counter balance the yellow and pinks and can be used as a grounding colour.
Furrow by Little Greene is also another perfect grounding colour for those of us who aren't feeling too brave with bold colours. Ideal for woodwork and doors and pairs beautifully with dark wood floors and vintage furniture. Also perfect as a feature wall colour or even the ceiling.
The Grand Millennial design style has quick become a favourite of mine and will no doubt find a space in your home as well.
