Over the last few years, cottagecore dominated the interiors world. With its floral prints, antique finds and cosy, country-inspired charm, the aesthetic captured the imagination of homeowners and social media users alike. Now, however, a bolder evolution is taking shape – and we're calling it 'granny cool'.
Rather than abandoning everything we loved about cottagecore, granny cool builds on its foundations. It still celebrates antiques, craftsmanship and character, but pairs them with richer colours, sculptural lighting, playful patterns and a more confident approach to decorating. Think less quaint country cottage and more eclectic, collected home that's full of personality – much like a cup of chamomile with Granny herself.
The result is an aesthetic that feels familiar yet fresher. 'Granny cool' is the striking, more outrageous sister of 'granny chic'. She's your favourite nan who rocks up to family functions in pink sunglasses and dyed purple hair. In the interiors world, this translates into traditional furniture with a bold modern twist.
In short, it's a style that isn't afraid to ruffle a few feathers. 'Granny Cool is the ultimate rebellion against sterile minimalism,' says interior designer and Winner of Interior Design Masters, Lia Gold. 'It’s a timeless, maximalist approach that ages beautifully and allows you to constantly layer over time, so it's perfect to always pick up bits and add to your collection.'
'People fell in love with the nostalgia and comfort of cottagecore, and now we're seeing that evolve into something a little bolder and more expressive,' says Etsy Trend Expert, Dayna Isom Johnson. '"Granny cool" takes familiar vintage influences and gives them a fresh energy.'
For Nicky Emlick, Creative Director at Sofa.com, a point of difference between 'granny cool' and cottagecore is how personalised the new trend feels. 'While cottagecore romanticised rural living through soft florals, muted palettes and carefully curated vintage touches, granny cool is less polished and far more personal,' Nicky says.
With the decline of so-called 'Instagram interiors' and a rising interest in personal style, people are increasingly looking for homes that feel individualised rather than a copy-and-paste version of what they've seen on the internet.
'Granny cool' fulfills both a love of nostalgia and a desire for something more expressive and personal. It has the throwback appeal of cottagecore and granny chic interiors, but its emphasis on individuality gives decorators an exciting amount of scope to play with.
How to get the 'granny cool' look
To help you nail the 'granny cool' look, we've asked experts for their top tips on how to style it at home. Here's what they had to say...
1. Layer, don't match
'To create this look at home, start by layering prints and patterns instead of matching them. Think florals paired with checks or stripes in complementary colours to add eye-catching interest, while timeless furniture and decorative accessories in materials such as wood, velvet and linen bring depth and character to the space,' says Helen Ashmore, Senior Design Director, Laura Ashley.
2. Be bold with pattern
'[Granny cool] dials up the maximalist side and is defined by rich colourways and a bolder mix of patterns for a more individual way of decorating,' says Shelley Cochrane, Accessories Buyer at Furniture Village.
'For example, a cottagecore look might combine floral patterns with pastel shades whilst Granny Cool might mix paisley and geometrics with dark wooden furniture and emerald greens and aubergine tones.'
3. Use heritage pieces as anchor points
'Start with one or two heritage-inspired anchor pieces, such as a timeless sofa or armchair in a classic silhouette, then gradually build character through patterned cushions, hand-crocheted throws and vintage finds collected over time,' says Nicky.
4. Mix old and new
'Mix vintage finds with contemporary design, embrace rich colours and unexpected combinations, and don't be afraid to blend classic furniture with more playful, retro influences. The result is a home that feels collected, characterful and effortlessly modern, rather than overly styled or tied to a single trend,' says Adam Dugdale, Creative Director at Oak & More.
5. Individuality is king
'My favourite thing about this trend is that it celebrates individuality,' says Victoria Robinson, trend expert at Hillarys.
'Some of the most successful interiors are the ones that include inherited pieces, vintage finds and treasured objects alongside newer purchases. Those personal touches create a home that feels authentic, which is ultimately what many people are looking for right now.'
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