Grandmillennialism: A Tribute to Family Traditions in Home Design

Located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, this charming house from 1929 was in excellent condition when the current homeowners acquired it. However, it needed some cosmetic updates, which were carried out under the guidance of designer Alexandra Keller. The interior was repainted, the kitchen, lighting, and wallpaper were replaced.

In the dining room, the handcrafted wallpaper from de Gournay, a gift from the homeowner’s grandmother, determined the color palette for the entire first floor, considering its central position in the house. Floral compositions, chintz fabrics, antiques, and family heirlooms come together to create a warm, cozy, and exceptionally beautiful home that will stand the test of time.

If you haven’t already figured out the style embodied in this interior, let us enlighten you. This vibrant blend of antique furniture and decor, stylish wallpapers, and textiles is known as “grandmillennialism.”

“Grandmillennial style” is a neologism coined by journalist Emma Bazilian, derived from “grandmother” and “millennials,” the younger generation. Similar to the classic conflict between “parents and children,” grandmillennialism is a rejection of the values of the previous generation.

Millennials grew tired of the typical beige interiors of their parents and the rigid, austere furniture designs, prompting a radical shift in their taste preferences.

They turned their attention to the interior style of their grandmothers and great-grandmothers: elegant carved furniture, vibrant patterned wallpapers, upholstery in bold colors, and cherished family relics.

However, they infused it with fresh details, such as contemporary artworks, furniture with stylish forms, and technological innovations in lighting and finishing materials.

When all these elements intertwine, an incredibly stylish mix of the past and the present emerges. One of the great aspects of grandmillennialism is the millions of variations that can result in the final outcome.

You can never predict the result until you start creating. That’s why this interior style guarantees to accentuate your individuality and your perception of the beauty of bygone eras.