If you're like me, you love taking a trip down memory lane, especially when it comes to interior design. Today, we're taking a look at the interior design trends of the 1990s.
This was a time of minimalism and natural materials – think exposed brick walls, light wood floors, and neutral tones. The 90s definitely had its quirks, too, like the hamburger phone, inflatable furniture, and who could forget the purple walls in Monica's apartment in Friends?!
Whether you're looking to incorporate some vintage style into your home or just want to take a walk down memory lane, these are some of the standout interior design details from the 1990s.
1990s Interior Design Trends
Minimalism
After the abundance of florals and frills of the 80s, the 90s began to embrace minimalism. This was a time when less was definitely more. Clean lines and simple silhouettes were key, and spaces were left uncluttered to create a more zen environment.
Furniture and decor were also quite minimal, leaving spaces open and uncluttered. The use of wallpaper was still quite popular to add a touch of color, but the designs were much more subdued than in previous decades.
Neutral Colors and Natural Wood Tones
Gone were the bright pastel colors and bold prints of the 80s. In their place were more subdued, neutral tones like beige, cream, gray, and white. This was also a time when we saw a lot of natural wood tones making their way into homes. Floors were often lighter in color, and blond wood kitchens were a household staple.
Faux Finishes
Faux finishes were definitely all the rage in the 90s. From wood grain to marble, homeowners loved to experiment with these techniques to add a touch of luxury to their homes. Of course, not all of these finishes have stood the test of time (I'm looking at you, sponge painting!), but they're definitely a fun reminder of this decade.
A Touch of Eclectic Flair
While the 90s were a time of minimalism, that doesn't mean there wasn't room for a little bit of flair. Animal prints, for example, were quite popular (leopard print, anyone?). Inflatable furniture, frilly canopy beds, abundant fake plants, southwestern prints, fake fruit, transparent phones, and botanical wall stencils were some of the more quirky yet popular design details of the time.
Get the 1990s Look Today!
Whether you're a child of the 90s or just love all things vintage, there are plenty of ways to incorporate these 1990s interior design trends into your home. To get the look, start with a clean, minimal base, then add in some of these fun signature details:
Exposed brick walls.
A folding screen.
Animal prints.
Subtle floral wallpaper.
And a transparent phone for some fun decor!
With some fun decor pieces and a bit of imagination, you can easily create a space that feels modern with a few little nods to the past. So, what are you waiting for?
Start planning your 90s-inspired space today!
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Next, we'll be diving into the shabby-chic era of the early 2000s!
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