If visits to your granny’s house as a child were anything like mine, they were a curious cocktail of boredom, excitement and confusion. Why was her house so different from yours? What were all those funny china ornaments about? What do you call those white napkins draped over the backs of the armchairs and why did she keep all her food in a cupboard under the stairs? These were just some of the questions raised by these visits.
Oddities aside, Granny’s house had a certain style – not that we'd have appreciated it at the time, of course. Now, we can’t get enough: the wild wallpapers, the eclectic china collections, the complete disregard for minimalism. She was onto something. So say hello to a new generation of grandma-inspired interiors – the perfect mix of old and new. Your nan would approve.
Florals and grandmothers go together like scones and clotted cream but now ditsy chintzes are out and oversized blooms are in. Supersize Granny’s favourite roses and swap the pale background for moody, dark and mysterious, for a modern spin on pretty.
Murals Wallpaper Dark Vintage Floral Wall Mural, from £25 per square metre, available at Murals Wallpaper
Embrace a retro feel with brown and orange – a classic grandma combo. Use a mishmash of cushions and scales of print, and don’t shy away from a heavily patterned rug. A fabric wall hanging and a smattering of throws adds a cosy touch. Now you can watch Corrie in comfort.
Photo: Via Apartment Therapy
It’s a universal truth that grandmas love matchy-matchy, whether that means twinsets, wallpaper, upholstery or otherwise. And after seeing the latest designs from House of Hackney, we’re inclined to agree. Match us up.
More is always more in Gran’s book, so take heed and go to town with eclectic displays of kitsch art, clashing patterns, colours and styles. Green ceiling? Why not? Note the gingham tablecloth, too – a very Nanna way to brighten up a bare table.
Photo: Via Poppytalk
Grannies do love purple; only ladies of advanced age can pull it off, after all. Lavender, lilac, deep violet – whichever shade tickles your fancy, it’s sure to bring softness to a space. This living room gets bonus Nan points for the twin table lamps, yellow velvet sofa (which looks amazing against that wall colour) and threadbare rug.
Photo: Via Apartment Therapy
No Granny abode is complete without a garden room, so fill a corner with as much indoor planting as your space will allow (hyacinths are a fave). Trellis-patterned fabrics and wallpapers will also give your home a greenhouse feel. Gardeners' Question Time, anyone?
Photo: Via This Is Glamorous
G-ma would never be caught dead with a mug of tea, oh no. Instead, opt for pretty vintage crockery, teacups and the all-important teapot (brewing in-cup is a serious faux pas). Rather than hide them away, display your dishes with pride – especially the commemorative ones, because what grandparent doesn’t love HRH?
Photo: Sivan Askayo/Design SpongeLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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