Exquisite Interiors

CHARMING. CURATED. COMFORTABLE.
Story by Phoebe Warren | Photos by Shane Darby

Rattan furniture. Patterned curtains. Fine china on display. An increasing number of folks are moving far, far away from stark minimalism and shifting into a new trend, dubbed “grandmillennial style.” This fresh design term was coined by Emma Bazilian in her 2019 article for House Beautiful. Also known as “granny-chic,” this style reinterprets vintage design trends and merges them with modern aesthetics. Floral prints, ruffles, and antiques are given a modern, fresh styling for an interior design trend that is sure to stay.

Recently, Pleasant Grove teacher Hilary Stovall and her family settled into their dream home, a 5-bed, 3.5-bath house that checked off all the boxes on their list. Hilary has given the space a gentle grandmillennial treatment. “My goal was to go for a comfortable, Pottery-Barn-meets-grandmillennial style,” she said. The result is an utterly irresistible space that provides plenty of charm without sacrificing modern sensibilities. 

Walking past the entryway into the living room, the color palette leans heavily on warm whites, creams, and light wood tones. Everything feels airy and calm. Floral curtains provide cheer and a splash of color in the living area. Vaulted ceilings, large windows, and an open flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas give the space a modern foundation. A gorgeous focal point in the living room is a decorative plate wall. This statement piece was designed by Amanda Magness, whose new business is called Collected & Curated: The Plate Wall Co. A few of the plates feature a St. Bernard’s face, a nod to the Stovall family’s dog, Poppy. The other family pet, a mini goldendoodle named Goose, is also artistically represented in the home—by a statue that greets visitors at the front door. “[The dogs] have free range to anywhere their hearts desire in our house,” Hilary said. “I never want our home to be ‘off limits’ to kids or pets.”

The dining room has a clever built-in hutch and buffet for storage and display. Baskets, glassware, and patterned curtains give the area grandmillenial vibes, while a wooden dining table adorned with spindle-back chairs provides anchoring. A curved chandelier with a faux candlestick design is the perfect crown jewel for such a well-blended space. 

The kitchen is bright and refined. Cream-colored cabinets and a warm wooden island bring warmth and polish, while woven barstools give texture to the space. Sleek globe pendant lights and brass accents provide a subtle modern finish. Hidden to the left of the kitchen is a pantry to die for—and Hilary’s favorite secret hangout. “My favorite room in the house is the butler’s pantry,” she said. “I love the storage and versatility when we have guests over. I joke and say that I’m going to place a comfy chair in there to needlepoint as the sun comes up amongst my espresso machine and snacks.”

On the other side of the kitchen is an inviting breakfast nook, where natural light streams in through its large windows. A wooden pedestal table and woven-seat chairs bring warmth to the room, and a dark hutch beside the table provides the perfect amount of visual contrast.  Just beyond the arched doorway of this room, a tucked-away half bath adds everyday convenience while still maintaining the home’s seamless flow. 

Down the hallway lies the primary bedroom. This room is completely decorated in neutral tones of tan, cream, and taupe. Subtle floral patterns in the rug, blanket, pillows, and curtains provide just enough visual interest for this earthy haven intended for relaxation. A primary bathroom is attached, the most modern space in the home in its wholly minimalist sensibilities. 

On the other side of the house, there are two bedrooms for 5-year-old Sutton and 2-year-old Hattie. Sutton’s room represents his love of vehicles, with a fun quilt from Crate and Barrel on his bed. “When his room isn’t clean for a photoshoot, you’ll find bins of Legos and superhero costumes galore,” Hilary said. Hattie’s room is fit for a princess. With a whimsical dollhouse quilt, soft pink accents, plushies, and ruffled curtains, it’s the perfect place for her to dream and play. 

Though the home is carefully designed, the overall effect is ultimately comfort. It feels like a space where friends gather, dogs run, and children play. Perhaps it’s the whimsical charm of the grandmillenial aesthetic that makes this sense of comfort so abundant. “My dream is that my kids and their friends always want our house to be the hangout,” Hilary said. “These are the days for slobbery puppy kisses and muddy rain boots.”