I don’t know about you, but my sweet, funny grandpa was nothing like Ralph Lauren (my grandpa may have driven a red truck, definitely not a British sports car), but the esthetic Lauren lives by seems to check all the current “Grandpa Chic” decorating trend boxes…that perfect balance between comfort and elegant sophistication.
Every January, we are inundated with upcoming fashion and home decor trends. Often, we are given conflicting information…i.e. some say white kitchens are out, others say they are in! Others say the open concept is over, while others aren’t going quite that far. In any case, no one is suggesting you scrap what you have and start over. Quite the opposite. That throw-away (fill the landfill) option is over, thankfully!
What I gathered from everything I’ve heard/read is that our interiors will become transitional with more layering, warm tones ( a move away from neutrals), collected, vintage…that quiet luxury we keep hearing about.
What I’ve interpreted from many sources:
- We will be staying (not moving) in our homes, choosing to reinvent our spaces to suit our needs, whether home office, craft area, entertainment media room, or more storage…
- Timeless style using natural materials like stone and wood, looking to nature for inspiration in form and texture.
- Adding warmer, bolder and/or jewel-toned colours in paint and furnishings.
- Wallpaper, wall murals and panelling. (This one I’m contemplating.)
- Natural, soft, luxe fabrics like linen, cotton, cashmere, and velvet.
- Quality over quantity. No “throw-away” furnishings or accessories. We will be respecting nature and the environment.
A room I loved at first sight that encompasses this trend to a tee is Ralph’s, located at 173 Blvd. St. Germain in Paris. My daughter and I had dinner there shortly after opening in 2010. On a cool, drizzly night in September, we were seated in the inside bar area. It’s so enveloping with the yard’s long velvet drapes, leather banquettes, and paisley, plaid, and leopard-patterned pillows to lean into. The tables are topped with starched white tablecloths, just perfect today, red rose centrepieces and is lit with brass and glass candle hurricanes. A stark contrast to this elegant interior is a basic American burger menu served by servers in cotton-striped button-up shirts and jeans.
Benjamin Moore has declared Blue Nova their colour of the year. It reminds me of the blue of blue/white china patterns and ginger jars that fit into many decorating styles.
The outdoor patio of the same Ralph’s restaurant I mentioned above uses this colour liberally in the most pleasing way.
Like the Coastal Grandmother trend that was fashionable a couple of years ago, Grandpa Chic is about the “classic“, elegant, timeless, NOT the dowdy old-fashioned look we might associate with our grandparents…yikes, I hope that’s (dowdy) not the way my grandsons see me!
This decorating trend encourages us to inject our personalities into it. We can layer in textures and colours we relate to and add vintage and antique pieces that speak to us. There’s plenty of room for a yin and yang balance, like this chic black leather moto jacket worn with a feminine tulle skirt…the best of both.
Are you ready to jump on this 2024 trend?
xox Judy❤️
Judy, you have started the new year off with a bang! OMG I love everything in this post. I love the trend, of not following the trend. The Blue Nova and complimentary colors, especially that “topaz,” are gorgeous. Love those velvet couches – but not with two dogs. The velvet throws I have, one of which I purchased from you, will have to do the trick.
Now I am really motivated to get the rest of my Christmas decor packed away, and move on to making some changes in my family room.
Our second last trip to Paris, we walked in front of Ralph’s at least once a day, but never went in. Always on our way to another planned location. Next time, I will not miss out on going in for at least a drink.
As always, thank you for the inspiration and motivation!
Hi Karen, I’m sorry you missed the “Ralph’s” experience because it’s right up your alley. The flagship retail store attached to it is also a feast for the eyes. As you go up from one floor to the next, the fashion gets more beautiful. The top floor has the most exceptional gowns…red carpet worthy. Now that it’s so frigid outdoors, it’s great to have an indoor project to work on…have fun!
xox Judy❤️
Oh my gosh Judy, I love the Blue Nova colour and don’t get me started on the photo with the gorgeous tweed paired with the beautiful brown leather gloves…LOVE that look! I’m all about refurbishing and re-purposing…especially when it involves good quality cotton and linen! I’ve never liked the idea of putting anything into the landfill when we can use it again in a different way or just even changing up the look of it with fabric or something. Ralph’s looks absolutely gorgeous and I love both the inside and outside decor. I’ve just started to take down my Christmas decorations today, which always seems a little sad, but now I’m actually a little excited to do it and maybe change things up a little as I do. Thank you so much for the gorgeous photos and dose of inspiration you always give me….and, by the way, NOBODY would ever think you as dowdy! You are always classy and beautiful! Hugs, Karen xo🥰
Hi Karen, it sounds like you will have no problem implementing this look into your home! The colours and fabrics will be a good starting point. I, too, love this look and now it’s just a matter of figuring out where to best add another layer, or two, to incorporate Grandpa Chic! Putting away Christmas is always a sentimental time…you are closing the box on the past year and reflecting on all the special memories made over the holiday season. Soon we’ll be back in the garden but while we are in that holding space, our interior is calling for some TLC. Have fun, xox Judy❤️