A blast from the past with a modern twist
Don’t be afraid to steer away from or softly accent the white cabinets, the gray luxury vinyl tile, the lightcolored subway tile and the smooth nickel finish handles and knobs. While these elements of design are certainly beautiful, timeless, here to stay and flexible, some designers and buyers are uncovering new twists on older styles.
Some may cite the newly minted grand millennial as a reason for the change in thinking. The term, coined last year by House Beautiful, has been even more popular across categories of design and fashion.
As defined, the grand millennial is a woman in her early 20s through early 30s who conveys a fashion sense that’s distinctly modest and subtly form-hugging. It blends contemporary flair and beauty with a casual, classy grandma air to it.
Author’s note: I’m the mother of two of these and admit I’m experimenting with some aspects of the look myself.
On a casual day, the classy grandma look in fashion might blend Bermuda-length shorts in white or light denim with a midriff-baring tank top in a bright color and a loose, oversize men’s dress shirt as a coverup. On a workday, the look might feature a maxi skirt and closed-toe flats with a collared but form-fitting, long-sleeve blouse.
Likewise, in home fashion, the classy grandma look — or grand millennial style — works for homeowners from their 20s to their 90s. By blending heirloom or thrifted items with elements of clean lines and crisp finishes, a new-meets-old look adds character to any space.
Examples for the living spaces include making the most contemporary choices for permanent elements, such as smooth 5¼-inch baseboard molding and wide-plank LVT flooring, but furnishing with traditional high-back chairs, armchairs, handknit throws, crocheted
pillows and round or oval rugs with classic patterns.
Examples for the kitchen include spreading gingham or floralpatterned place mats across the quartz-topped center island. Use red checked in the summer for a picnic-style look; dark earthy tones in the fall and winter; and pastels in the spring.
Also in the kitchen, consider forgoing the waterfall style for the counters on the island in favor of shelving to place antique blue china or old crystal bowls.
Or start small, making a statement with a powder room or a shared mainlevel bathroom.
Choose all the modern elements such as floating cabinetry, a wall-mount toilet, a zero-entry shower and a washtub sink. Accent with more traditional light fixtures and cabinet handles, a recessed and framed-mirror medicine cabinet or new sets of towels, accent pieces and throw rugs in patterns reminiscent of childhood.
Around the house, consider white plantation shutters with no center rail for a crisp look, but accent with soft-colored textiles, traditional light fixtures and/or even — no kidding — soft-toned or printed wallpaper here and there. We’ll dig more deeply through wallpaper catalogs in a future article, but be aware — it’s coming back.
In the primary suite, consider seasonal bedding or seasonal throw pillows to soften the crispness of sleek, permanent design elements. This is another room where an accent wall of wallpaper can add texture, warmth and old-time hominess to contemporary construction.
Finally, take advantage of the exterior of a new construction home in California. Homes here are built with the most energy-efficient and easyto-maintain materials from triple-pane Low-E windows, vapor-barrier building wraps, and patios, decks and porches that replace portions of lawn.
Soften the front step or create welcoming indooroutdoor environments by strategically placing potted plants, rocking chairs; swings; cafe tables and seating; or new patio furniture made in classic styles.
Sets of outdoor throw pillows, place mats, tablecloths or blankets in yellow floral or checked patterns will add a cozy, traditional feel to the California Room while complementing the drought-resistant lavender planted just outside.
When Gen Z, millennials, their parents, their grandparents and even young children gather around design elements that hark back to each of their lifetimes, everyone will feel at home.