Take inspiration from the infamous maximalist and architect of today’s grandmillennial aesthetic and apply it without breaking the bank.
With the recent emergence of “grandmillennial style,” the millennial version of “everything old is new again,” we are seeing an embrace of color, maximalism, and an appreciation (albeit, reimagination) of designs of the past.
In grandmillennial home decor, the once trendy minimalist white, black and beige, floor-to-ceiling interiors are gone. In their place, you'll find rooms full of color, personality, and unique pieces that make a space feel collected and unique.
But where did the idea of grandmillennial style stem from? Enter an infamous decorator from nearly a century ago, Dorothy Draper. Dorothy, an American interior decorator, author, tastemaker, and renowned maximalist, filled the world with color, pattern, and whimsy. Unbeknownst to her, Dorothy was a pioneer of all things grandmillennial.
From exuberant floral wallpaper and upholstered furniture in loud patterns, to hand-painted ceramics and vases full of the blooming flowers that inspired her, Dorothy’s spaces were bursting with color. Her luxurious redecorating of The Greenbrier Resort in the 1940s followed by many more years designing and decorating spaces of grandeur molded her legacy as one of the greatest interior decorators and tastemakers of the 20th century.
Today, we see the interior trend making a comeback in a way that fits the modern home. A vintage chair reupholstered in colorful gingham, curtains trimmed in bright ribbon and embroidery, needlepoint pillows with quirky, modern sayings, shelves filled with treasures like brightly painted ceramics, brass statues, and crystal candle holders.
Adding whimsy and color to your own home a la Dorothy Draper can be a simple way to brighten your interior and add interest. While many home decor shops like One Kings Lane, Serena and Lily, and Anthropologie sell pieces that fit the grandmillenial mold, you can embrace the style for a fraction of the cost.
Whether you want to start small or go big, read on for tips and tricks to curate your grandmillennial home on a budget.
1. Explore Local Estate Sales
Estate sales are a gold mine for unique finds of times past. Though the chaotic energy that comes with entering a stranger’s home with many other strangers crowding rooms, rummaging through closets and dressers, and snatching up items may not be for everyone, the thrill of the hunt is just that, a thrill.
You never know what you may find, and going in with an open mind is key. Websites like Estatesales.net are your source for finding weekly estate sales in your area, and they often provide pictures of items in the estate.
So, what are some key pieces to look for when curating a grandmillennial collection?
· Blue and white China
· Needlepoint pillows
· Embroidered or decorative linens
· Hand-painted ceramics
· Silver cutlery
· Vintage brass planters and décor
· Patterned wallpaper
· Bamboo and rattan anything
· Vintage design and décor books
The list is endless, but if you go into each estate sale with an open mind, you’re sure to find unexpected pieces for your collection.
2. Don’t Shy Away from Thrift Stores and Flea Markets
Though much less curated, thrift stores can offer the thrill of an estate sale. Oftentimes, you’ll find pieces leftover from estate sales past. Though you’re more likely to find pieces that didn’t make the cut during spring cleaning or a Marie Kondo-inspired purge, I’d be lying if I didn’t say valuable treasures and heirlooms weren’t hiding on the dusty shelves.
The passing of a loved one, moving house, or a total home refresh are just some of the many reasons valuable items end up at your local thrift store for unbeatable prices. If you are curious about the value of an item, the Google Photos app does the heavy lifting for you. Simply take a photo of the item, and the app scours the internet for the exact same item, giving insight into the item's value and history.
With new items arriving daily, it is worth popping into local thrift stores and flea markets whenever you have the chance. You never know what you may find.
3. Find Vintage Resellers
If you feel like you don’t have the time or the eye for finding one-of-a-kind pieces, why not let someone do the hard work for you? Instagram is full of vintage resellers that know the value of an object when they see it, and happily sell it to you at a fair price.
Etsy is another fabulous source for all things vintage. A simple search of “grandmillennial” yields over 13,000 results of vintage and even custom pieces, ranging from monogrammed cocktail napkins to handmade jewelry.
For a more traditional shopping experience, antique malls are filled with dozens of booths, each with its own special selection of pieces to personalize your space. Visiting antique malls while traveling or on vacation is a great tip. Plus, antiques make the best souvenirs.
For furniture and other large-scale pieces, Hibiscus House is a wonderful source of colorful tables, nightstands, dressers, armoires, and more.
If you’re looking for unique vintage and antiques to pack some more personality into your home, the world is oyster (plate). Below are some of my favorite sources to get you started on your grandmillenial décor journey:
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