Coastal Grandmother and Her Kin: Translating Top Design Trends
Learn to spot (and speak) coastal grandma, Japandi, grandmillennial and everything ‘-core’
It’s official: We’ve reached peak coastal grandmother. Or it would seem that way, at least, given that the biggest design trend of summer 2022 has spread from social media to … well, just about everywhere. Nonetheless, you might find yourself asking, “What is a coastal grandmother exactly? And am I one?” (Hint: No grandkids are required.)
To answer those questions and more, we’ve put together this illustrated guide to coastal grandmother style and a few other design buzzwords that have hit the mainstream in recent years: Japandi, cottagecore, grandmillennial and — we kid you not — Barbiecore. Even if you’re generally trend-averse, you might be surprised to discover a look you love among them. You might even realize you’ve been right in style without even trying. (Take it from this coastal grandma.) Regardless, these trends have clearly tapped into the zeitgeist, so read on to be in the know.
To answer those questions and more, we’ve put together this illustrated guide to coastal grandmother style and a few other design buzzwords that have hit the mainstream in recent years: Japandi, cottagecore, grandmillennial and — we kid you not — Barbiecore. Even if you’re generally trend-averse, you might be surprised to discover a look you love among them. You might even realize you’ve been right in style without even trying. (Take it from this coastal grandma.) Regardless, these trends have clearly tapped into the zeitgeist, so read on to be in the know.
Darci Hether New York
In terms of interior design, the look is basically interchangeable with Hamptons style, named after the cluster of upscale beach communities on Long Island, New York (which, not so coincidentally, is the setting of the aforementioned movie).
Think grand shingle-clad cottages like the one pictured in the previous photo, in Sagaponack, filled with traditional yet casual, unfussy furnishings. Or this breezy Westhampton Beach home with its sand-friendly porch, crisp stripes and wicker-basket-equipped beach cruiser at the ready.
In terms of interior design, the look is basically interchangeable with Hamptons style, named after the cluster of upscale beach communities on Long Island, New York (which, not so coincidentally, is the setting of the aforementioned movie).
Think grand shingle-clad cottages like the one pictured in the previous photo, in Sagaponack, filled with traditional yet casual, unfussy furnishings. Or this breezy Westhampton Beach home with its sand-friendly porch, crisp stripes and wicker-basket-equipped beach cruiser at the ready.
Home at 2 Design
The kitchen featured in the film looked much like this one, which is in a waterfront home in Rhode Island. Two islands topped in soapstone, vintage industrial light fixtures, bentwood chairs, white Shaker-style cabinets with glass fronts, white subway tile and pro stainless steel appliances nail the look.
Part of the beauty of this design style is its timelessness. That said, this kitchen would look just as at home in the Hamptons with marble-look quartz counters, woven natural fiber chairs and oversize carriage lights, which are all on-trend right now.
The kitchen featured in the film looked much like this one, which is in a waterfront home in Rhode Island. Two islands topped in soapstone, vintage industrial light fixtures, bentwood chairs, white Shaker-style cabinets with glass fronts, white subway tile and pro stainless steel appliances nail the look.
Part of the beauty of this design style is its timelessness. That said, this kitchen would look just as at home in the Hamptons with marble-look quartz counters, woven natural fiber chairs and oversize carriage lights, which are all on-trend right now.
Amy Fox Interiors
Soft blue-and-white patterns, natural accents, white built-in bookshelves, slipcovered seating and traditional-style or antique casegoods are also de rigueur.
But, again, you needn’t hand in your coastal grandmother card if you mix in some modern shapes or elements. This coastal Florida living room combines those typical Hamptons-style pieces with a modern farmhouse vibe.
Tour a Romantic Cottage-Style Landscape in the Hamptons
Soft blue-and-white patterns, natural accents, white built-in bookshelves, slipcovered seating and traditional-style or antique casegoods are also de rigueur.
But, again, you needn’t hand in your coastal grandmother card if you mix in some modern shapes or elements. This coastal Florida living room combines those typical Hamptons-style pieces with a modern farmhouse vibe.
Tour a Romantic Cottage-Style Landscape in the Hamptons
Stuck on Hue
Other hallmarks of the style include traditional floor and table lamps, patterned throw pillows and classic window coverings. Breezy white draperies and linen or seagrass Roman shades are favorite options.
Coastal grandmothers also adore fresh flowers (particularly hydrangeas) and blue-and-white Chinese garden stools, both of which are seen here.
