Image Source: Hindustan Times
Minimalism is officially on pause. In 2025, the design world is embracing a warmer, more nostalgic aesthetic known as Grandmacore—a style that celebrates heirlooms, vintage textures, and the comforting clutter of lived-in spaces. But this isn’t your grandmother’s drawing room untouched since the 70s. Today’s Grandmacore is curated, intentional, and deeply personal, blending old-world charm with modern sensibilities.
As young homeowners and renters across India rummage through family trunks and thrift stores, they’re discovering that the past holds the key to creating homes that feel soulful, storied, and uniquely theirs.
Key Elements Defining Grandmacore 2025
- Burnished brass, lace curtains, and embroidered bolsters are making a comeback as visual accents
- Delicate floral patterns and pastel palettes are replacing sterile beige tones
- Glass-front cabinets, carved mirrors, and side tables are being repurposed for compact city homes
- Vintage crockery is used more for display than daily use, adding character to open shelves
Interior designers like Shakshi Jain and Rohan Jain emphasize that the style is less about trend and more about emotional resonance. It’s about creating spaces that feel warm, lived-in, and layered with memory.
How To Build The Look Without Overwhelm
Grandmacore can easily tip into clutter if not approached with care. Experts suggest:
- Start by asking your parents or grandparents what’s lying around—you’ll be surprised by the treasures
- Pick a consistent color palette to unify the space and let each nostalgic item breathe
- Set older pieces against clean walls and simple layouts to maintain visual calm
- Use vintage items as accents, not anchors—think one embroidered cushion, not an entire sofa set
The goal is to reinterpret heirlooms, not transplant them wholesale. A carved lamp or an old photo frame can become a focal point when paired with contemporary furniture.
Functionality Meets Sentiment
While our grandparents may have embraced heavy curtains and velvet upholstery, today’s homes demand practicality. Designers recommend:
- Avoiding thick fabrics in humid climates or low-light apartments
- Choosing lightweight versions of vintage styles—lace runners instead of full tablecloths, for example
- Repurposing items creatively, such as using old trunks as coffee tables or vintage sarees as wall hangings
The idea is to let every item play a role, whether aesthetic or functional, without overwhelming the space.
Why Young People Are Embracing Grandmacore
The rise of Grandmacore reflects a deeper cultural shift. In a world dominated by tech, hustle culture, and curated feeds, young adults are craving authenticity and comfort. The pandemic accelerated this trend, as people turned to baking, pottery, and slow living.
Grandmacore offers:
- A sense of continuity with family and tradition
- A break from hyper-minimalist, impersonal interiors
- A chance to tell stories through objects and textures
It’s not just about décor—it’s about identity, memory, and emotional grounding.
Conclusion: Nostalgia With A Modern Twist
Grandmacore in 2025 is a celebration of the past, reimagined for the present. It invites us to slow down, look inward, and decorate with intention. Whether it’s a lace doily from your nani’s cupboard or a thrifted brass lamp, each piece adds depth and soul to your space.
As minimalism fades and maximalism finds new meaning, Grandmacore proves that sometimes, the best design inspiration comes from what we already have.
Sources: Hindustan Times, Indulge Express, YouTube Decor Trends
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