Are You a Coastal or Fancy Grandma? Here's How to Style 2022's Most Viral Interior Trends

Here's the lowdown on the two senior-inspired aesthetics the internet can't get enough of.

If you’ve spent any time on social media of late, you’ll likely have come across what is a growing obsession with “grandmother” style, namely: ‘Coastal Grandmother’, and her aesthetic equal and opposite, ‘Fancy Grandma’.

While both trends are rooted in fashion, many of their proponents actually consider them to be lifestyles — with distinct interiors to match. And contrary to their monikers, you do not need to be a grandmother to bring either style into your space.

Curious as to whether you are more Coastal Grandmother or Fancy Grandma? Here, we break down the Internet’s leading style trends of 2022 (so far) and how to take the inspiration into your interiors.

What is ‘Coastal Grandmother’ style?

Coined by TikTok creator Lex Nicoleta, the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic is arguably best encapsulated by Diane Keaton’s character — and house — in Something’s Gotta Give, Meryl Streep in It’s Complicated, and the unparalleled Oprah Winfrey.

"If you love Nancy Meyers movies, coastal vibes, recipes and cooking, Ina Garten, cosy interiors, and more, there’s a good chance you might be a Coastal Grandmother," she described in an explanation video.

The ‘vibe’ put simply? Per Nicoleta, it’s “Nancy Meyers-chic”. Think: soft, sand-hued cashmere sweaters, beige slacks, blue stripe button-downs, white bucket hats and sensible sandals — quietly accessorised with a “five-carat diamond ring passed down from your great-great-grandmother”.

Siri, play This Will Be (Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole.

How to get the ‘Coastal Grandmother’ aesthetic at home

When asked by Architectural Digest about what constitutes Coastal Grandmother style in the realm of interiors, Nicoleta elaborated: “To me, it’s open kitchens, rustic textiles, white accents, slip-covered sofas, the mixture of beautiful older pieces with newer ones, and lots of natural light.”

Similarly, Erin Gates, of U.S-based interiors firm Erin Gates Design, emphasised the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic as one that “champions classic lines and materials” with a focus on “English roll-arm sofas”, “linen” and “antique wood case pieces”.

“It’s about high-quality construction and there’s not a trend in sight,” she told Architectural Digest.

While some coastal interiors can veer a bit free-spirited with the aesthetic, the Coastal Grandmother style is arguably closer to a luxurious take on cottagecore. Refined yet relaxed, neither too modern nor too old-fashioned, it favours a palette of light neutrals and the occasional injection of sea-inspired blues in the form of subtle florals, solid accents or nautical stripes. At the same time, the use of cosy throw blankets and cushions in natural fibres imbue the space with inviting textures.

Translation? It’s the Hamptons-meets-hygge.

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What is ‘Fancy Grandma’ style?

The antithesis of the Coastal Grandmother trend and its put-together penchant for neutrals, the Fancy Grandma is less ‘Diane Keaton’ in Something’s Gotta Give and more ‘Yetta’ from The Nanny (with a good dose of The Golden Girls). According to InStyle US, while the style is still upscale and comfortable, the Fancy Grandma’s eclectic aesthetic is miles away from the pristine, cosy minimalism of her coastal counterpart. Where the Coastal Grandmother wears beige slacks, the Fancy Grandma wears pink ones… with sequins.

“Fancy Grandmas, on the other hand, are eccentric,” wrote InStyle’s Senior Fashion Editor, Samantha Sutton, while comparing the two trends.

“They have tchotchkes, stockpile snacks, and religiously watch a TV show they call ‘my show.’ They always smell really good because they love all kinds of scents, and they also can't resist shopping for a good deal. They like to get dressed up, but at the same time, keep their outfits on the practical side, usually with matching sets (think Mother of the Bride) and an elaborate pair of earrings.”

She continued: “... instead of light neutral colorways, their go-tos feature prints, metallics, and embellished details.”

How to get the ‘Fancy Grandma’ aesthetic at home

As Sutton wrote in Instyle: “A great Fancy Grandma outfit should cause some confusion, leaving people to wonder how piling on layers and mismatched items can look so darn good.”

So, when it comes to translating the Fancy Grandma aesthetic to your interiors, it’s less about capturing a distinct ‘look’ and more about leaning into elevated eccentricity and complementing contrasts, permitting for a more personal interpretation of the trend.

Consider working with a bolder colour palette, allowing it to manifest across bright bedding sets and polished yet playful homewares. To really capture the Fancy Grandma’s signature ‘kitsch’, experiment with punctuating pops of prints, clashing patterns and metallic accents via wallpapers, drapes and antique hardware.

Prefer just a hint of print? Contrasting throw cushions and feature artworks are also great ways of bringing in the Fancy Grandma’s ornamental flair without going all-out on larger spaces and items.