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Other hallmarks of the style include traditional floor and table lamps, patterned throw pillows and classic window coverings. Breezy white draperies and linen or seagrass Roman shades are favorite options.
Coastal grandmothers also adore fresh flowers (particularly hydrangeas) and blue-and-white Chinese garden stools, both of which are seen here.
Shop for traditional lamps
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Albert, Righter & Tittmann Architects
A view of the water from your writing desk is not required, but as Diane Keaton’s character would likely tell you, it sure doesn’t hurt.
Find other coastal home design ideas
A view of the water from your writing desk is not required, but as Diane Keaton’s character would likely tell you, it sure doesn’t hurt.
Find other coastal home design ideas
DPo Architecture
Japandi
A portmanteau of Japanese and Scandinavian, Japandi is a design style that marries Scandinavian design’s relaxed, light-filled minimalism and Japanese design’s earthy, uncluttered elegance. The resulting aesthetic celebrates simplicity, functionality and natural materials.
The Japandi trend (also known as Japanordic) emerged a few years ago — its roots are much older — and it has recently hit its stride. In early 2022, searches on Houzz for “Japandi bathrooms” were up 229% year over year, while searches for “Japandi kitchens” increased 104%.
This Canadian home’s blackened and natural wood exterior and simple, geometric forms capture the Japandi spirit.
Read more about Nordic design
Japandi
A portmanteau of Japanese and Scandinavian, Japandi is a design style that marries Scandinavian design’s relaxed, light-filled minimalism and Japanese design’s earthy, uncluttered elegance. The resulting aesthetic celebrates simplicity, functionality and natural materials.
The Japandi trend (also known as Japanordic) emerged a few years ago — its roots are much older — and it has recently hit its stride. In early 2022, searches on Houzz for “Japandi bathrooms” were up 229% year over year, while searches for “Japandi kitchens” increased 104%.
This Canadian home’s blackened and natural wood exterior and simple, geometric forms capture the Japandi spirit.
Read more about Nordic design
ID3 Interior Design
Japandi also blends the Danish concept of hygge — roughly translating to coziness and contentedness — with Japanese wabi-sabi, or finding beauty in imperfection. That means that Japandi interiors often may be described as minimalist, but they’re not clinical or stark.
The variation in the ceramic backsplash, the distinctive wood grains, the woven materials and the stacked stone in this beautiful kitchen on Lake Tahoe in Nevada exemplify the value placed on warmth, craftsmanship and organic beauty in Japandi-style interiors.
Japandi also blends the Danish concept of hygge — roughly translating to coziness and contentedness — with Japanese wabi-sabi, or finding beauty in imperfection. That means that Japandi interiors often may be described as minimalist, but they’re not clinical or stark.
The variation in the ceramic backsplash, the distinctive wood grains, the woven materials and the stacked stone in this beautiful kitchen on Lake Tahoe in Nevada exemplify the value placed on warmth, craftsmanship and organic beauty in Japandi-style interiors.
Bone Made
“Less is more” sums up the Japandi approach to decorating. A wood stove, natural finishes, clutter-free surfaces and a warm, neutral palette give this Australian living room an airy but cozy feel.
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“Less is more” sums up the Japandi approach to decorating. A wood stove, natural finishes, clutter-free surfaces and a warm, neutral palette give this Australian living room an airy but cozy feel.
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Cathie Hong Interiors
A Japandi-style bathroom in a renovated midcentury modern home in San Jose, California, features a deep soaking tub, hinoki stool and Japanese tiles. Meanwhile, the light-colored wood paired with the beige, gray, pale green and white finishes is a classic Scandinavian palette.
A Japandi-style bathroom in a renovated midcentury modern home in San Jose, California, features a deep soaking tub, hinoki stool and Japanese tiles. Meanwhile, the light-colored wood paired with the beige, gray, pale green and white finishes is a classic Scandinavian palette.
CARLO Architecture & Interior Design
Whereas strictly Scandi-style interiors tend to be cool-toned and high-contrast with lots of white finishes, the colors of Japanese-style interiors often veer warmer, darker and more muted, as illustrated by the forest green rug and dark woodwork in this Berlin apartment.
However, furnishings in both styles tend to be low-slung and clean-lined, which is in part why this Hans Wegner easy chair looks so at home with the room’s Japanese elements.
Whereas strictly Scandi-style interiors tend to be cool-toned and high-contrast with lots of white finishes, the colors of Japanese-style interiors often veer warmer, darker and more muted, as illustrated by the forest green rug and dark woodwork in this Berlin apartment.
