Run to grandma’s house!

Fashion, as it often does, has inspired yet another trend for the home: "Grandma-core." This trend draws its inspiration from none other than the nostalgia of our childhoods, our grandmas' houses, and their questionable fashion choices. But is it really so questionable? Fashion and design draw on our ability to relate to tangible objects by triggering memories that are dear to us. Now, you might be thinking that you don't have any great memories from your relationships with your grandparents because maybe they were difficult. But we can at least borrow from them to make our lives more beautiful. Everything from the florals, quilts, tassels, and those overly decorated lamps— you too can partake in "Grandma-core."

So, how do we draw from this fashion trend of floral blouses, quilted jackets, and knee-length skirts? Well, it's easy! Think of your house as a mannequin; where can you add the patterns, the skirts, and the emphasized accessories? And how do you incorporate it into a home that might be the complete opposite? Well, I'm here to offer a hand of advice on how you can participate.

Antiques are a great way to attain, in a very nonchalant manner, "Grandma-core." No matter where you live, you can sniff out an antique store. Rural or metropolitan, antique stores are the new hotspots of the consumer market. Now, if you've read my "France" post, you'll know that it is arguably the best place to gather beautiful antiques. However, if you're like most of us, you aren't going to hop on a plane to fulfill your interior design trend desires. So, I suggest starting with something small at your local antique store, like an end table, bar cart, or a sweet chair. Even if you live in Frank Lloyd Wright's dream house of mid-century modern interiors, incorporating a little antique side table in your living room will add the charm that this trend brings.

Now, if you want to be bolder, wallpaper and fabrics will surely spice up the grandma in your house. I've said it before and I'll say it again, florals, florals, florals! A powder bath is a great place to practice and recycle your favorite trends. It's typically such a small space that it won't burn a hole in your wallet. Incorporating wallpaper here will most definitely make a statement. On a more attainable route, however, you can always sprinkle fabrics on your decorative pillows. And who has enough of those? And never forget, match everything! If you're really dedicated to achieving "Grandma-core," your pattern on your walls should match your curtains, chair upholstery, and those lovely decorative pillows.

Remember how grandma's house was always dim in the evenings because it seemed like her only source of light was her ornate lamps? Well, there's your next purchase to indulge in this trend. There are so many sources where you can find old lamps, and of course, antique stores are one of them. Or if you already have a few lamps throughout your home, you can recover the lampshade in a new floral fabric with a tassel trim that is bound to scream grandma's house! The living room and bedroom are great places to start placing these lamps. But remember to use LED bulbs. You don’t want to start a fire or discolor your new favorite friend.

And now for the accessories. I'm sure you noticed and were probably overwhelmed by the excessive memorabilia at grandma's house. Well, what if I told you that you can achieve the look by using restraint and editing? Start with flowers, ornate boxes, and fine art. Flowers are easy; read my last post about how to create the perfect arrangement in your home to get the idea. Bringing in little knick-knacks will be fun. Ornate boxes are a nice way to safely decorate your home and not overdo it. Plus, it gives you a place to store all your junk throughout the house. Just don’t forget which box holds what. And then of course, the art. When I say fine art, it may be a scary phrase for your bank account. And while I am a big proponent of investing in great art, if you are not there financially, getting a print online or at a local store is just as acceptable. Just don’t forget to frame it in a gilded, wood-carved frame to really highlight the "historical" look.

Now with all this advice, here are some designers to help you draw inspiration for your upcoming redecorating venture:

Bunny Williams
Mario Bautta - maybe the kind of what we now call “Grandma-core”
Virginia Tupker
Lee Radziwill
Sister Parish
Nathalie Framan-Farma, a.k.a Decors Barbares
And sooooo many more!

Okay so now you have a jumping off point to recreate grandmas house. Now lets go and make it beautiful!

“Grandma-core”

Run to grandma’s house!

Table Arrangements

Flowers