It Took Years, but I’m Finally on Board with the Controversial Grandma-Chic Aesthetic – And It’s All Thanks to Zooey Deschanel’s Sofa
I was convinced that grandma-inspired interiors looked dated, but Zooey's sofa showed me that they can be styled with sophistication and contemporary flair
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I'll admit it: when grandma-inspired florals began to make a reappearance in the design world, I was sure that their popularity wouldn't last. It might look charming, but this nostalgia-driven aesthetic is, after all, destined to look dated, and I didn't believe it would stick around.
Years later, I'm realizing how mistaken I was – and the turning point happened to be a snapshot of Zooey Deschanel. Naturally, Zooey herself is the star of the photo, but I found myself captivated by her upholstered couch. It was the ultimate sign that the 'grandma chic' aesthetic really isn't going anywhere, and its success rests on some truly stunning patterns.
Recreate Zooey Deschanel's Grandma-Inspired Living Room
It might be an investment, but this floral couch is a real beauty. I love the classic roll-arm silhouette and the handsome wood legs.
If you're swooning over Zooey's use of velvet, why not accessorize your living space using a statement pillow like this one? I can't resist deep red velvet.
For another nod to the red hues in Zooey's space, consider a heritage-inspired print like this one. It's opulent but versatile.
Steal Zooey's stunning color scheme using this woven throw from Anthropologie. It's the perfect way to bring Regency-inspired elegance to your couch.
If a bespoke floral sofa isn't in your budget, you can always opt for a luxurious throw blanket like this one. The rich blue trim is effortlessly chic.
For a more traditional floral print, try this pale pink pillow. It's finished with a contrasting coral trim that adds a dash of whimsy.
It's safe to say that Zooey's sofa makes a statement, but it doesn't overwhelm her space. Thanks to some masterful pattern drenching – you can't miss the embroidered rug and striped curtains – every detail feels intentional, creating a rich tapestry of colors and styles.
While the sofa's teal print is picture-perfect, I was immediately drawn to its velvet frame. Finished with exposed stitching and a twist cord trim, it feels practically regal – especially given the deep scarlet hue. It encapsulates the opulent feeling of Zooey's entire room, proving that 'grandma style' can transcend clichés and look truly luxurious.
To me, the sofa points toward the heritage maximalism trend – an aesthetic which blends bold, contemporary design styles with a sense of tradition. Upon first glance, the sofa could simply seem eclectic or even chintzy; look closer, however, and it begins to tell a story.
A piece like this is a reminder that time-honored prints and fabrics really do have staying power. The grandma aesthetic might be rooted in nostalgia, but it's more than faded florals and cozy charm. Add a few rich fabrics and dramatic colors and you can build a dynamic, playful space.
The gentle teal hue of the floral fabric could look delicate – and at worst, dated – in this space, but paired with deeper colors like red and purple, it feels grounded and considered. Zooey's design choices demonstrate that statement pieces work best when approached with confidence – and this means celebrating their boldness, rather than running away from it.
After all, it's this boldness that brings depth and dimension to a space that might otherwise feel too loud. Zooey's sofa is bursting with whimsical, vintage charm, but it's balanced out by a more modern silhouette. The result is a piece that feels unique and characterful yet also mature and sophisticated.
According to designers, intentionality is the secret to a successful grandma-inspired look. Nostalgia will always act as a starting point for styling oversized florals and heritage fabrics, but it's best to incorporate at least a hint of contemporary flair.
'What's fascinating about Zooey's floral sofa is how it reclaims nostalgia with intention,' says Anh Ly, Founder of Toronto-based furniture brand Mim Concept. 'The large-scale floral print has depth because of its rich, saturated colors; it doesn't read as sugary or literal, but curated. That's what separates a 'grandma' aesthetic from a grown-up heritage look.'
Balance is also integral – and this is where mindful pattern clashing comes in.
'Florals in upholstery can be intimidating, but when they're grounded in strong color contrast and balanced with thoughtful supporting pieces, they give the space personality and invitation,' says Anh. 'It's a design that feels collected, not chaotic.'
If 'grandmacore' conjures images of antiquated rooms that feel more shabby than chic, let Zooey's sofa remind you that this aesthetic really is timeless. With a touch of modern elegance thrown in, it becomes far more than a fleeting trend – and it can create spaces that look perennially stylish.
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