However, furnishings in both styles tend to be low-slung and clean-lined, which is in part why this Hans Wegner easy chair looks so at home with the room’s Japanese elements.
Rachael Miklas Design and Detail
Japandi-style homes also aim to create harmony between indoors and out. This Australian house hits just the right notes.
8 Home Design Trends on the Rise in 2022
Japandi-style homes also aim to create harmony between indoors and out. This Australian house hits just the right notes.
8 Home Design Trends on the Rise in 2022
Unique Homestays
Cottagecore
The cottagecore aesthetic has been around for more than a decade, but it surged a couple of years ago, when we all began hunkering down and yearning for a simpler time.
Gen Z in particular embraced cottagecore’s romanticized depiction of agrarian life, partially as a rejection of consumerism and as a form of escapism. But any generation can find inspiration in the style, which is just so darned unpretentious and sweet.
Imagine a small thatched-roof cottage in the English countryside (like the one pictured here) that’s filled with ruffles and teapots and surrounded by gardens and roses, and there you have the cottagecore aesthetic.
See more country houses in the United Kingdom
Cottagecore
The cottagecore aesthetic has been around for more than a decade, but it surged a couple of years ago, when we all began hunkering down and yearning for a simpler time.
Gen Z in particular embraced cottagecore’s romanticized depiction of agrarian life, partially as a rejection of consumerism and as a form of escapism. But any generation can find inspiration in the style, which is just so darned unpretentious and sweet.
Imagine a small thatched-roof cottage in the English countryside (like the one pictured here) that’s filled with ruffles and teapots and surrounded by gardens and roses, and there you have the cottagecore aesthetic.
See more country houses in the United Kingdom
M&K Renovations
Where Japandi is minimal and clean-lined, the cottagecore look is exuberant, colorful and collected.
Cottage-inspired kitchens, like this one in Philadelphia, are hives of activity, filled with cooking, canning, bread making and pie baking. Worn work surfaces, vintage-look appliances, open shelving and hanging pots and pans mean business, but flouncy curtains, soft colors and patterns and antique touches keep the mood playful.
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Where Japandi is minimal and clean-lined, the cottagecore look is exuberant, colorful and collected.
Cottage-inspired kitchens, like this one in Philadelphia, are hives of activity, filled with cooking, canning, bread making and pie baking. Worn work surfaces, vintage-look appliances, open shelving and hanging pots and pans mean business, but flouncy curtains, soft colors and patterns and antique touches keep the mood playful.
Shop for floral kitchen and table linens
Unique Homestays
You might be looking at all of these floral fabrics, Blue Willow plates and slipcovered couches and wondering whether this is simply repackaged cottage style or rediscovered Shabby Chic.
While there is clearly a lot of overlap between the three styles aesthetically, the cottagecore look tends to be less distressed and opulent than Shabby Chic, with more emphasis on handcrafts, farming and nature.
You might be looking at all of these floral fabrics, Blue Willow plates and slipcovered couches and wondering whether this is simply repackaged cottage style or rediscovered Shabby Chic.
While there is clearly a lot of overlap between the three styles aesthetically, the cottagecore look tends to be less distressed and opulent than Shabby Chic, with more emphasis on handcrafts, farming and nature.
Meet West Studio
Compared with your mother’s (or your) classic cottage style, cottagecore can be a bit more fanciful — even twee. But truth be told, if you couldn’t distinguish a difference, you wouldn’t be alone.
This laundry room in Arkansas took inspiration from an English country cottage and interpreted it in fresh fashion, with floral wallpaper, mint green beadboard, a skirted farmhouse sink and a vintage-style light fixture.
Compared with your mother’s (or your) classic cottage style, cottagecore can be a bit more fanciful — even twee. But truth be told, if you couldn’t distinguish a difference, you wouldn’t be alone.
This laundry room in Arkansas took inspiration from an English country cottage and interpreted it in fresh fashion, with floral wallpaper, mint green beadboard, a skirted farmhouse sink and a vintage-style light fixture.
Vaughan Design and Development
One thing’s for sure: It’s not cottagecore if there isn’t greenery involved. A hanging plant brings the outdoors inside the refreshed bath of this refurbished old English country home.
One thing’s for sure: It’s not cottagecore if there isn’t greenery involved. A hanging plant brings the outdoors inside the refreshed bath of this refurbished old English country home.
