Embracing Grandma Core: Creating Cosy yet Inviting Summer Bedrooms

There’s a popular new design aesthetic called ‘Grandma Core’, and I’m not going to lie, I’m totally here for it!

This interiors aesthetic pays homage to our grandmothers’ homes with a nostalgic twist. With the ease of being able to find interiors bit and bobs that work with the trend, it serves as an easy way to create a comfortable, welcoming room either for yourself, or is perfect for a guest bedroom. As someone who used to have a vintage crockery hire business using my Nanny’s old china, I was always going to be on board with anything that helps keep a Nan memory alive!

Grandma Core represents a simple blend of vintage charm – here’s how to make your summer bedroom as warm and inviting as Grandma Core.

1. Soft, Lightweight Bedding

A great starting point for getting this look right is a visualising a grandma’s bedroom – one with a bed, and a floral-patterned soft bedspread to use with beds. Use light cotton or linen in the summer, a lean and breezy fabric that breathes in warm weather. For patterns, go with old-fashioned, vintage-inspired motifs such as ditsy florals, checks (gingham) or soft sherbet hues and candy stripes. A quilted coverlet or a light, crocheted throw can add texture without being too hot for summer nights.

2. Vintage Furniture and Accents

Grandma Core is all about bringing along pieces that have a story. Such bedrooms provide a great opportunity to bring in pieces that might have a previous history – which can be a great idea, whether it be buying a vintage (or even antique) wooden dresser with gorgeous carved handles, a wrought-iron bed frame, or even a bedside table. While it is possible to find original vintage pieces, the good news is that, if you can’t, a lot of modern furniture that looks almost exactly the same also exists. You can find most of these in places such as charity shops, flea markets and online stores.

3. Floral and Botanical Elements

Florals and botanical prints are signature Grandma Core pieces, so with summer bedrooms feel free to create a full-on wallpaper (including curtains!) installation, or add framed botanical prints to the walls for a more subtle touch (I love these!). An all-white colour scheme paired with a floral throw pillow or a floral upholstered chair can also work, and is an easy and feminine way to go. Don’t forget to add fresh flowers in a vintage jug or vase next to your bed for an extra dose of nature indoors, bringing a delicious scent along with the beauty.

4. Handmade and Handcrafted Touches

At the heart of the Grandma Core bedroom trend are handmade items. Bring in the quilts, crocheted doilies and/or embroidered pillows. They will add a bit of homeliness to your bedroom. If you are an artist at heart, you might want to make some of these items on your own. You can find numerous individual sellers on places like Etsy, as well as small businesses that sell unique, handmade items that belong in a Grandma Core-inspired bedroom.

5. Soft Lighting

The lighting you chose will help to create the overall mood! With a Grandma Core summer bedroom, you should aim for warm and gentle lighting. Steer clear of stark overhead lights, and opt for table lamps with old-fashioned lampshades, or wall sconces. Fairy lights or string lights are a great way to create softer light in the evenings as the sun sets.

6. Books and Personal Items

But Grandma Core is personal, sentimental. Fill your bedroom with the things that you treasure. Perhaps a vintage bookshelf filled with your favourite books? Or framed family photos?. Your bedroom will soon feel like your grandmother’s home: warm, personal and inviting!

7. Natural Materials and Colours

Use only natural materials, such as Wooden beds, cotton, wool, to keep the space feeling authentic and earthy. The bedroom for Grandma Core should have a calming colour palette of cream, pastels and muted blues, greens and pinks. These colours make for a dreamy space, encouraging leisurely summer snooze.

8. Airy Curtains and Windows

Use lightweight curtains that are loose and breathable to keep your bedroom cool and breezy. Hang sheer curtains in neutral colours that will filter in lots of natural light from the windows, while at the same time creating a soft, romantic vintage look. Open your windows early in the morning or after sunset to let in the fresh air and keep your room ventilated.

Making Grandma Core your interiors look for summer is a way of paying homage to history, while having a cosy and inviting space – something everyone could benefit from!

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.