The nostalgic 90s homeware looks returning with a modern twist

These 1990s looks are returning

As homeware trends come and go, some popular decorating looks manage to stay on the ever-changing trend merry-go-round for more than one ride. Whether it's a nostalgic scheme or a retro icon, sooner or later the aesthetic will swing by with an updated twist for new generations to enjoy.

From magnolia tones to animal prints that haven't lost their bite, click or scroll for the 1990s homeware trend throwbacks gracing our homes for another turn...

Then: beige tones

Magnolia is probably the most widely known paint color this side of the 1900s. Named after the petals of the ornamental tree with creamy cuplike flowers, the 'easy on the eye' hue was a favorite among homeowners as it can be used as a backdrop for most schemes.

The shade eventually fell out of favor possibly, for the same reason – because it was bland and safe! Subsequently, all beiges and creams were considered 'boring' and painted over with white or grey.

Now: beige tones

Now it seems we are fed up with seeing stark white and dull grey walls and so shades under the wider title of 'neutrals' are making their way back to warm up our walls.

Paint hues that replicate comforting tones similar to crumbly shortbread, creamy buttermilk and pale sand are the cocooning shades we now crave. Look closely and you'll notice these new neutrals could easily be mistaken for good old magnolia, they have just had a rebrand.

Featured 02 Soho Farmhouse paint available from Lick.

Then: curves

Associated with rustic country comfort thanks to huge rolled arm sofas or modern curvacious statements – remember the IKEA POANG chair that still exists today? – curves were huge during the 1990s.

Another reason why curves were cool could be thanks to a recession, so space and budgets were tight and furniture needed to work hard. Plus, the hectic lifestyles of the 80s were being retired for more homely environments.

Now: curves

Just like the early 1990s recession, the 2020 pandemic forced us to look to the importance of home life once again. Perhaps that is why home décor buzzwords such as 'cocooning' and 'cozy' have returned and brought with them a need for warm neutrals, tactile textures and of course, the curved form. 

Modern curvy, wavy and arch decorating ideas can be finishing touches or statement pieces that soften as well as refine. To get the look, add curvaceous feature furniture that adds 'quiet luxury' to a room.

Featured modular sofa available from Cafe Latte.

Then: lava lamps

It's no secret that lava lamps were a big lighting look in the swinging 60s thanks to their inventor Edward Craven Walker who launched the iconic design in 1963. After falling out of favor for several decades, the 1990s saw the lava lamp become popular with a whole new generation.

Maybe the mesmerizing tubes of glowing liquid got cool again thanks to hit Hollywood movies such as Autin Powers, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Toy Story? They all featured lava lamps!

Now: lava lamps

Lava lamps are a big part of the current dopamine décor trend, which is borrowing nostalgic novelties from other parts of our list. 

Busy schemes that scream Y2K are blurring the timeline by embracing retro heroes from various decades. The result is quirky, individual and bursting with personality.

Featured lighting available from Wayfair.

Then: animal print

The world certainly went wild for leopard print during the 1990s, as it was used in everything from wallpaper to upholstery and cushions to bed linen. The striking pattern allowed neutral schemes to roar.

Perhaps it rolled into homes on the back of the Brit Pop phenomenon and the Spice Girls' leopard-print-loving Scary Spice to make a stand against Scandi minimalist and IKEA flat-pack followers?

Now: animal print

Look at the recent runways in Milan and Paris, and you'll see animal print is back in a big way. But rather than saturating spaces with leopard spots and zebra stripes, animal print is now being introduced as a sophisticated accent.

These animal-print bar stools add a touch of wild interest to a contemporary kitchen. Director and Designer of Herringbone House William Durrant explains: "Upholstery and patterns are great ways of bringing texture, character and comfort to a space. Avoid screaming colors and patterns and introduce layered and balanced interiors instead."

Featured flooring available from Ted Todd.

Then: maximalism

During the 1990s many homes could be described as an Aladdin's cave full of color, patterns and ornaments to match. This bold interior movement loved to layer without structure.

The look was homely but over-the-top and loud, perhaps in defiance to those already embracing the clutter-free minimalist progression that had landed.

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Now: maximalism

It's no coincidence that maximalism has returned at the same time as minimalism. But this time around there is no need to pick a side and stay loyal.

The maximal trend has calmed down thanks to warm neutral backdrops and more coordinated color and pattern.

Featured soft furnishings available from Wayfair.

Then: minimalism

As mentioned, in complete contrast to the maximalism of the 1990s, minimalist schemes were also proving popular.

The opening of IKEA in the US and UK in the mid-to-late 1980s sparked an explosion of Scandi style. Carpets were ripped up in favor of laminate floors, walls were painted white and dark wood furniture was swapped for slim designs in pine or plywood.

Now: minimalism

Like maximalism, minimalism is returning at speed. Did it ever really leave? Maybe not, but this clutter-free look has morphed into a new trend, 'Minimaluxe'.

This time, functional design is still at the heart of the scheme, but the focus is now on warmth, flow and calmness. Interiors and paint specialist at Valspar Paint, Sarah Lloyd says: "Minimaluxe strips back the clutter and allows room for only the things that you love the most, to be enjoyed and celebrated."

Featured furnishings available from Wayfair.

Then: bean bags

The bean bag was another retro accessory from the 1960s and 1970s that popped back onto décor wishlists during the 1990s.

But, it wasn't just bean bag chairs in demand during this decade – furniture of all sorts was replicated and filled with polystyrene balls. In 1995 safety standards were updated and became law, making them even more popular. 

Now: bean bags

Today, bean bags are no longer simply floppy sacks that are bad for your back. 

