Groovy Granny Chic: Why Mid Century Cool is the ultimate Nostalgia Trip for Gen X

 For years, we’ve been told that less is more. Our homes stripped down to stark white walls, clean lines, and neutral palettes. But honestly, who needs all that beige when you can have brilliant colour, bold pattern, and a deep, comforting sense of nostalgia? Here at Inkabilly, we say yes! to colour, yes! to pattern and a big hell yeah! to nostalgia.

And we're not the only ones. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and impersonal, many of us are craving warmth, comfort, and personality …

Welcome to Our Groovy Granny Chic World

We're talking about Granny Chic, but we’ve scrapped the chintz and embraced the groovy. For us, as Gen Xers, this style is less about cottage frills and more about the warm glow of teak furniture, the sumptuous glaze of West German pottery, the wow factor of bold geometric patterns and the unmistakable warm colour palette of the 60s and 70s.

Photo credit: Vicki Coulter @vickisphone & Hayley @theyesterdayhouse   

And personally, for us, as husband and wife, this isn't just a decor trend; it's a profound, shared experience. Mid-century nostalgia is at the very heart of our connection - it fuelled the choice of house we bought, and informs the decisions of what we put in it (it also influences the way we dress too - but that's another blog post!). We found we both feel instantly at home when surrounded by those comforting elements from our childhoods.

This blog post is our deep dive into the true, retro heart of the Granny Chic revival. Get ready to discover how this design aesthetic can be a powerful, stylish way to wrap yourself in the happy memories of simpler times.

Home Decor: A Hug in a House

Granny Chic, also known as Grandmillennial or Grannycore, is the design aesthetic that's all about pattern, colour, and layering those cozy, welcoming feelings you might well have not experienced since childhood. It’s the design equivalent of a big cosy hug! A celebration of history, individuality and a lived-in feel. A purposeful mix of old and new, a playful, collected-over-time charm, full of stories and tall tales.

For Generation X, true, comforting nostalgia lies in the bold, brilliant hues and unmistakable designs of the 1960s and 1970s.

The Gen X Connection: The Comfort of Memory

For those who grew up in the 70s, this décor isn't just aesthetic; it's a visceral connection to simpler times. The Danish and Scandinavian influence on UK furniture during this decade was a sign of modern, aspirational living full of optimism.

Seeing that specific vintage vase or the warm glow of a G Plan sideboard reminds Gen X of a stable, comforting family hub. A space that was full of character because every object was chosen and kept. Bringing these items into their own homes today is an active choice to reclaim that feeling of solidity and personal history.

For many in Generation X, this style is about returning to the tactile comfort of their grandparents' or ‘parents’ houses. Incorporating a few key Granny Chic elements, is a deliberate choice to infuse modern homes with that feeling of simpler, happier times. It’s about incorporating those groovy, mid-century touches and creating a personal, lived-in space that feels like a refuge in a fast-paced world.

It’s a deeply personal, almost archaeological dive into the comforting, well-loved objects that surrounded us when life felt less complicated. For Generation X, it's a powerful act of remembrance. It’s about creating a personal sanctuary … a home that tells your story and brings back the charm of well-loved, lived-in spaces. 

Groovy Granny Chic reminds us that sometimes, the most sophisticated style is the one that feels most like coming home.

How to Create The Gen X Granny Chic Vibe

Mid-Century Furniture: The foundation has got to be quality, clean-lined Mid Century teak furniture. Think stylish and sleek sideboards and dining sets from brands like G Plan, Nathan, and Ercol, or the flexible, open shelving of a Ladderax unit. This furniture, often inherited, instantly elevates the "chic" factor while providing that essential, woody warmth. And this furniture was made to last! Prices can be on the higher side, but these are investment pieces.

Bold Pottery & Ceramics: Swap delicate porcelain for robust, artistic stoneware. This means embracing the visceral textures of Bitossi or West German Pottery (especially the iconic vibrant Fat Lava glazes), the distinct, playful patterns of Poole Pottery, or the earthy designs of Hornsea Pottery.

Cool Crockery & Cutlery: Charity shop shelves are often lined with mid century dinner and tea sets. Whether you're after a set to use or display, they are often full of character.

Textile Textures: Layering is key, using materials that are earthy and vibrant. For example; A bold Rya Rug in rustic oranges and browns under a teak, glass or tiled coffee table, or a brightly coloured crochet blanket draped over a sofa. This hand-made texture is the heart of the "granny" element, providing warmth, comfort and charm. Cosiness is paramount … Handmade items like needlepoint, tapestries, crochet and doilies add a cosy hygge-like texture with a touch of the personal connection.

Colour Palette: Ditch the Laura Ashley blush pinks and pale greens for the ultimate 70s comfort zone: deep orange, avocado green, mustard yellow, brown and purple. Use these colours boldly in cushions, upholstery, wallpaper and artwork to instantly transport a room back to a time of shag carpets and family game nights.

Pattern Power: Possibly, one of  the biggest hallmarks of this style is the unapologetic embrace of pattern, layered on top of each other ... and often clashing! Bold Florals and even bolder graphics, whether they are on curtains, cushions, carpets or walls - you can’t have too many!

Heirloom Pieces and Collected Curiosities: Vintage tech in the form of old phones and record players. Kitchenalia to use or display, like vintage pyrex and Tupperware. A gallery wall of vintage posters, prints and paintings in mis-matched frames create a sense of history and individuality. Vintage clocks or lamps are great functional pieces.

Nostalgia is Booming .. and why we love it!

The rise of Granny Chic seems to be a collective psychological movement. After years of digital, clean-lined, and mass-produced items, people across generations are craving something different. And we are definitely on board for;

Authenticity and Storytelling: Every piece of antique furniture or embroidered textile carries a history. In a Granny Chic home, you're curating a narrative, not just filling a space.

Comfort and Coziness: In uncertain times, the familiar comfort of a traditional, layered, and colourful space is deeply soothing. It’s an escape back to a place of warmth and security.

Sustainability: This style champions thrifting, upcycling, and cherishing heirlooms, offering a stylish alternative to disposable consumption.

It’s a movement powered by emotional connection, a desire for individuality, and a profound respect for the enduring warmth of the past. It’s proof that sometimes, the coolest, most fashionable look is simply what your Grandma always had!

A Connection Rooted in the Past

As I stated at the start of this blog post, for us, mid-century nostalgia is more than just a passing trend - it's a shared experience, and a way of life. And it is at the heart of all our designs here at Inkabilly.

Our products aim to capture the same bold patterns and groovy vibes that made those spaces feel so comforting. And our embrace of vibrant colours ensure we add an essential funky hit of dopamine too. We are extremely proud of all the funky homes that host our products - we featured some of our favourite customer photos in this article, but please do check out some more particularly fabulous ones below (and you can just click the pics if you fancy purchasing the products featured!).