How to Style the "Eclectic Grandpa" Trend at Home
Channel old-school charm.
Equal parts nostalgic, cozy, and comfortable, the "Grandpacore" trend easily translates beyond your wardrobe and into your interiors. Much like a cozy cardigan or a pair of vintage corduroy pants, Eclectic Grandpa style hinges on unexpected combinations of new and old. This home decor trend focuses on adding layers of unfussy style, letting you create a space that feels lived-in and laidback.
If you're in search of ways to incorporate bold, vintage-inspired style into your repertoire, that's where Eclectic Grandpa comes in. Our guide walks you through the key tenets of trend and how you can make it your own.
What Is the "Eclectic Grandpa" Trend?
Where last year's Coastal Granddaughter trend spotlighted white linen sofas, freshly cut hydrangeas, and wicker baskets, Eclectic Grandpa does the same with supple leather upholstery, retro silhouettes, and an unabashed mix of seemingly mismatched patterns. This design trend adds a bold twist to the rising popularity of “grandpa chic”, swapping the deep color palette of that trend for a vibrant mix and allowing you to experiment with layers of eccentric prints.
Eclectic Grandpa interiors emphasize the importance of gathering pieces over time to give your space that timeless, eclectic feel. This layered, curatorial approach also makes space to pair vintage-inspired pieces with more contemporary counterparts.
This trend also focuses on creating a comfortable space without the fuss of getting everything perfect. Think of leather sofas that get softer with wear, antique-looking area rugs to warm up the floor, and stacks of your favorite novels collecting in empty corners. These inviting elements add a cozy feel that's brimming with nostalgia.
How to Style the "Eclectic Grandpa" Trend
Find inspiration with these Grandpacore additions to your decor.
1. Look to the Past
Retro styles play a big role in the Eclectic Grandpa trend. Starting with a large vintage-inspired piece can anchor your space and make it easy to add more modern decor later. You can pick traditional-style silhouettes like chesterfield sofas or ornately carved desks, or you can opt for more mid-century modern designs with their tapered legs, clean lines, and streamlined materials.
2. Embrace the Mismatch
Skip matching furniture sets in favor of loosely coordinated pieces. This will give your space a more thoughtful, bespoke look that doesn't feel too serious. Same goes for patterns. Layers of plaid, stripes, paisley, and gingham will add a playful edge to your textiles.
3. Pile on Cozy Textures
Grandpacore spaces should be welcoming and warm, so layering rich textiles is an easy way to capture this feeling. Dimensional textures like wool area rugs, knotty wood furniture, or tasseled fringe can amp up the cozy atmosphere. Bonus points if you can pile these textiles on top of one another, like a chunky knit throw blanket draped over a soft leather sofa or a faux sheepskin hide placed over a jute area rug.
4. Don't Shy Away From Color
Many grandpa chic spaces find inspiration in familiar settings like hunting camps and country clubs, so the color palettes lean into deep, neutral hues. Eclectic Grandpa style, on the other hand, uses color as an opportunity to experiment with bold shades. Pops of electric color like cobalt blue, bright orange, or kelly green bring a vibrant, expressive element to complement neutral bases. Incorporate these colors through small accents like throw blankets, table lamps, or ottomans.
5. Borrow From Different Eras
Much like the layered textures and patterns, Eclectic Grandpa embraces a multigenerational approach to decorating. Combine pieces from different decades to really capture that well-lived, collected-over-time look.
6. Lean Into Kitsch
Find the playful side of the trend by experimenting with quirky decor. Kitschy pieces like mallard statues, fish-shaped throw pillows, or equestrian paintings to add some fun to your space and give a nod to the grandpa aesthetic.