What is Grandma Core, the trend taking over Summer Bedrooms?

Grandma core is one of the big trends in interior design right now. You’ve probably heard of cottage core, well grandma core is similar. It centres around vintage and retro pieces to create a cosy, nostalgic aesthetic. If you want to dip your toe in this trend, then the bedroom is a good place to start. Here you can create your own cosy little private space.

Retro prints

Bedding is a relatively cheap way to buy into the trend. Traditional bedspreads featuring retro prints will instantly create a homely feel. I bet none of our grandmas had duvets, they are a relatively new thing. Even I didn’t have one until I was a teenager. In years gone by, sheets, blankets and bedspreads were the only way to keep warm at night. Floral prints featured heavily, and they are making a comeback. If you want to invest a bit more time and money then you can extend this to curtains and even wallpaper. If you’re on a tight budget, then looking in charity shops can be a good place to start. You’ll often find blankets, curtains and bedding in the homeware section. If you’re adept with a sewing machine, it’s worth looking on eBay for retro print fabric. I bought some fabulous floral print material for a bargain price – I just have to figure out what to do with it!

For winter, switching some of the floral prints for tartan/plaid works a treat. These heritage prints never go out of style.

Handcrafted pieces

Anything handmade fits perfectly with the grandma core aesthetic – you may even have some knitted or crocheted items made by your grandmother. Both of mine were prolific knitters and crocheters, so I have all sorts of mementoes. Sadly I did not pick up their skills as I would love to be able to crochet a blanket. However, I did learn some basic knitting skills and over a very long period of time (almost two years!) knitted lots of squares to make a big patchwork blanket. So you don’t need to be an expert to make your own, you just need some time and patience.

Furniture

Traditional wooden furniture in warm mid tones fits the grandma core aesthetic perfectly. Before white furniture took over, wood was king – and for good reason: it lasts for decades. Wooden beds are a good investment and they can fit with a range of aesthetics, grandma core being one. But if you want to change your bedroom look further down the line then you can also style them in a minimalist way. A simple, traditional style gives you lots of options. Ottoman beds with a wooden frame and headboard give you the functionality of a modern bed with a traditional look…the best of both worlds.

If you want to find other pieces of furniture to complete the look, you don’t have to buy new – far from it. Second hand furniture is often very affordable (sometimes even free on local community sites). Sadly we had to get rid of several items of furniture that belonged to my grandparents when mum sold her house, only because she won’t have anywhere to put it when she moves into her new home. We did keep some though, which I’m glad about. Check Facebook marketplace and the larger charity shops as you could pick up an absolute bargain. (Bear in mind you need to be able to transport it.)

Plants and flowers

Decorating the room with plants and flowers is probably the easiest and quickest way to add add a little grandma core chic to your bedroom. I love having plants all over the house, they make it feel much more homely. A vase of flowers creates the same effect, and in summer you can pick wild flowers. Try repurposing jars, bottles and pots to keep your flowers in for an especially rustic feel. And if you can’t commit to keeping fresh flowers and real plants you can always cheat with some false ones, although granny probably wouldn’t approve!

Have you heard of the grandma core trend in interiors? Is is to you taste? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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