’90s Interiors Are Back – Here’s How To Tap Into The Trend Now
With nostalgia for the 1990s driving recent cultural trends, many interior-design movements for 2023 have also been taking their cues from the decade of prosperity. So, from playing with proportions to adding colors that pack a punch, here’s how to bring a little ’90s optimism into your home. By KATIE BERRINGTON
Why are we looking to the ’90s for interior inspiration?
“The ’90s delivered a golden age of economic boom across the globe, with new technologies, a surge of optimism and the potential of a new millennium,” says Na Li, co-founder of design consultancy Holloway Li. “People are craving this energy in 2023, so it’s only natural that we’ve seen a trend to celebrate the nostalgic décor of the decade.”
“It makes a lot of sense,” agrees Mimi Shodeinde of Miminat Designs. “After recent chaos, there’s no wonder we are continually drawn back to eras that evoke feelings of safety, peace and optimism.”
What to tap into…
Bold colors and nostalgic shapes
“Neons were big in the ’90s and I’m happy to see those making a reappearance in design in a way we haven’t seen recently,” says Susana Simonpietri, creative director at Chango & Co. “When I think about the ’90s, I think about the fashion that existed at that time; there was a big play on proportions, with boxy jackets and chunky rubber shoes. Also, technology was influencing style and playing a part in functional clothing and design, [so] don’t be afraid to play with color, pattern and scale in your interiors, too – things like tiny-scale flowered fabrics, iridescent and neon tones are lots of fun. Also think about metallics, faux fur and plenty of oversized pieces to give your space a ’90s punch.”
When it comes to Li’s favorite features of the ’90s, she lists “the colors, the energy and the unique clashes of patterns and forms; that feeling of celebration. We recommend experimenting more with interesting and bold colors – think polished surfaces and nostalgic shapes. We just designed a chair with Uma that nods to ’90s décor trends,” she adds.
Experimental angst
“Interior design often follows fashion,” says designer Megan Grehl. “I think our design audience is craving warm neutrals, perhaps with a bit of angst and grunge in the form of texture and volume. I’m feeling a shift towards being more experimental and open to rough, bold textures and materials.”
Natural materials and earthy tones
“I think we could all learn a lesson from the interiors of the ’90s, returning to organic, natural materials (whether that be travertine, oak, or more rustic options) to bring warmth and comfort to our homes. [It’s about] not being afraid to explore shapes and textures to add depth and personality where we need it most,” says Shodeinde.
So, what materials should you look to incorporate? “Strong, moody woods such as burl and shou sugi ban, [plus] outlandish, porous stones like travertine and volcanic rock,” suggests Grehl. “The late ’90s also had a big revival in mid-century architecture and earth-inspired tones – think the Schaffer Residence of Tom Ford’s A Single Man. Using as many real, natural materials as possible in a space is important to me. Being half-Taiwanese and growing up in Asia, I’m a big believer in the energy that objects give off, and they can really enhance the experience of our spaces. Many clients shy away from using natural stones like travertine, limestone and marble in fear of staining, [but] there are many new technologies to make these materials more user-friendly. And, personally, I think a little patina and age makes stone more beautiful – [the same goes for] other materials, such as wood, metal and even leather.”
What to leave in the past…
“I will not use factory-grade tiles [with a] marble pattern [that looks like it] has been printed – as with clothing, if the patterns don’t line up, it looks inexpensive,” continues Grehl. “Apply the same principles to your home as you would in fashion. However, don’t forget that there are always exceptions for the sake of a little fun. I love Seung Jin Yang’s recent ‘Blowing’ chair collection, for example – definitely a nostalgic reminder of the era’s plastic blow-up furniture.”
“I think anything can be reinterpreted and made cool,” adds Simonpietri. “But if I had to choose something to leave in the ’90s, maybe [it would be] sunflower patterns – I wouldn’t care to see those come back. Or crushed velvet.”
“We are definitely much more aware of sustainability than 40 years ago, in the way things are sourced, manufactured and the carbon footprint it causes to be fitted in someone’s home,” considers Li. “We are a lot more careful and responsible when selecting materials, finishes and products now.”