If you've been craving coziness and nostalgia, Grandmacore might be what you've been looking for. This trend leans into retro aesthetics, lived-in comfort, and inviting ambience – much like a grandmother's home. From vintage-inspired silhouettes to old-school florals, our guide breaks down the elements of Grandmacore so that you can recreate it at home.

What Is Grandmacore?

Grandmacore is an aesthetic that draws inspiration from a grandma's home, prioritizing pieces that make your space feel warm, nostalgic, and well-loved. It's full of vintage charm and eclectic pattern-pairing, not shying away from frilly edges or antiqued finishes. It features well-curated clutter and often embraces a "more is more" approach to decorating.

This aesthetic exists somewhere between "Coastal Grandmother" and "Eclectic Grandpa" – Grandmacore eschews the need for clean lines and immaculate linen upholstery, but doesn't lean as far into rugged textures and hunting camp–style decor. Instead, its niche style prefers patchwork quilts, chintz wallpaper, and patinated brass candlesticks.

Key style tenets of Grandmacore include:

• Cozy textiles and colors that create an inviting atmosphere
• Vintage-inspired pieces that give the space character and personality
• Layers of timeless patterns like florals, toile, and gingham
• Surfaces topped with brass candlesticks, tchotchkes, and freshly cut flowers
• Mix of neutrals, pastels, and retro pops of color
• Pieces with a handcrafted feel, such as quilts, doilies, and needlepoint

Grandmacore Colors & Patterns

Though Grandmacore might have a less rigid color palette than other aesthetics, it's often full of welcoming hues like warm neutrals, creamy pastels, and the occasional vibrant accent. Think sage green, pale blue, rosy pink, lilac, and canary yellow.

Layering patterns is a key part of recreating the grandma chic style. Traditional-style patterns like toile, florals, gingham, stripes, plaid, and damask are popular picks for Grandmacore.

One easy way to mix and match patterns is choosing patterns in different sizes. By choosing thin stripes and a large floral pattern (like in the photo above), the two prints don't need to compete. Instead, the two complement each other and feel nicely balanced against other textures.

Another approach is thinking in straight lines and curved lines. Stripes, plaids, and ginghams create straight lines, while florals, toile, and paisley rely on curved lines. Using a combination of both can create depth and movement while avoiding a clear visual clash.

Grandmacore Furniture & Materials

Grandma chic furniture has a certain nostalgic appeal. Classic details like turned feet or ornate carving lean into the past, while durable, high-quality materials like solid wood speak to the timelessness of the style.

Grandmacore is less concerned with pristine spaces. Instead, this aesthetic opts for inviting furniture that makes you want to curl up. Furniture with distressed finishes, overstuffed cushions, or lived-in upholstery fit right in.

Natural textures like linen, rattan, wood, and jute bring depth and warmth to the space as well. Braided jute rugs bring a swath of natural texture and neutral color to anchor a dining space, offset a patterned sofa, or complement a spindle-style bed. Rattan has an airy and playful quality that pairs well with whimsical florals. Weathered wood finishes and soft linen upholstery can add a well-loved feel.

Grandmacore Decor & Lighting

Grandmacore decor makes space for you to really personalize the aesthetic. Decorate mantels and bookshelves with knickknacks, candlesticks with colorful taper candles, framed photos, and vases full of fresh flowers. Fill up your sofa, armchairs, and bed with a mix of patterned throw pillows and patchwork quilts – even better if you can add a needlepoint-embroidered pillow.

Set the table with vintage-inspired tableware, leaning into gingham and floral prints for a retro spread. Complete the look with colorful glassware in pastel hues or cozy teacups.

With an emphasis on pattern-mixing, wallpaper can also help you channel that grandma chic feel. Floral or toile wallpaper adds a whimsical element, while dainey ticking stripes or grass cloth wallpaper can create a more subtle look.

Light fixtures can lean into the more traditional-style aspect of Grandmacore – opt for crystal-embellished chandeliers or torchiere wall sconces. They can bring an elegant edge to an otherwise lived-in space. Table lamps are another way to increase the ambience and give your space a cozy glow. Go for a table lamp with a pleated shade or porcelain base to match the decor.

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