Grandmillennial (or “granny chic”) rooms are making a comeback. These heavily decorated, layered schemes are the antithesis of the all-white-everything minimalism that’s dominated interiors for a while now. Unleash the chintz, the fancy chandeliers, the turned-foot furniture, the lace, slipcovers and refined coffee tables — and put the kettle on. These grandmillennial rooms are made for tea-drinking.
Celebrate the Traditional Settee
Grandmillennial rooms love a settee. The fussier the better. Think button tufting and turned feet. Get thrifting to find well-priced options to transform your digs into a grandmillennial palace. Throw in a cushy ottoman while you’re at it. If you like to keep the look fresh, pair the furniture with crisp white walls and simple framed art like this this blogger did in her home.
Flowers & Books
Floral wallpaper is another way to bring grandmillennial style home. Carry the wall blooms to the furniture by choosing floral fabrics, too, like in this sophisticated living room. Wraparound book shelves add yet another layer of terrifically traditional style that we’re crushing on.
Layers of Coziness
In this living room, designed by Home Town‘s Erin Napier putty-toned walls paired with floral curtains, a vintage fringed rug and traditional furnishings are cozy-making. When recreating the look, choose skirted furniture, cane-back pieces (not shown here, but highly suitable), wingback chairs and Victorian sofas. Check out the full house tour here.
In the Pink
Tiffany Pratt’s candy-coloured living room (and entire home) is fun and exciting! The grandmillennial-decorated space features a curlicued fireplace mantel lashed in soft pink with a matching velvet furniture and hanging wicker chair as well as striped walls. It’s a bit boho, a bit grandmillennial. Because you really can have it all.
Moody Blues
Want to create ambience fast? The easiest way is to engulf room in a deep, moody hue. Then layer in those grandmillennial gestures like the tufted rocking chair, elegant drum-shaded chandeliers, book wallpaper (or real books) and dainty secretary desk. Having an ornate fireplace is a bonus, too!
Mix & Match
Grandmillennial style harnesses nostalgia. You almost feel like you’re sitting in grandma’s living room – and yet there’s a freshness to it. To wit: The mix of furniture – from the Louis Fauteuil chairs to the glassed hutch and cane settee – in this living room by Home Town‘s Ben and Erin Napier. The dynamic variety and colourful Aztec rug gives it an uplifting. Don’t be afraid to mix it up.
Never Enough Victorian
Philip and Nathan Etter live in a lovely 1885 Victorian with their dog, Lucy, that is dripping with charm. Their gorgeous living room feels both refined and a tad cheeky thanks to the gent in the gilded frame. Other pieces that pull the look together? The crystal chandelier, the antique blue and white chinoiserie vases, Persian carpet and the baby grand.
Pushing Petals
Here’s another view of Philip and Nathan Etter’s home. In their grand sitting room, with its miles of drapery, a chinoiserie vase brimming with stunning orchids injects freshness into the space – a great way to avoid a stodgy feeling in an antique-laden home. Also, take a page from this fabulous space and forgo (boring) matchy-matchy furnishings. We love the unmatched wing chairs by the window, each with their own library lights. Brilliant!
Wallpaper: Back in a Big Way
Rich, dramatic wallpaper is a gateway to a grandmillennial living room. In this energetic space by Brewster Wallcoverings, a Masai Red Zebra Safari Scalamandré print heightens the mood.
Wild at Heart
Ok, so maybe full-throttle traditional furniture isn’t for you? Not every grandmillennial-styled living room has to strictly feature old-world furniture. In this colourful space by The Philly Flamingo’s Tori, the design enthusiast pairs a modern sofa with a vintage ottoman and Greek-key patterned curtains for a heady curated mix of old and new that treads into maximalist territory. Vivid patterned pillows against a hot-pink French door prove that this style is all about making it your own!
Material Matters
This knockout living room by Montreal’s Richard Ouellette of Les Ensembliers is a luxurious example of grandmillennial style. Nothing is thrifted in the lush and layered space, but instead quality fabrics from Brunschwig & Fils create a sumptuous look. Elsewhere, a shiny galactic-esque marble fireplace and a gold filigreed mirror and sconces bring home the upmarket vibe.
Play With Patterns
Grandmillennial style celebrates a wide range of patterns – as seen in this living room jazzed up by Montreal’s Les Ensembliers. The wingback chair sports a print from Brunschwig & Fils, as does the green triangle-patterned fabric on the ottoman. A sunny yellow chevron roman blind, meanwhile, injects another dose of fun.
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