As part of a new series looking into different aesthetics, this post explores the ‘Grand Millennial aesthetic’; an interior design trend combining the traditional comforts of Granny Chic with contemporary colours and prints. This deep dive looks at its origins, its key components and its presence in popular culture, including how you can get the look:
A Millennial is anybody born between the early 1980s and just before the turn of the millennium, and usually the children of Baby Boomers. Coming of age at the start of the Great Recession, and transitioning from young adulthood during the global pandemic, Millennials’ development years have been impacted by overinflation, underemployment and global challenges, which may, in part, be responsible for the generation’s reported revival and preservation of previously ‘dying’ art forms such as vinyl records, polaroid cameras, analogue photography, amateur horticulture and even needlepoint. Perhaps it is this background that has informed the Grand Millennial aesthetic?
First coined in September 2019 in an article by Emma Brazilian for House Beautiful, the term Grand Millennial refers to the decorative approach by many millennials that infuses classic feminine prints favoured by labels such as Sister Parish, Laura Ashley or Colefax & Fowler, long-loved by grandmothers of days gone by. It’s a penchant for traditional design with a modern twist. Think chintz, valances, pelmets and eiderdowns, with vibrant florals, patchworks and batik prints. ‘Unlike that of the late-aughts hipster, their taste for the antiquated isn’t ironic; it’s less twee than timeless.’ explained Emma Brazilian.
The Grand Millennial Aesthetic combines the traditional comforts of Granny Chic with contemporary colours and prints
Arguably an antidote to the seemingly endless droves of all-white interiors, minimalist lifestyle dogma and indent-kit social media posts, the Grand Millennial aesthetic is a relaxed environment where pretty pieces can coexist with spills and paw-prints, without resulting in the end of the world. Comfort is paramount. Throws, a surplus of cushions, mixed prints, charming art work and carefully selected vases bursting with hydrangeas all contribute to the aesthetic – calming retreat from the 24 hour news cycle. Brazilian perfectly summed up the sentiment as: ‘the ultimate appeal of the grandmillennial aesthetic lies in the fact that, for the stressed-out twenty- and thirty-somethings of the world, that cozy chintz chair at your grandmother’s house represents a much-needed respite.’
Printed textiles are the main ingredient for the Grand Millennial aesthetic. Toile de Nantes by Pierre Frey provides bold colour, Dolly by Sister Parish evokes delicate femininity, while Colefax and Fowler‘s famous Bowood remains the standout print-of-choice for the Grand Millennial. Mixing prints is no challenge, with contrasting colours adding further charm to the decorative approach.
Fun prints and colour aren’t confined to curtains and blankets, with tableware playing a big role in the Grand Millennial lifestyle. Dinner parties, baby showers or garden parties, are all prime opportunity for the grand millennial to bring out the characterful crockery. Bamboo cutlery, cabbage-shaped bowls and unique geometric side plates all provide the perfect backdrop to the millennial-favourite Magnolia Bakery cupcakes or Grandmother’s staple Fortnum & Mason‘s hampers.
For the Grand Millennials who lack the courage for bold prints and colours, the more refined blue-and-white colour scheme is an easy win, from crockery to scatter cushions, wallpaper to table lamps. Traditional brands like Burleigh or Royal Copenhagen are fundamental to the display shelves, while contemporary labels like Ralph Lauren or One Kings Lane provide key pieces.
In stark contrast to the stereotypical millennial who’s digital-addiction has killed off a desire to read, the Grand Millennial is a self-confessed bibliophile with a Book of The Month membership and a packed bookcase full of New York Times bestsellers, having read everything from classics to cookbooks, current events to crime fiction and it is abundantly evident that several stacks of coffee table books are essential.
Keep up-to-date with the latest trends in future posts from this Aesthetics series, or draw inspiration from similar decors in previous posts such as Amy Fitzgeorge-Balfour’s beautiful village house or Victoria Roper-Curzon’s quaint English cottage.