10 Reasons to Embrace 'Granny Chic'
Try this nostalgic mix of old and new to bring in bags of personality and sweet style
Following on from the movement towards mindful buying – where quality and sustainability are key considerations for new purchases – comes ‘granny chic’. This style is an amalgamation of vintage pieces, old-fashioned fabrics and OTT accessories assembled in a contemporary way. Leading the look is Vicky Charles, interior designer for chic brand Soho House, where establishments such as The Ned and Soho Farmhouse have nailed that elusive home-from-home appeal. Take a look at these tips to see if you could be tempted to tap into this charming and achievable look.
Welcome back wallpaper
For a sweet nursery in the eaves, floral wallpaper creates a warm and welcoming retreat for Mum and baby. Here, the print has been taken across the ceiling to unify the space and blur any odd angles in the loft. Plain white furniture and neutral carpet stop the scheme from edging (too far) into old-fashioned.
Smart ways to be creative with wallpaper
For a sweet nursery in the eaves, floral wallpaper creates a warm and welcoming retreat for Mum and baby. Here, the print has been taken across the ceiling to unify the space and blur any odd angles in the loft. Plain white furniture and neutral carpet stop the scheme from edging (too far) into old-fashioned.
Smart ways to be creative with wallpaper
Find sumptuous fabrics
There’s something divinely decadent about heavy velvet drapes, particularly when taken all the way to the floor. This room features an unusual colour combo of olive curtains and pinky-lilac walls – classic granny chic styling that works because of the brilliantly balanced elements. The comfy chair is a more relaxed choice than a traditional wingback; its leopard fabric keeps this corner feeling quirky.
There’s something divinely decadent about heavy velvet drapes, particularly when taken all the way to the floor. This room features an unusual colour combo of olive curtains and pinky-lilac walls – classic granny chic styling that works because of the brilliantly balanced elements. The comfy chair is a more relaxed choice than a traditional wingback; its leopard fabric keeps this corner feeling quirky.
Make a sweet setting
A window seat is the stuff of dreams for any homeowner interested in granny chic décor that’s practical as well as pretty. This cushion-clad nook is lined with books to encourage eager young readers and has storage underneath. A cosy mix of retro-looking patterns prompts a pleasing bout of nostalgia, while simple white panelling provides clean contrast.
A window seat is the stuff of dreams for any homeowner interested in granny chic décor that’s practical as well as pretty. This cushion-clad nook is lined with books to encourage eager young readers and has storage underneath. A cosy mix of retro-looking patterns prompts a pleasing bout of nostalgia, while simple white panelling provides clean contrast.
Seek out softness
Textiles are a key component of the granny chic look, and what ode to old ladies would be complete without a bundle of blankets? Use them piled high on a bench, rolled up in a basket, slung on the back of a chair or laid across the end of the bed, as here. Traditional woollen styles work best; a beautiful herringbone weave will provide visual interest and feel super snuggly.
Textiles are a key component of the granny chic look, and what ode to old ladies would be complete without a bundle of blankets? Use them piled high on a bench, rolled up in a basket, slung on the back of a chair or laid across the end of the bed, as here. Traditional woollen styles work best; a beautiful herringbone weave will provide visual interest and feel super snuggly.
Dream up a DIY project
A chest of drawers becomes a bathroom vanity in this smart granny chic set-up. Creating something similar at home would require making space inside the furniture for the hot and cold water feeds and the waste, meaning that some of the drawers would not be usable. You may also want to consider fitting a piece of durable stone on top of the unit to protect the wood from water damage.
A chest of drawers becomes a bathroom vanity in this smart granny chic set-up. Creating something similar at home would require making space inside the furniture for the hot and cold water feeds and the waste, meaning that some of the drawers would not be usable. You may also want to consider fitting a piece of durable stone on top of the unit to protect the wood from water damage.
Curate carefully
For a fresh take on crockery collecting, try displaying one-colour pieces en masse. These tiny white jugs look lovely on their own or, even better, when used as mini vases for a quick floral focal point. With cool grey cabinets, patterned tiles and smart brass touches throughout, this kitchen is definitely dashing.
For a fresh take on crockery collecting, try displaying one-colour pieces en masse. These tiny white jugs look lovely on their own or, even better, when used as mini vases for a quick floral focal point. With cool grey cabinets, patterned tiles and smart brass touches throughout, this kitchen is definitely dashing.
Play with paints
A child’s bedroom is the perfect place to try out fun colours in curious combinations. Wooden floors are a useful neutral, but don’t be afraid to throw a bright rug into the mix as well. This pink cupboard sets the perfect tone for a granny-chic inspired space – even better when topped with a colourful pile of crocheted blankets.
A child’s bedroom is the perfect place to try out fun colours in curious combinations. Wooden floors are a useful neutral, but don’t be afraid to throw a bright rug into the mix as well. This pink cupboard sets the perfect tone for a granny-chic inspired space – even better when topped with a colourful pile of crocheted blankets.
Pair patterns and plains
Getting to grips with granny chic is all about finding the right mix of materials. These subdued taupe walls and skirting boards are a fine foil for patterned accents. Here, a striped stair runner with a raspberry hue is combined with a bench seat that’s upholstered in a fabric with a similar tone. The rug echoes the orange colours found in both other soft furnishings. The overall effect is curated and colourful, but also sophisticated.
Getting to grips with granny chic is all about finding the right mix of materials. These subdued taupe walls and skirting boards are a fine foil for patterned accents. Here, a striped stair runner with a raspberry hue is combined with a bench seat that’s upholstered in a fabric with a similar tone. The rug echoes the orange colours found in both other soft furnishings. The overall effect is curated and colourful, but also sophisticated.
Layer lovingly
The best way to imbue your home with a sense of personality is to layer new and old objects. This motley mix of chairs adds more interest than a matching set, while smart shutters are sleek, modern and minimal. Artwork can act as a useful prompt for the rest of the colour scheme: vintage oil paintings are easy to pick up second hand and will create more character than a modern print.
Vintage fabrics? Antique artworks? Hand-me-downs? How is your home nostalgic? Share your stories in the Comments.
The best way to imbue your home with a sense of personality is to layer new and old objects. This motley mix of chairs adds more interest than a matching set, while smart shutters are sleek, modern and minimal. Artwork can act as a useful prompt for the rest of the colour scheme: vintage oil paintings are easy to pick up second hand and will create more character than a modern print.
Vintage fabrics? Antique artworks? Hand-me-downs? How is your home nostalgic? Share your stories in the Comments.
If you’re not a fan of the fitted kitchen, then this characterful cookspace could be your goal. Curtain-clad cupboards provide the bulk of storage beneath one long stretch of worktop. Freestanding appliances and simple joinery make this type of set-up a good option for those on a budget or who are furnishing their first – rather than forever – home. Chinoiserie jars and jewelled pendant lights provide a delicate counter to the room’s heavier wooden elements.
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