What Is '90s Interior Design? Plus How to Recreate It
The '90s are back and even more stylish.
The 1990s were an iconic decade for fashion, music, and interior design, so it's no wonder the '90s still have a special place in our hearts. Along with the resurgence of the claw clip, platform sandals, and baguette bags, '90s trends are also having a comeback in the interior design world. Keep reading to learn all about '90s interior design and why it's all that.
What Is '90s Interior Design?
'90s interior design is anything and everything that reminds you of the 1990s. Think back to kitchens with oak cabinets, decorative roosters, and a certain country pop singer's voice blasting from the radio – and that's just one nostalgic '90s aesthetic! We can't forget about the moody grunge era, the '90s arcade scene, the primary color takeover, '90s minimalism, and all things frilly and floral.
'90s Interiors: How to Get the Look
With so many ways to achieve the '90s look in your home, we've come up with a list of must-haves for a '90s-inspired space. So put on a '90s throwback playlist or your go-to '90s sitcom and get started.
1. Choose a '90s Color Scheme
(Shop this image: traditional floral rugs, white makeup vanities, sheer gray curtains, and blue beds.)
The first step to achieving a '90s look in your home is to decide on a color palette for walls, floors, furnishings, and decor. Here are some of the most popular color schemes for each '90s aesthetic:
- Primary Colors: Shades of red, yellow, and blue in the same space
- Romantic Pastels: Shades of light or mid-toned pink, blue, yellow, or purple paired with cream or beige and floral patterns
- Grunge Inspired–Palettes: Shades of dark red, green, brown, blue or plum purple paired with charcoal gray or black
- Bold/Neon Colors: Shades of electric blue, neon green or yellow, magenta, hot pink, or bright orange
Tip!
Medium-toned violet or lavender purple are also popular because they nod to a beloved '90s sitcom about a group of friends and an iconic NYC apartment.
2. Invest in '90s Furniture Pieces
(Shop this image: beige slipcovered sofas, striped ottomans, rattan/wicker accent chairs, and blue traditional wallpaper.)
The furniture you choose to incorporate will depend on the '90s era you're drawn to. Here are some staple '90s furniture pieces to mix into your living room, bedroom, or game room setup:
- Slipcovered sofas
- Skirted side tables or ottomans
- Wicker accent chairs
- Floral-patterned sofas or accent chairs
- Furnishings made of blond wood like pine or oak
- Canopy beds
- Open-framed metal beds
- CD storage furniture
- Beanbag chairs
- Inflatable chairs
Tip!
Leaning towards the floral '90s style? Check out What Is Grandmacore? All You Need to Know About This Granny Chic Style for similar design inspo.
3. Introduce Decorative Paint or Wallpaper
(Shop this image: orange floral wallpaper, green bathroom vanities, rectangular bathroom mirrors, and wallchiere wall sconces.)
Another key element of any '90s inspired–space is elaborate wallpaper or decorative wall paint. White or beige walls are swapped for busy floral wallpaper, landscape wall murals, or walls with textures and faux finishes made by using sponges, rags, or stencils as a part of the painting process.
(Shop this image: breakfast nooks, blue plaid pillows, and blue bench cushions.)
When in doubt, give your space a '90s upgrade with the decade's favorite patterns. Introduce gingham designs, floral motifs, orderly stripes, or abstract shapes/squiggles through wallpaper, pillows, area rugs, and furniture upholstery.
Tip!
Blue gingham is especially popular in '90s-themed spaces because it's reminiscent of the sofa featured in a popular sitcom’s living room.
(Shop this image: traditional wallpaper, traditional blue side tables, yellow vases & jars, and traditional decorative plates.)
There are so many different ways to add a bit of '90s flair to your home! Decor is an easy way to achieve the look, whether you're after frilly and floral, bold and colorful, minimalistic, or rustic '90s vibes. Here are some examples of decor that will transport you right back to the '90s:
- Dried florals and/or faux plants as an alternative to real flowers and live houseplants.
- Lamps with pleated lampshades
- Dramatic window treatments (that ideally pool on the floor)
- Throw pillows with floral, gingham, or abstract patterns
- Ruffled throw pillows
- Home accessories in primary shades of red, yellow, and blue
- Shoji screens (popular in '90s minimalist spaces)
- Neon signs
- Decorative roosters (a staple of '90s oak wood kitchens)
- Area rugs with patterns or color schemes you'd find in an arcade
- Area rugs with elaborate floral designs
- Graphic prints or posters
- Beaded curtains
Tip!
Now that you know about '90s interior design, learn about another iconic decade of interior design: What Is '80s Interior Design & How to Style It Today.
