Every week there seems to be a new “core” trending, but this latest iteration may already feel familiar—and is inspired by your favorite person: Grandma. Dubbed “grandmacore,” this style of cozy, character-filled interiors is officially trending in the most unlikely of places. According to Pinterest’s spring trend report, searches for “grandmacore kitchens” are soaring—up over 545 percent in the past few months. As Country Living’s resident kitchen expert, I knew I had to investigate. Below, I’m diving into what exactly grandmacore is, why it’s trending in the kitchen, and how you can bring the look home.
What Is Grandmacore?
Grandma has always been a style icon in her own right, but grandmacore is really just a romanticized, nostalgic version of traditional, heartfelt, homespun interiors. It’s lived-in—nothing was ever perfect at Grandma’s house, even if she had plastic covering the couch—and comfortable.
The furniture is perfectly worn from a lifetime of family gatherings and the textiles were at the height of style, oh, say, 30 years ago. Wood tones abound in grandmacore spaces, as do doilies, punches of gingham, painted-and-scuffed floors, and farm animal motifs (geese, chickens, or sheep preferred). The 2026 approach to grandmacore decorating focuses on similar elements, viewing them through the lenses of the ever-popular Grandmillennial or cottagecore movements. Changing the name doesn’t change the fact that these spaces prize nostalgia and joy above all else—just like Grandma would have.
RELATED: For a Full Breakdown of Grandma-Approved Trends, Check Out Our Grandmacore Trend Report
Is Grandmacore Trending?
Undoubtedly. We’ve spent years writing about Grandma’s impeccable taste, so it’s no shock that the wider design world is finally catching up. What may be surprising, though, is why it’s officially trending in the kitchen. Once viewed as the bastion of bright-and-light interiors, kitchens are experiencing a bit of a renaissance in 2026. They’re getting a little moodier and full of much more character and charm than previously accepted, which is why “dark cottagecore” kitchens also appeared on Pinterest’s recent trend report.
TL;DR: People are clamoring for kitchens that feel real and not like a sanitized showroom space that no one actually uses. Grandmacore kitchens are poised to take over since they’re full of that nostalgia and warmth we’re all craving these days.
RELATED: 7 Nostalgic Kitchen Details That Take You Back to Grandma’s House
Examples of Grandmacore in the Kitchen
When it comes to kitchens, there are plenty of ways to embrace grandmacore, and none of them have to include keeping an empty tub of Country Crock butter on hand at all times—but they certainly could. Below, I’m breaking down four key elements of a grandmacore kitchen and explaining how you can bring the look to your space.
Café Curtains
Café curtains are decidedly grandma, but they’re also decidedly chic these days. Thanks to the increased popularity of cottage-inspired styles over the last six years, soft, fanciful touches like this have hit the mainstream and are no longer confined to the 1980s. Today’s café curtains, while certainly inspired by Grandma, are a dynamic way to bring texture and color to an otherwise sterile space. Try lace-trimmed curtains for a trendy-but-still-classic look.
RELATED: Yes, Lace is Officially Trending Again!
Pot Racks and Rails
Let’s be honest: cluttercore and grandmacore are two sides of the same coin. While the idea of a cluttered kitchen sounds—frankly—horrible, there is a way to bring that familiar, happily jumbled look while still prioritizing function. Enter the pot rack. These handy additions keep the most loved pieces within reach while ensuring everything is off the counter and exactly where it needs to be. Choose brass for a timeless look, or embrace a simple wood dowel for something a bit more rustic.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Cluttercore—Including How to Do It Right
Plates on Display
If you’re in need of some grandma-approved decor in your kitchen, try a plate wall. These quintessential displays are chock-full of grandmotherly charm, and you can add to them throughout your life. Go for Spode transferware or Blue Willow if you want a traditional feel, but don’t be afraid to venture into the wacky world of majolica for something a little more unique. A collection of silver trays gives the same effect with just a bit more elegance.
RELATED: Why Millennials Are Suddenly Buying Majolica—And Why You Should Too!
Warm Wood Cabinetry
In true what-once-was-old-is-new-again news: brown wood kitchen cabinets are back. I’ve been tracking the comeback of wood cabinetry for the last two years, and in 2026 it’s safe to say these wood-toned cabinets are officially trending once again. These days, a love of warmer tones and a desire to move away from boring, builder-grade finishes means that wood cabinets—whether they’re honeyed maple or dark walnut—are no longer crying out for a fresh coat of paint. Pair them with a warm terra-cotta backsplash or trending earth tones to complete the look you’ve loved since you first saw it in Grandma’s kitchen.
RELATED: The Five Kitchen Trends That Will Be Everywhere in 2026
Anna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.
