Design trend: Coastal Grandmother
As we dive into the summer of 2022, one design trend is taking both fashion and home by storm: “Coastal Grandmother.” What began on TikTok and Instagram has gone mainstream, appearing everywhere from the Today Show to Glamour Magazine, and everyone wants to achieve the vibe. Even Anne Hathaway is all in!
So what is “Coastal Grandmother” and how do I get it? (Do I want to get it?)
Inspired by Nancy Meyers movies – specifically, Something’s Gotta Give – this aesthetic is about classic, effortless, layered comfort. Don’t we all need some of that right about now?
While this trend is relatively new, GSID has helped clients achieve this laidback luxury style in their homes for quite a while. Best of all, a house in the Hamptons is not a requirement. Here are some easy ways to lean into embracing your inner Coastal Grandmother at home this summer.
Natural materials
Consider the home version of a classic straw tote: lighten up storage with woven baskets for everything from throws to your farmers’ market haul. A wooden cake stand to hold muffins feels homey, even if you’re the only one who will see it. Of course, we always recommend treating yourself to a set of pretty linen napkins; they’re timeless for a reason.
Neutrals
White is a big color in the CG playbook, but it’s not the only neutral that works. Airy creams and soft grays add dimension and invite you to sink in, curl up, and relax on sofas and chairs, while breezy drapes filter dreamy sunlight. Subtle patterns in a pared-down neutral palette add interest and never go out of style.
Blues
One must-have hue is blue. It adds just the right coastal touch without veering into kitsch; whether it’s the shade of a cloudless summer sky or a deep, nautical navy, use blues as an accent and you can’t go wrong.
Layers
Layers are at the core of Coastal Grandmother chic – in terms of fashion, think a perfectly worn denim jacket over a breezy white button-down shirt – while feeling comfortable and casual enough for every day. A chunky cotton throw blanket draped artfully over the back of your favorite reading chair or even a collection of cherished mementos, photographs, and books on the shelves of a built-in say “come in, relax, and enjoy the moment.” Focus on what feels authentic and you’re already there.
Fresh flowers
Fresh flowers are a must, but with more of an “I just snipped these from my garden and arranged them in two minutes” style than anything studied or fussy. (If you don’t have a garden, any market will do!) Vintage glassware, tall vases, and thrifted ginger jars make ideal vessels to scatter throughout your space. The bigger the blooms, the better; hydrangeas are quintessentially Coastal Grandmother and we have a feeling you’ll be seeing a lot of them on your IG feed this summer.
Cheers to a #coastalgrandmother summer! Don’t forget your straw hat.
All projects by Glenna Stone Interior Design; Header image by Rebecca McAlpin
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Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning Philadelphia interior design firm serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, and surrounding cities. Utilizing her background and training in interior design, architecture, and engineering, Glenna specializes in creating interiors for residential and commercial design settings. We invite you to visit our website, view our portfolio, and catch up on the latest interior design concepts on our blog!