Trend Alert: To Grandma’s House We Go

Designer Lauren Oviatt breaks down this trend and show you ways to make this style a part of your own home.

For the last several seasons we’ve been talking about trends like “transitional” and “contemporary” – I’m not saying those trends are going away any time soon; however, those styles may not be as easy to implement as people would hope. It’s easy to look at a stylish glossy magazine photo and fall in love with the décor in the picture; it seems cool with all the sleek finishes, bold colors and fancy furniture pieces. Most of the time, though, we’re working a sofa we’ve had for a while – or – a lifestyle that isn’t so conducive to white linen sofas and mirrored furniture. Having this new trend that reflects back on a comfortable way of living is refreshing in its simplicity. One L.A.- based designer described it well when he said, “more American pie, less flash in the pan.”

1. Color Schemes

One of the biggest keys to successfully pulling off this ‘grandma’ style is to be careful of antiquated color schemes. Choose color palettes that have bright pops of color and other more trendy shades, chartreuse, aqua, mustard yellow and coral (not all at once per say). The safest bet is to look for patterns with light or white backgrounds… guaranteed to look current and fresh.

2. Texture

When we speak of ‘comfortable living,’ we immediately picture deep sofas and chairs, soft pillows and cozy blankets. Nothing is more ‘grandma’ than a crocheted throw or needlepoint pillow…don’t be afraid to try them. However, don’t get sloppy. Whereas our grandmas may have thrown a blanket over the back of the sofa or draped it casually over a chair – a more clean approach for today’s homeowner would be to place a neatly-folded throw over the arm of a chair or the end cushion of a sofa, gently cascading over the front.

3. Making it Personal

You may have hand-me-downs from grandma or your own parents that you’d like to display. Make it personal! Displaying heirlooms in your home is not only a great way of remembering the past but also, the items become conversation pieces and create tons of character. Not into antique pictures? Try displaying old clocks, hang plates on the wall in an interesting configuration, or give display space to anything you have a collection of. If you don’t have family heirlooms (or don’t like what you’ve been given), find a way of making your own. Someday you’ll be passing it on to your children.

The key to remember is that this ‘grandma’ style doesn’t have to be out of date. My advice is to try it in small doses – a throw here, a picture there… and don’t throw good design out the window.

Lauren Stimpson Oviatt

Oviatt-Pratt & Associates

Interiors & Design

lauren@oviattpratt.com

www.oviattpratt.com

(801) 451-4531

Lauren has always had a love for interior and landscape design, floral décor, and all things beautiful! Having lived in the South and also on the west coast before settling in Utah, her design instinct is to combine traditional elements and furniture with updated style and current color palettes. She is constantly looking for ways to infuse glamour into her projects while bringing a fresh perspective and an eye for tasteful, classic design.