The writer uses hyberbole to offer a lighthearted joke about the age of the grandmother.
Prior to Dee leaving home, the everyday objects in her household were just that- everyday objects. She took no special notice of any of them. However, once she returns home, all of these objects represent great culture significance to her. She is incredibly enthused about how great the wooden benches and old quilts are because she thinks it is in-style to be in touch with her own culture.
