Hot Trend Alert: Coastal Grandmother Style

According to trend watchers, “Coastal Grandmother” style is hitting it big with younger design fans on TikTok and Instagram and its use as a search term on Google has risen over 300% recently. As ever – everything old is new again when it comes to fashion and home design. The early aughts  has been influencing fashion quite a bit recently and apparently younger home influencers have become enamored with all things Diane Keaton (Something’s Gotta Give), Meryl Streep (It’s Complicated) and (while not a grandmother) Reese Witherspoon (Home Again).  The beach houser in Grace and Frankie is also a big inspiration for this style.

And really, what’s not to love??

Glad you’ve joined us, youngin’s!

Now, I’m not a grandmother (though I am “technically” just old enough to be one) , but coastal design is certainly my style sweet spot and many of my clients have definitely been Coastal Grandmothers. (Please note that this post includes affiliate linked products. Purchases made from these links return a small commission at no additional cost. This goes to help pay for this blog. Thank you!

Linda Merrill Decorative Surroundings Coastal Grandmother style living room in Duxbury MA
Duxbury garden home project featuring a white sectional sofa, watery blue colors, antiques and vintage items. Design by Linda Merrill. Photo by Michael J Lee.

Unlike “Grandmillennial” style (popular look among a certain young cohort) which is busier and more ornate, Coastal Grandmother is, as would be expected: lighter, brighter and calmer.

Linda Merrill Design Truro Cape Cod Modern Beach House Guest Bedroom poster bed Coastal Grandmother
Ocean front bedroom in Truro, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Design by Linda Merrill. Photo by Paul Blackmore.

Coastal Grandmother style features neutral colors, natural materials and fresh flowers.

Modern Beach House bedroom in Truro, Massachusetts gray silk bedding, side table and purple hydrangea Coastal Grandmother
Ocean front bedroom in Truro, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Design by Linda Merrill. Photo by Linda Merrill.

Who is the #CoastalGrandmother? According to the 26 year old influencer Californian Lex Nicoleta “A coastal grandmother is “a successful woman who creates a beautiful life for herself” by “embodying elements of coastal living and homemaking,” she told BuzzFeed News.

I was poking around TikTok looking at various videos associated with this style and one young, young woman (did I mention young?) was discussing the difference between Coastal Grandmother and Coastal Chic. Basically, Coastal Chic are younger women who drank wine and the older “Grandmothers” are sipping tea.

via GIPHY

 

That’s not tea in that cup – trust.

So, the ur of Coastal Grandmother Style? It’s obviously the Nancy Myers’ film Something’s Gotta Give. Nancy Myers is no doubt the Queen, First Lady and Doyenne of tasteful, coastal inspired movie inspiration.

Something's Gotta Give movie set living room

Something's Gotta Give movie set dining room

The Netflix series Grace and Frankie is another perfect example of this style.

And while not yet a Grammie, Reese Witherspoon embodies this look both in Home Again as well as her own personal brand Draper James
Home Again Staycation movies

So, if you’re a 20-something – are you on board with Coastal Grandmother style? Or, if you ARE a coastal grandmother – are you just rolling your eyes over the rim of your wine glass?

(Pin for future reference)

Coastal Grandmother style Linda Merrill Decorative Surroundings Hot Trend pin

br>xoxo Linda