Slip dresses, cargo pants, and ripped jeans are storming the streets again, and the reappearance of these grunge-era staples can only mean one thing: 90s style is making a comeback. And it’s not just trending on the runway—interior designers are increasingly adding elements of 90s décor into their projects.
“Trends cycle through over time,” says Sara Haag, an interior and architectural designer and the creative director of The Scale Collective. “However, I think that warm, enveloping tones are here to stay, with bits of retrofuturism—and that’s what the 90s were all about!”
Below, we’ve rounded up advice from Haag and other industry experts on the most relevant ways to layer some 90s style into your existing space—without resorting to beaded curtains and inflatable chairs.
What Defined 90s Design?
Getty / Fernando Bengoechea
Sometimes, the 90s can feel like a mixed bag: pastels were big, but so were primary colors. Wicker and chrome were equally popular, and intricate patterns went hand-in-hand with neutrals. So, what does it all mean? The 1990s were an era of bold creativity. Figures in fashion, art, music, and tech were all expressing their individuality, and the same can be said for interior designers.
Haag says that jewel tones like burgundies, blues, oranges, and greens, as well as pastels and other bright colors, are some of the first things that leap to mind when it comes to the 90s. Ashley Drost and Marie Trohman of Proem Studio agree, adding that warm wood tones were also a staple.
Step into any suburban house 30 years ago, and you were sure to see also matching furniture sets, canopy beds, and plenty of chrome accents.
The Who’s Who of 90s Design
The late architect Zaha Hadid, as well as designers Patricia Urquiola and Kelly Wearstler, were all prolific in the 90s. They debuted eclectic pieces that drew from 70s-esque styles, but that still feel relevant today.
The late German industrial designer Ingo Mauer was another prominent figure of 90s design, and was known for his wacky lighting. Drost describes Mauer’s work as “very sculptural and at times whimsical.” Nevertheless, it was so popular that his Zettel’z Hanging lamp is now in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection.
On the architecture side, John Pawson rose to prominence in the 90s. “He became big for his minimalist aesthetic,” adds Haag.
The Resurgence of 90s Décor
The rise of 90s style was predicted by Pinterest last year, and looking at the numbers, it’s easy to see why. Many young adults are reaching an age where they’re nostalgic for the décor of their childhood homes.
“Now that Gen X and millennials are established, there’s a comfort and playfulness in revisiting design elements we grew up with,” says Trohman. “This is the era we would have been in the kitchen with our parents, picking out wallpapers from books at the local shop, and testing out different furniture layouts in our childhood bedrooms.”
Kate Rohrer, founder and creative director of Rohe Creative, agrees that there are elements of remembrance and emotion at play. “People want to feel things!” she says. “For a lot of us who grew up in the 80’s and 90’s, we have such fond memories of this stuff, and it truly shaped who we are in the design world.”
How to Get the Look
Getty / William Geddes
According to the experts, incorporating the 90s trend into your space is a breeze. Not sure about where to start? “Mix pieces in minimal rooms to make a statement—the more irreverent, the better,” says Drost. “If you’ve already plastered or texturized your walls, this will be pretty easy to achieve.”
Start small: Rohrer suggests thinking about the style as art. “There are ways to create beautiful moments around things that evoke memories or emotions. For instance, a great-looking 90’s table lamp can work wonderfully on a shelf or console, and it won’t take over the whole room or make it feel dated. I think starting off small and selecting one item to really commit to makes for a lovely introduction.”
Or go big: “If you want it to define the room, it most certainly can—leaning in isn’t a bad thing at all!” says Rohrer. Larger elements that are getting a second life include wall-to-wall carpet, canopy beds, and matching entertainment sets. Recently, Proem Studio has been leaning into the warm wood trend, opting for Douglas fir, red oak, and mahogany in various residential projects.
Color and pattern: Painting a room with either pastels or outrageously bright colors is a low-commitment way to experiment—you can always paint over it later—as is replacing a solid duvet and pillows with a ruffled or patterned version.
Consider materials: Stainless steel is another favorite, Trohman says, advocating for the inclusion of “clean, sculptural, and minimal coffee tables, cabinets, and bookshelves.”
