Grand Millennial.
Grand Millennial, Not your Grandma's House....
I want to introduce you to one of my favourite trends Grand millennial. The style has been popular for a couple of years now. It combines the designs of the past with a slightly more modern edge. Basically it pushes against the minimalist expanses of grey and white that our houses had become in the 2010s and brings a little bit of not only colour but personality back into our living spaces, though this is not your Granny's house.
What I love about it is the nostalgia and familiarity. I grew up in a house filled to the brim with Laura Ashley, Sanderson and William Morris and yes, my mother did have a chipboard circular table covered with a tablecloth and a cabbage rose covered Cottage suite with a ruffle at the bottom; but what I also like about it is how it combines modern pieces with found ones which help to reduce the environmental impact of many trends. Its a style that takes time and a good eye to put together.
© Photo by Peter Vitale via Architects Digest So, how do you achieve the look? It's all about the big sassy patterns, think hand printed woodblocks, cabbage roses, chintz and checks, in vibrant greens, bold blues and sunshine yellow. These patterns are seen in both fabric and wallpaper: often used together with restraint, keep your colour pallet complimentary or monochromatic but have a common design element, maybe a floral or a geometric. Patterns will spill onto cushions with an added ruffle, table linen and bedspreads or as a statement pleated shade on a simple lamp base.
My favourite fabric suppliers places like Schumacher and Warner House or I would be look at the collections of designers like Molly Mahon and Charlotte Gaisford.
Wicker is also a key element mixed in with found pieces of furniture it gives an effortless organic look that has grown into its space. Be it an elegant looking French wicker chair or even in simpler things such as a jug or placemat. With your wood look for the more natural tones, even throw caution to the wind and go back to mahogany. You can find plenty of preloved items on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree and on occasions we may have the perfect thing in store.
©Lilse McKenna
Add a display of vintage or vintage inspired collectables, these should be carefully chosen and displayed in a new way. Faux boxwood trees on your mantle blue and white ginger jars displayed together on beautiful dresser or willow pattern plates mounted to the wall become a focal point in a lounge or entryway. If plates on your wall seem a little off, try grouping together a series of botanical prints or look for old oil paintings in an auction or charity shop. Focus on the Classic not the kitschy.
