Retro Renovation: Are the ’90s the next big thing in interior design?

Is it time to break out those 90s scrunchies, acid-wash jeans, tube tops, capri pants, and jelly sandals?

If you’re going to spend the money to redecorate, is it wise to go retro or will that hurt the value of your home should you decide to sell?

Dial-up tones and frosted tips can stay in the time capsule, but the 1990’s design DNA is making a comeback—and it’s suddenly everywhere. This time, though, it’s better dressed.

What’s behind the comeback? In the ‘90s, interiors pivoted (or rebounded) from the gloss of the ‘80s—the era of excess—to the relaxed, eclectic, and personal: velvet beside rattan, jewel tones flirting with pastels, and oversized sofas anchoring rooms that didn’t mind a little chaos. “It was a decade where homes had heart, and that’s what people are craving again now,” says Lowri Allpress, owner of Jo Alexander Garden Furniture. The quirky warmth feels fresh again, and designers are reviving the best parts (minus the lava lamps and inflatable furniture).

Below, the greatest hits of ‘90s style and the modern moves to keep them looking sharp.

Jewel Tones

The ’90s weren’t afraid of color—especially the rich, saturated kind that made rooms feel like jewelry boxes. “Deep, rich jewel tones are absolutely making a comeback, and I love using them to bring attention to a space,” says Isfira Jensen, CEO and Principal Designer of Jensen & Co. Interiors. “I’ll often apply a bold color across a large surface in a room, like a wall or built-in cabinetry, then balance it with neutral colors in other areas to tone down the high impact.”

Allpress remembers the era’s fearless approach: “Don’t be afraid of color. Aubergines, deep greens, burnt orange: those jewel-like tones were everywhere back then, and they still work beautifully when paired with more grounded, neutral backdrops.”

Chunky Furniture

The ‘90s rejected delicate, precious pieces in favor of substantial, comfortable furniture that made a statement. “I’m seeing a growing interest in the chunkier silhouettes from that era,” designer Christopher Boutlier tells us. “Deep-seated sofas, oversized lounge chairs, and exaggerated forms are showing up again, but we’re reworking them with better proportions and more thoughtful materials.”

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Are we becoming nostalgic for the 90s?

Is it time to break out those 90s scrunchies, acid-wash jeans, tube tops, capri pants, and jelly sandals?

If you’re going to spend the money to redecorate, is it wise to go retro or will that hurt the value of your home should you decide to sell?

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