As millennials enter the housing market and make a statement on their spaces, ’90s design trends are returning to the home. Often reminiscent of their childhood, ’90s kids crave something that reminds them of their youth. However, not all ’90s decor needs to make a comeback. Today, we share some 1990s trends that we welcome with open arms and those that really should remain in the past.
’90s trends making a comeback
Y2K may have held the spotlight for the past year or so, but as the ’90s kids enter the housing market and invest in their personal style, many are reflecting back on their childhood homes. Here are some 1990s home decor ideas that are trending again.
Frilly grandmillenial details
Grandmillenial decor has skyrocketed as one of the trendiest design styles among ’90s kids. Whether it’s because the aesthetic reminds them of their grandmother’s living room growing up or the furniture looks like it belongs on the set of Bridgerton, frilly grandmillenial details are trending. Think furniture skirting, lace details, tablecloths, doilies, and layered curtains. Add dainty fabrics throughout your space and embrace the frills.
Wicker furniture
Wicker furniture was a must-have in ’90s sunrooms. However, the desire for wicker decor has reemerged as millennials gravitate toward coastal aesthetics. For example, coastal grandchild is a trending style that uses wicker elements to offer the perfect beach home vibe. While white wicker is popular, wood tones are also making a comeback in boho aesthetics.
Bold patterns
For the past couple of years, millennials have been craving bold patterns and loud prints. Maximalism sparked this trend, but many homeowners are aching to recreate their ’90s childhood homes with stripes, florals, and checkerboard patterns. Patterned sofas, in particular, are gaining more traction. Gingham prints are also resurging in farmhouse and cottage-inspired designs.
Wallpaper
It’s fair to say that many people have been scarred by peeling away the hideous 1990s wallpaper. And sure, some resolved to paint over it. But the next generation of homeowners has a newfound love for bold wallpapers and floral prints reminiscent of the ’90s looks. It’s only a matter of time before the ’90s kids embrace the floral wallpaper borders of years past.
Large entertainment centers
Entertainment centers in the ’90s were massive. If you grew up with a large CRT television with a stereo that housed cassette, CD, and VHS ports all in one, then you know what we’re talking about. We will likely see more oversized console tables and entertainment centers this year. While we no longer need to store our dozens of VHS tapes or CDs, these oversized cabinets offer ample storage space.
Cabinets with doors to hide the TV have also gained popularity alongside the attraction to picture frame TVs. Homeowners don’t want a large black screen to diminish their design.
Florals, plants, and biophilia
Biophilic design may be one of the trendiest home decor additions in recent years. Homeowners are craving natural materials, plants, florals, and nature motifs to bring the outdoors in. The ’90s kids will remember this aesthetic with all the vines and flower motifs scattered throughout the home. Only, we aren’t adding faux plants here! Today’s design encourages an indoor living garden to create the perfect oasis.
Oak kitchen cabinets
With the return of natural materials gaining popularity in home design, many are turning toward natural wood cabinets. All ’90s kids will remember the orange-toned oak wood cabinetry of their youth. Paired with dark faux granite, a green backsplash, and plenty of knickknacks on top of the cabinets, this scene can cause many to shiver at the memory.
Fear not; there won’t be any chicken memorabilia or faux plants in this returning trend. Rather, homeowners are investing in oak wood shaker-style cabinets that feel fresh and modern. Paired with quartz counters, a light backsplash, and minimalistic hardware, oak cabinets are getting a modern refresh.
Trends that need to remain in the 1990s
While ’90s trends are returning to interior design, it’s fair to say that some of these design ideas need to remain in the past.
Carpet in the bathroom
Carpet was never a good idea in the bathroom. As a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and water damage, carpeted floors in the bathroom present many health hazards and challenges. Let’s keep this trend in the past.
Kitschy kids’ rooms
Another outdated trend is kitschy, themed bedrooms. The ’90s featured space themes with glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling, spaceship beds, primary blue walls, and hanging solar systems. While that can be fun, many parents took the theming a little too far.
Instead, add fun elements to your child’s bedroom (or your own, we won’t judge) in moderation. Painted stars on the ceiling can look classy and modern. Don’t over-theme. Instead, use a few statement pieces to make a kid-friendly design.
Faux plants
As we mentioned above, biophilic design is trending. While this can be reminiscent of 1990s plant decorum, we urge you to avoid the ’90s faux plant trap. Fake plants look tacky, often with plastic or unrealistic textures. A faux plant here or there can be OK, but today’s homeowners are leaning toward true biophilia with living elements in the design. Opt for real plants if you can. Just make sure they are safe for kids and pets.
As ’90s trends return to home design alongside the Y2K movement, millennials are adopting many aesthetics that remind them of their childhood homes. Try to incorporate some of these resurging trends into your modern design. Just be sure not to repeat mistakes of the past so your design looks fresh rather than kitschy.