Practicality Brown
The fantasy is an untamed garden, like this one from an RHS Hampton Court flower show. Even better if there are chickens in a coop and mushrooms on a log.
As cottagecore (sometimes called farmcore) has moved into the mainstream, it’s paved the way for myriad related “-cores” — fairycore, goblincore and Bridgerton-inspired Regencycore, for example. Pick an aesthetic, add the suffix to it, and there’s probably a subculture growing around it.
9 Charming Ideas From Cottage-Style Gardens
The fantasy is an untamed garden, like this one from an RHS Hampton Court flower show. Even better if there are chickens in a coop and mushrooms on a log.
As cottagecore (sometimes called farmcore) has moved into the mainstream, it’s paved the way for myriad related “-cores” — fairycore, goblincore and Bridgerton-inspired Regencycore, for example. Pick an aesthetic, add the suffix to it, and there’s probably a subculture growing around it.
9 Charming Ideas From Cottage-Style Gardens
Hierarchy Architecture + Design
Grandmillennial
Nostalgia is key to the cottagecore aesthetic as well as to another recent design buzzword that seems here to stay: grandmillennial.
The grandmillennial style embraces an older, traditional-style architecture and maximalist interior design that, while timeless in many ways, had fallen out of fashion in the last couple of decades. Its revival is a reaction to the midcentury-modern-inspired and minimalist interiors that filled its void.
The low secondhand prices for traditional furnishings and decor also probably helped boost their appeal to budget- and environmentally conscious younger homebuyers.
Grandmillennial
Nostalgia is key to the cottagecore aesthetic as well as to another recent design buzzword that seems here to stay: grandmillennial.
The grandmillennial style embraces an older, traditional-style architecture and maximalist interior design that, while timeless in many ways, had fallen out of fashion in the last couple of decades. Its revival is a reaction to the midcentury-modern-inspired and minimalist interiors that filled its void.
The low secondhand prices for traditional furnishings and decor also probably helped boost their appeal to budget- and environmentally conscious younger homebuyers.
Paper Moon Painting
If you or your parents grew up in a traditional-style home, you’ll recognize the grandmillennial aesthetic’s mix of antiques, dark wood tones, wicker, ruffles, fringe and chintz. But the look stops short of causing déjà vu by sprinkling in modern elements.
This Texas kitchen by designer Maria Beck of M.E. Beck Design nails that today-meets-traditional combo by pairing a mosaic herringbone-pattern backsplash and transitional brass cabinet pulls with a floral Roman shade, dark wood beams, brick floors, intricately detailed cabinetry and a hutch displaying traditional china.
(Be sure to zoom in on that great starburst chandelier.)
If you or your parents grew up in a traditional-style home, you’ll recognize the grandmillennial aesthetic’s mix of antiques, dark wood tones, wicker, ruffles, fringe and chintz. But the look stops short of causing déjà vu by sprinkling in modern elements.
This Texas kitchen by designer Maria Beck of M.E. Beck Design nails that today-meets-traditional combo by pairing a mosaic herringbone-pattern backsplash and transitional brass cabinet pulls with a floral Roman shade, dark wood beams, brick floors, intricately detailed cabinetry and a hutch displaying traditional china.
(Be sure to zoom in on that great starburst chandelier.)
Cummings Architecture + Interiors
The chinoiserie wallpaper, studded upholstery, dentil crown molding, tassels and brass accents in this renovated Colonial home are all traditional elements, but the room befits the home’s young homeowners thanks to a bold palette and contemporary side table and lamp.
The chinoiserie wallpaper, studded upholstery, dentil crown molding, tassels and brass accents in this renovated Colonial home are all traditional elements, but the room befits the home’s young homeowners thanks to a bold palette and contemporary side table and lamp.
Stuck on Hue
Here, layered patterns and colors, blue-and-white china, floral curtains and pillows and antique furniture and art mingle in the grandmillennial-style home of St. Louis interior designer Amy Studebaker. All it’s missing is a needlepoint pillow.
If you love the look but don’t relate to the term grandmillennial, know that “new traditional” is essentially the same style — it just lacks the catchy moniker. If there is a difference between the two, it may be that grandmillennial style tends toward a self-aware fussiness: a knowing wink that says, “I’m purposely on-trend.”
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Here, layered patterns and colors, blue-and-white china, floral curtains and pillows and antique furniture and art mingle in the grandmillennial-style home of St. Louis interior designer Amy Studebaker. All it’s missing is a needlepoint pillow.
