CROCHETED toilet roll covers, lace antimacassars, doilies and avocado bathroom suites were once the pinnacle of taste. But now it looks like the generation that made such household items popular have now turned their back on them.
According to a new study on the design tastes of those aged over 65, people in that age group are increasingly adopting a more “modern” and “minimalist” style.
The research, carried out by retirement property developer McCarthy Stone, found that almost a fifth of older Britons now turn to social media for interior ideas. Two thirds also consider items such as lace tablecloths, doilies and tea cosies to be “outdated”.
So is this where the inexplicable trend for kitting interiors out in various shades of grey has come from; has it been fuelled by the silver pound?
Everywhere you look, grey is on trend. Even our swanky new offices boast 50 shades of the colour.
Surely, if you live in a country dominated by grey skies, you would lean towards brighter colours when decorating your surroundings.
Weirdly, though, as the aging baby-boomers eschew the kitsch of their past, Gen Z are picking up the pieces and embracing “granny chic”. Also known as “grandmillennial” style, this is a look as well as a lifestyle.
Once you’ve donned your floral prints, twinset and popped your cateye specs on a chain, you can live the look by surrounding yourself with swirly carpets, embossed wallpaper and a fluffy loo seat cover.
Just the other week, online shrine to interior design marthastewart.com was waxing lyrical about granny chic: “There are a few design elements to focus on that will help you achieve this niche look. Consider choosing heavily printed curtains, upholstery and wall coverings. Embellishments are also a key detail to pulling off this vibe – think ruffles, pleats and fringe.”
Thanks for the tips, Martha, but I think I’ll pass.
Last month we celebrated the 25th anniversary of moving into our home. It was definitely granny chic, but not in a good way.
It’s advised that, when potential buyers come to view your home, you scent it with freshly brewed coffee and the aroma of homemade bread wafting from the oven.
When we came to see this place, the owner – over 65 but definitely not with leanings towards modern interior design – was boiling cabbage.
We were not put off. Anyway, we could only afford the place because it needed so much updating.
It took us five years to save enough, but finally we were able to rip out the old kitchen. It featured classic brown Formica units from which we unearthed a Post Office leaflet dated 1972 and green frayed carpet tiles under which we found three layers of lino. It was a bit like an archaeological dig … except messier.
After some simple arithmetic, it dawns on me that our “new” kitchen is now 20 years old.
In fact, it’s probably not much younger than the one we removed all those years ago.
We have no intention of replacing it anytime soon. Does that mean we’re granny chic after all?
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here