Technology and design have made bean bags super alluring once again, so much so the super comfy creations are back for another sitting. Bean bags come in all shapes, colors and plush fabrics including sheepskin, velvet or leather; some can even fit a whole family. 

Featured bean bag available from RuComfy.

Then: wood kitchens

Natural-toned oak or pine kitchen finishes were the go-to material during the 1990s. Not only was this practical, it also offered that rustic and homely charm that was a favorite at the time.

In addition, white appliances and tiled worktops were the norm.

Now: wood kitchens

The glossy surfaces of the noughties knocked natural oak and pine off the kitchen top spot, before, cabinetry in every color took over in the last decade.

However, recently natural wood kitchens are making a style comeback. Top-heavy designs and orange-toned woods have been replaced with organic grains and cohesive worktops. Open-shelving diminishes the feeling of cramped clutter to create a practical and aesthetically pleasing contrast.

Featured Stanhoe kitchen available from Naked Kitchens.

Then: stainless steel

During the 1990s, white fridges, cookers and microwaves became unfashionable. TV cooking shows showcasing professional stainless steel appliances used by celebrity chefs suddenly become within reach for the home cook.

But, then came integrated kitchen appliances that hid behind cupboards, colorful feature fridges, ovens and small appliances. Later, kitchen sinks and fixtures flooded the market in anything but stainless steel: ceramic, copper and black powder coating became desirable.

Now: stainless steel

No matter what the trend, the fact remains that there is a reason kitchen professionals favor stainless steel. It is durable, practical and timeless.

As well as large appliances making a return, due to demand, manufacturers are releasing kettles and toasters in stainless steel that are easy to clean and look sophisticated.

Featured kettle and toaster set, available from Pro Cook.

Then: pastels

Any Millennial interested in decorating can remember how popular pastels were during the 1990s. Rooms were saturated with sickly sweet shades such as mint green, candy pink and sherbert lemon. 

As well as walls, bedlinen, window treatments and floor coverings took over rooms like a splinking of sugar on top.

Now: pastels

Today, dopamine decorating trends have brought candy-colored pastels back into favor. Rather than saturating a whole room, homeowners are indulging in uplifting but soothing tones with accessories such as wall art, rugs or bed throws.

Paint companies are also releasing softer shades as their chosen 'color of the year'. This offers alternative ways to inject a pretty pastel into a scheme, such as painting woodwork or adding a subtle block of color to a single wall.

Featured artwork available from Desenio.

Then: stencils

Stenciling may have been around for thousands of years, but the British DIY TV show Changing Rooms brought the technique to a whole new generation.

And we didn't stop at walls! Every piece of furniture was just waiting to be hit with a laser-cut piece of plastic and paint.

Now: stencils

Yes, stencils are back, but thankfully with a more tasteful twist.

Take this meadow-inspired bathroom for instance. The beautiful mural has been created using a floral stencil and several shades of paint. The difference today is stencils are much more delicate with the potential to add your own personality.

Featured stencils available from Annie Sloan.

Then: feature walls

During the 1990s, feature walls were considered innovative and ultra-contemporary. Highlighting one wall has the potential to create the illusion of increased space and height while adding depth and character to the scheme.

From a bold, block color to sponging and rag roll painting, the feature wall took many creative guises.

Now: feature walls

Have feature wall ideas gone away since the 1990s? Since gracing our room schemes, the effect has taken many twists, from wallpaper murals to gallery walls full of eclectic wall art, the trend for creating a fabulous focal point remains.

Thankfully, today the trend for feature walls has been diluted by adding subtle depth rather than stand-out color. This wood-paneled feature wall offers an indirect and understated contrast painted in a soothing tone. 

Featured wall panelling available from Direct Tile Warehouse.

Then: wallpaper borders

Wallpaper borders are thought to have decorated ancient Greek abodes, so they are certainly not a new concept. In addition, there have been many other historical eras since when a border was the height of fashion.

During the 1990s, borders featuring floral, fruit and celestial motifs – to name just a few – graced the walls of every bedroom, living room and kitchen.

Now: wallpaper borders

The wallpaper border is being welcomed back with open arms. The busy 1990s look has thankfully been replaced by offering plain or two-tone walls a subtle injection of color and personality to frame a scheme.

Fiona Howard, founder of Fiona Howard Wallpapers, explains: “Wallpaper borders were huge in the 90s but fell out of fashion as minimalism and neutrals took center stage. However, as homeowners once again embrace maximalism and punchy colors, borders are making a comeback. But the biggest difference between now and the 90s is how we use them."

Then: floral wallpaper

During its prime, the home and lifestyle brand Laura Ashley had a monopoly when it came to producing floral wallpaper. Plus, dainty patterns were often one of Martha Stewarts secrets to a beautiful home during the 1990s for every room.

Grown-up schemes were decorated wall-to-wall with botanical prints and curtains, bed linen and even lampshades were made to match.

Now: floral wallpaper

Floral wallpaper is still the go-to pattern choice for traditional and country looks, but a fresh take marries larger prints with bolder colors.

Chelsea Clark, Head of Marketing at Lucie Annabel says: "Floral wallpaper remains popular as it combines classic charm with modern versatility, appealing to a wide range of design tastes and settings. These designs bring the outside in and create a sense of warmth and vitality that enhances any space."

Then: lilac

If you walked into a home in the 1990s, the chances are at least one room would be painted lilac. Both pretty and calming, this soft purple tone was a favorite in bedrooms, usually paired with pine or wrought iron furniture and coordinating bedding, carpet and wallpaper border.

Now: lilac

Lilac fell out of favor until Pantone released Ultra Violet as its Color of the Year 2018, bringing purple back with a bang. This time, the uplifting shade is used more sparingly alongside other delicious sherbert hues including lemon yellow, botanical green and cantaloupe melon.

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