’90s decor trends are back—yep, we’re talking floral wallpaper, gingham upholstery, white wicker, and yes, even oak kitchen cabinets. The Pinterest Summer 2024 Trend Report lists ’90s-inspired beauty, fashion, and home decor as the season’s hottest trends, adding that, “people are yearning for spaces that burst with color, comfort, and character.”
The list of ’90 decor trends that are making a comeback includes iconic patterns, the decade’s staple paint colors, classic materials, and even a movie-inspired aesthetic. Nancy Meyers has influenced interior design trends as much as she’s influenced filmmaking, so it’s no wonder that the Pinterest report reveals “Nancy Meyers living room” as well as “kitchen” and “bedroom” as some of the site’s most searched terms. Keep reading to learn how to implement this and the nine other ’90s decor trends into your home in a way that honors the nostalgia while giving it a modern refresh.
Floral Wallpaper
When it comes to ’90s home decor trends, floral wallpaper is at the top of the list. The decorative wall covering happens to be back in style and one of the hottest design trends right now. Instead of a busy floral wallpaper and matching drapes, lamp shades, and pillows, put on modern spin on this beloved 90’s classic and opt for an oversized floral print wallpaper in moody shades that makes a dramatic visual impact and unexpected statement in a small bathroom. If you’re really looking to embrace the nostalgia, consider a floral wallpaper border—which is making a comeback!
The Nancy Meyers Aesthetic
Nancy Meyers is as well-known for her movies’ gorgeous interiors as she is for their brilliant plot lines. Including ’90s classics like The Father of the Bride and The Parent Trap, her timeless style infuses warmth and sophistication into every space—something people are clearly craving given that Pinterest searches for “Nancy Meyers homes” increased by 2055%. “Individuals are drawn to eclectic vintage decor that tells a story and adds a sense of nostalgia and charm,” the report states, adding that, “this trend toward personalized, eclectic, and inviting home decor is driven by a desire to create environments that evoke a sense of joy.”
Gingham Prints
When it comes to iconic ’90s patterns, gingham is a clear favorite. Case in point: The blue and white gingham sofa in The Full House living room. The classic pattern is trending again both in home decor and fashion, as the Pinterest report discovered that searches for “gingham shorts” are up a whopping 770% this summer. Incorporate the charming checkerboard pattern into your wardrobe as well as your home through a statement wallpaper or a pair of cafe curtains on the kitchen windows for a touch of nostalgia.
Pastel Hues
Most ’90s interiors included pastels in one form or another, whether through a bedroom wall color or an upholstery fabric on the sofa—and matching chairs and ottoman, of course. Pastel shades are making a nostalgic comeback, with the terms “pastel desk” and “pastel eclectic decor” both making the Pinterest report of highly searched items in the home decor category, These soothing shades offer the best of both worlds as they add the softness of a neutral while injecting in a little bit of color.
Vintage Americana
There was no shortage of charm in ’90s interiors and one of the era’s trends making a charming comeback is vintage Americana. Go for an old-meets-new look and accent a contemporary space with quintessential Americana touches such as a handmade quilt, a checkerboard pattern, or pops of red, white, and blue. The Pinterest trend report finds that searches for “vintage Americana” are up, and if you’re looking for ways to add character to your home, this trend is is a lovely way to do so.
Plates as Wall Decor
Decorative plates adorned many dining room and kitchen walls in the 1990’s, and according to Pinterest’s trend report, searches for the term “vintage plates on wall” increased by 119%. Give the ’90s wall decor a modern refresh by incorporating decorating plates into a gallery wall along with framed artwork. Round plates provide a great way to break up a collection of square and rectangle-shaped frames and they introduce a new material and three-dimensional object to give your walls a more eclectic and collected vibe.
Beige Tones
Beige was the neutral that defined the ’90s and after close to two decades of cool grays, the warm hue is back in style. What once felt outdated is chic again, whether as an all-over wall color or part of a tone-on-tone neutral color palette. Highlight beige’s inviting warmth by layering it with woven wood window shades and a jute area rug, create contrast with dark woods, and add a modern edge with matte black accents and crisp white trim.
Wicker Furniture
White wicker furniture decorated with floral seat cushions and matching pillows were a popular ’90s decor trend for indoor and outdoor spaces. The relaxed look is trending again, so take out any old wicker pieces you may have and give them a quick refresh with a fresh coat of spray paint.
Oak Cabinets
Oak kitchen cabinets have become associated with tacky gold hardware and outdated ’90s decor, but they’re making a stylish return and bringing warmth back into kitchen design. For a modern take on the ’90s staple, go for a two-tone look and pair upper oak cabinets with lower white cabinets. It means the warmth of the wood won’t overpower the space and the white paint color keeps provides crisp contrast. For a modern edge, complement the pairing with black stone countertops and simple matte black hardware.
Mixed Patterns
Take inspiration from the way ’90s interiors mixed patterns and create a layered aesthetic with a mix of abstract, graphic, and organic patterns. Pay attention to the scale of the patterns, mixing large and small-scale patterns to create variation, and tie them together through a common color or material.
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