If you love the look but don’t relate to the term grandmillennial, know that “new traditional” is essentially the same style — it just lacks the catchy moniker. If there is a difference between the two, it may be that grandmillennial style tends toward a self-aware fussiness: a knowing wink that says, “I’m purposely on-trend.”
Shop for living room furniture and accessories
Amy Troute Inspired Interior Design
This “modern Americana"-style bedroom may be on the subdued end of the spectrum, but its blue-and-white lamp, dark wood canopy bed, matching floral draperies and shades and layered checks would be on any grandmillennial’s wish list.
Tour this home
This “modern Americana"-style bedroom may be on the subdued end of the spectrum, but its blue-and-white lamp, dark wood canopy bed, matching floral draperies and shades and layered checks would be on any grandmillennial’s wish list.
Tour this home
Paperback Sundays
Barbiecore
Remember how we said the “-cores” were running rampant? Well, move over, coastal grandma, because Barbiecore is coming in hot.
Although the trend has been around for a couple of years, you can thank Valentino’s fall-winter 2022 runway show and next summer’s live-action Barbie film for a dramatic increase in all things pink.
Barbiecore
Remember how we said the “-cores” were running rampant? Well, move over, coastal grandma, because Barbiecore is coming in hot.
Although the trend has been around for a couple of years, you can thank Valentino’s fall-winter 2022 runway show and next summer’s live-action Barbie film for a dramatic increase in all things pink.
Studio Catoir
Faithful life-size reproductions of Barbie’s dream houses exist (apparently, there’s one for rent in Malibu, California, this summer). But to fit in with the Barbiecore trend, a design just needs to embody the doll’s upbeat attitude and love of color, fashion and glitz — it doesn’t have to be literal, plastic or even wall-to-wall pink.
Take this ultra-glam Parisian kitchen, for example, which pairs a mirrored pink island with a counter and wall made of marble.
Faithful life-size reproductions of Barbie’s dream houses exist (apparently, there’s one for rent in Malibu, California, this summer). But to fit in with the Barbiecore trend, a design just needs to embody the doll’s upbeat attitude and love of color, fashion and glitz — it doesn’t have to be literal, plastic or even wall-to-wall pink.
Take this ultra-glam Parisian kitchen, for example, which pairs a mirrored pink island with a counter and wall made of marble.
d2 Interieurs
Barbie was born in 1959, so a midcentury modern silhouette paired with a playful, pink-forward palette feels particularly on-trend.
See more midcentury modern-style living rooms
Barbie was born in 1959, so a midcentury modern silhouette paired with a playful, pink-forward palette feels particularly on-trend.
See more midcentury modern-style living rooms
Waters Custom Builders
Given that Barbie is a bona fide fashionista, an over-the-top opulent pink closet, like this one in Orlando, Florida, feels like a Barbiecore must-have.
Barbie style is usually associated with magenta pink, but opting for soft pink tones is a way to ease into the Barbiecore look.
Given that Barbie is a bona fide fashionista, an over-the-top opulent pink closet, like this one in Orlando, Florida, feels like a Barbiecore must-have.
Barbie style is usually associated with magenta pink, but opting for soft pink tones is a way to ease into the Barbiecore look.
D.Nicole Interiors
Let us not forget that Barbie is a boss. She’s been a presidential candidate, a CEO, an astronaut and a news anchor, among other careers. So any true Barbiecore fan needs a boss office, like this one in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Guess what one of Barbie’s 2022 careers is? Interior designer.
Let us not forget that Barbie is a boss. She’s been a presidential candidate, a CEO, an astronaut and a news anchor, among other careers. So any true Barbiecore fan needs a boss office, like this one in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Guess what one of Barbie’s 2022 careers is? Interior designer.
Ministry of Interiors
Which of these trends speaks to you? Tell us in the Comments.
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Which of these trends speaks to you? Tell us in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Read more stories about trending home designs
Browse home design photos
Find a home professional
Shop for home design products
Coastal Grandmother
The Nancy Meyers rom-com Something’s Gotta Give was the film that launched a thousand kitchen renovations in 2003. Nearly two decades later, it’s a main source of inspiration for the coastal grandmother aesthetic sweeping the globe.
Coastal grandmother is a whole lifestyle, encompassing fashion (rumpled linen and cashmere), food (farmers market veggies with white wine) and pastimes (beachcombing and living one’s “best life”). Lest you think it’s only for grandmas, the social media influencer who embraced the style and coined the term is under 30.
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