At the Ottawa Home & Remodelling Show this past February, I had the pleasure of meeting Cate Brown, the new managing editor of Our Homes magazine. We had a wonderful conversation about the design industry and the trends making their way into our homes and Cate officially introduced me to “Grammacore.”
One of the biggest design trends this season, Grammacore embraces cosy, nostalgic, lived-in spaces — where comfort, character and intentional clutter take centre stage over minimalism. It celebrates vintage and sentimental pieces, layered textiles, floral patterns and thrifted furniture to create a space that feels warm, personal and truly yours.
At its heart, it’s nostalgia at its best.
For many of us, it brings back memories of visiting Gramma’s house — feeling loved, cared for and surrounded by meaningful, well-loved things.
What I love most about Grammacore is the freedom it offers. It invites you to play with your style and mix pieces you may never have considered pairing before. The “rules” soften, and your home becomes more about feeling than perfection.
Cate graciously shared photos of her own home, showcasing her interpretation of this trend — and I absolutely love the energy and thoughtful vignettes she’s created. Those are Cate’s photos in the “key elements” section.
Key elements of the Grammacore look
Bring out the art
Gallery walls are back in a big way. Mix embroidery, oil paintings, prints and posters. When displayed together, the variety of sizes and frames create a layered, collected look, which is far more interesting than perfectly matched pieces.
Layered textiles
Think crochet afghans, lace curtains, embroidered linens, quilts and patchwork cushions. Texture is everything — it adds warmth, softness and depth.
Vintage furniture
Dark wood pieces, upholstered chairs and classic lamps instantly bring a sense of nostalgia. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re built to last — something we don’t always see today.
Eclectic accessories
Blend modern, vintage and antique pieces. This mix creates a curated, one-of-a-kind feel that tells your story.
Nature-inspired touches
Incorporate dried flowers, houseplants or botanical wallpaper to bring the outdoors in and soften the space.
How to achieve the look
Use warm lighting: Soft, ambient lighting from lamps creates that cosy, welcoming glow while beautifully highlighting the texture and character of each piece.
Add personal details: Display meaningful items — handmade pieces, heirlooms or collected treasures that reflect your life. This might be the perfect time to visit Gramma or your parents and sift through those boxes tucked away in the basement or attic. You never know what special pieces are waiting to be rediscovered.
Thrift and source locally: Curated Finds Inspired For You is a pre-loved home decor shoppe I co-own and located in the vibrant downtown of Smiths Falls. We scour the Ottawa region and beyond to find unique pieces filled with history and character, thoughtfully curating them into eye-pleasing, inspiring vignettes throughout the shop.
The Grammacore esthetic is truly right up our alley. Here’s a peek at our shoppe and some of the Grammacore pieces we’ve curated:
We’re open Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 13 William St. E., and we invite you to pop in and discover the treasures waiting for you.
I hope I’ve inspired you to bring a little Grammacore into your home.
