90s décor revival – love it or hate it?

Author Yvonne KealProduct Management SpecialistWritten 23/05/2025

Editor Victoria RobinsonProduct ManagerUpdated 29/09/2026

Cream living room with bay window dressed in three Roman blinds in white, all lowered halfway, brown sofa to left on a beige rug, sepia prints on wall behind, built-in shelving at windows, real fire on right wall, lit, eames-style chair opposite sofa, acoustic guitar in bay window, pale wood floor, spinning globe and brown pendant light from ceiling.

The 90s are having a moment. From fashion to music, we’re embracing the decade’s laid-back confidence once again, with familiar trends returning in a fresh, modern way. And it’s not just our wardrobe getting a nostalgic update.

When it came to interiors, 90s décor struck the perfect balance between cosy comfort and understated style. Warm neutrals, relaxing living spaces and natural materials sat alongside the early influences of modern minimalism, creating homes that felt effortlessly lived in.

Room with rear wall in olive green, doors and paintwork in baby pink, walls and ceiling in white with black organic irregular bubble print design, cream floor with painted rug design in olive with chevron pattern.

Maximalist details

Changing Rooms hit our screen in September 1996, and just like that we became a nation of interior designers. Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen, Anna Ryder Richardson, Linda Barker and Handy Andy were household names (who was your favourite?), introducing us to the wonderful world of paint techniques like rag rolling and sponging and clashing colour combinations. 

We embraced experimentation with varying degrees of success and it’s this sense of adventure that we’re so happy has continued to grow and develop, perfectly showcased by @soozidanson who created this wonderfully happy dressing room in her Manchester home.

"Looking back at my childhood bedroom, the 90s was pretty iconic! The blow-up inflatable sofa, the wallpaper borders, the lava lamps and obsession with lilac – it was a pretty playful and fun time in interiors. I loved watching Changing Rooms as a child and was always set that "one day I’ll l be on that show". It still makes me laugh that I made that dream a reality. That show was the epitome of the 90s interiors, it was rock ’n’ roll, Marmite and experimental."
Whinnie Williams, designer in the 2022 reboot of Changing Rooms and creative director of Poodle & Blonde

Pattern stacking

Pattern stacking was one of the defining interior trends of the 90s, bringing different prints together in one space. Florals and stripes were firm favourites, adding plenty of personality and creating that relaxed feel the decade was known for.

Here, the floral Roller blinds in Linoir Mauve play against the bold striped carpet, while the warm pink, red and neutral tones running throughout the room help tie the look together.

The return of beige

Before grey became a mainstay of homes throughout the country, there was beige. And oh how we loved beige in the 90s. It was the perfect antidote to the futuristic and pastel trends of the 80s, bringing a sense of sophistication. Paired with checks and soft patterns, beige helped create the lived-in look that defined many 90s homes.

Yes, there was a move to banish the beige once the decade was done. But it’s quickly re-establishing itself as the neutral of choice once again.

"The 90s was such an era of creativity from fashion to music that it gave me a huge dose of confidence to discover and channel my own aesthetic.  Although I don't love the style from that time too fondly, I do look back on that period and really think it fuelled a lot of my creativity, for which I will be forever thankful."
Abigail Ahern, influential tastemaker and pioneering designer

Close in on cream living room with wide window dressed in dark grey metal venetian blinds, centre blind lowered halfway, right and left blinds lowered three quarters, all tilted, cream modern sofa in front with cream, and dark grey cushions, a child rolls on the sofa, flowering plants on windowsill in white pots, wooden floor.

Bringing back silver and chrome

In many 90s living rooms, chrome finishes were everywhere. From wall switches to picture frames, lighting to curtain poles, a home wasn’t a home without a healthy dose of accessories with that silver shine. In the kitchen, the industrial stainless steel finish was a big deal. We have a particular soft spot for silver, chrome and stainless steel. Back in the 90s our Venetian blind collection included a multitude of silvers that looked good and were practical too, as this vintage shot shows.

Wooden sofa with cushions sits in front of large windows with wooden blinds. Nearby, a wooden sideboard holds decorative items, surrounded by potted ferns and abstract artwork on the wall.

Lighter wood tones take centre stage

While the 1980s favoured dark, polished woods like mahogany, the 90s embraced a softer, more relaxed aesthetic. Honey oak, pine and light maple became staples of 90s furniture, helping to create brighter, more inviting spaces. Wicker and rattan were also popular, adding texture to furniture and accessories. From dining tables to bedroom sets, pale wood finishes brought warmth without feeling heavy.

Our timeless Wooden blinds are an easy way to introduce the look into a 90s interior design scheme. Available in a range of beautiful wood tones, they bring the character of natural materials to modern homes while maintaining a clean, contemporary feel.

The 90s comeback

Whether you loved it or hated it the first time around, there’s no denying that 90s décor has left a lasting impression. If you’re looking to embrace the trend, focus on natural materials, soft neutrals and practical design choices.

After all, 90s interiors weren’t about following the rules. They were about creating comfortable homes that felt relaxed and lived-in.

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