Getting to Know Grandmillennial Style

Do you know your Staffordshire dogs from your foo dogs, fall hard floral patterns, and swoon over pleated lampshades? If so, the odds are that your home decorating style leans grandmillennial.

Not familiar with this term? Grandmillennial refers to—you guessed it—millennials who are all about home accents that traditionally lean a bit older. In addition to loving all of the items mentioned above, grandmillennials can’t get enough of needlepoint pillows, chintz, and wicker everything! Grandmillennials gather their style inspiration from publications including House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and Traditional Home and are all about pattern mixing and having a little fun at home—their rooms are a stark contrast to the minimalistic, modern interior spaces that we often see in 2022.

The great news is that it’s easy to replicate grandmillennial style in any type of home and on any budget. The key is in finding pieces that are versatile, a tad playful yet still classic, and will stand the test of time. And there are plenty of places to shop locally if you’re looking to introduce some of the style’s classic touches into your own space. Below, we’re sharing a few of our favorite retailers for those in the market for all things grandmillennial. Happy shopping!

Antique Stores

Antique shops are excellent places to pursue if you’re looking for pieces with history that tell a story. They very well could have been your grandmother’s! Virginia Hunt Country is home to Domestic Aspirations and The Paradise Antiques. Keep your eyes peeled for Staffordshire dog sets, wicker trays, silver, and fine china, all of which will look lovely displayed on open shelving. DC’s Georgetown neighborhood is also an excellent antique shopping destination. Grandmillennials will enjoy scoping out the Opportunity Shop and Pillar & Post, both of which are located on Wisconsin Avenue.

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A Mano:

While in Georgetown, be sure to make a stop at A Mano, a beautiful family-owned shop that features luxurious housewares, desk accessories, and entertaining essentials. Their signature embroidered cocktail napkins with the phrase “Please leave by 9” are grandmillennial to a T.

Boxwood:

This Alexandria, VA destination is filled with homewares and also sells chalk paint (a tidbit which is worth filing away, as many grandmillennails do love their DIYs!). Because grandmillennials have a penchant for entertaining and whipping up new cocktail recipes, a chic bar cart is a must. This faux bamboo style is right on trend. Jazz it up with a charming pineapple bottle opener and a fabulous lime green serving tray, which you can easily relocate to the patio in the warmer months.

Creme de la Creme:

This Middleburg boutique is a fantastic place to browse for hostess gifts (every good grandmillennial knows that you should always bring one, even when visiting a longtime friend!), but we won’t blame you if you wish to grab a few goodies for yourself, too. A sturdy, sizable serving dish will last for ages, and grandmillennials will go gaga for this one’s blue and white pattern. A classic French market basket is great for corralling magazines or mail in the entryway, and dainty highball glasses with beautiful bees will also fit right into any grandmillennial home.

Patina Polished Living:

For larger furniture pieces, this is a must-visit locale in Alexandria. Grandmillennials will gravitate toward items like this sweet sofa (many paint companies have named green the color of the year, after all, and grandmillennials can’t resist a happy hue). Additionally, faux bamboo benches like these are so versatile and perfect for any space, large or small. Tuck one or two under an entryway console and use them as extra seating while hosting, or place one at the foot of your bed to make lacing up boots a breeze.

Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Find more shelfies on her Instagram page, @sarahlyon9