10 Ways to Make Classic Design Work in Your Home

You may have heard the term coastal grandma making the rounds, largely defined by a certain laid-back, feminine style. And now grandmillennial design is having a moment. Emma Bazilian, who coined the term grandmillennial, and Stephanie Diaz have just debuted their new book, Charm School: The Schumacher Guide to Traditional Decorating for Today. For Emma, grandmillennial design is about borrowing traditional elements from the past and making them feel less formal and more fun. "You don't want a room to look like a museum," she advises.

So what defines traditional, or classic, decor? Helpfully, Charm School breaks down the core elements, from chintz and florals, wicker and rattan to slipcovers and scallops. Think, more is more, mix and match all you want, and there are no hard-and-fast rules.

Sister Parish, Albert Hadley and Mario Buatta are some of the design legends who embodied traditional style, although it's key to remember that even these classic adherents sought to mix the old with the new.

Just like grandmillennial style is an homage to an earlier era, so is the book. Both are intended to understand the traditional foundation in order to give it new life.