A Grandmillennial Confession

I come by this grandmillennial thing naturally. On my 13th birthday, my grandmother gave me a little Eastlake chest of drawers.

Like so many girls on the verge of growing up, I had a small stash of treasures. My little dresser became the place where I kept my cherished trinkets and knickknacks, the seashells and vintage lace and coins from other countries all carefully sorted, catalogued, and stowed away.

A Grandmillenial's Secret

When I noticed the grandmillennial decor trend emerging over the last few years, I chuckled. I’ve been hoarding old treasures from my grandma for as long as I could remember. I’d never expected my style to become trendy. And the true secret to executing grandmillennial decor? Seeing the value in things where others can’t.

There is a strange reassurance in using something loved by generations that went before. Whether it’s an old dresser, a cast iron pan, or a piece of jewelry, these loved old things show the signs of affection and wear that mark a life well lived. Sometimes, they’ve been loved to the point that only those who love them can still see their beauty.

For A Lived-In Grandmillennial Vibe, Look for Sturdy Things

In some ways, this dresser’s survival is something of a surprise. I think it’s probably a consequence of how very sturdy the dresser is. My little dresser certainly shows its age, but there's also an inexplicable satisfaction in knowing that something so precious has very little monetary value. Its only real value lies in how loved it is.

I’m an adult now, with a child of my own, but my dresser is still filled with treasures. On quiet mornings when I’m alone in the house, I like to pull open the drawers, drink in that familiar scent, and remember the little girl who loved it all those years ago.

Learn more about grandmillenial decor on my blog. Plus, find helpful tips and tricks to improve your knitting, patterns, tutorials, and more.