Consultants share the right way to convey that old style 90s decor traits into at present’s areas with impartial tones, clear strains, and useful design staples.
The Nineteen Nineties and 2000s marked a shift towards simplicity, with interiors favoring open layouts, impartial palettes, and an emphasis on livability. Suppose white or beige partitions, useful shaker-style cupboards, and subway tile backsplashes that add simply sufficient element with out overwhelming the house.
This period was all about practicality with a elegant edge—granite and quartz counter tops, clean-lined furnishings, and finishes that prioritized each kind and performance. Whether or not you’re updating a suburban split-level home in Denver or refreshing a minimalist residence in Los Angeles, there’s nonetheless quite a bit to like (and hold) from this period. We requested design consultants to share how they’re reimagining the most effective of Nineteen Nineties and 2000s design in trendy houses—bringing timeless concepts ahead with a refined contact.
1. Open up your house with a contemporary tackle the open ground plan
Mark O’Krafka from Crew O’Krafka says, “One of our favorite design elements from the 1990s–2000s is the open-concept floor plan. It’s a layout that still resonates today, especially when paired with modern lighting, neutral tones, and layered textures. We also appreciate how stainless steel appliances and clean-lined cabinetry from that era have evolved into timeless staples with a sleeker, more sophisticated twist.”
2. Use floral wallpaper and brass for a recent twist on custom
“Floral wallpaper was a mainstay of 1990s interior decor and added a soft, feminine touch to homes of that era,” shares Elizabeth & Lindsay, Dwell October. “We love using bold floral wallpaper to add personality to small spaces, such as powder bathrooms and guest bedrooms. We often pair it with wainscoting or shiplap paneling for a modern twist.”
Polished brass plumbing fixtures have been all the craze within the Nineteen Nineties. We love the heat that gold and brass finishes convey to an area, and we regularly incorporate them into our designs at present. Our trick is to combine in one other complementary steel—like matte black or chrome—to offer the house a extra layered, up to date look.”
3. Highlighting Nineteen Nineties-inspired layouts with consolation and performance
“Minimal in Design leans into incorporating elements influenced by the 1990s and 2000s—specifically a neutral palette, open-concept living, and a focus on comfort and functionality.” Laura Howett from Minimal in Design says, “We’re big on the open floor plan concept and design our furniture aesthetic and layout with that in mind. The 1990s and 2000s really made a lasting mark with this design shift.”
4. Let within the mild and outline cozy, versatile areas
“What I appreciate about 1990s and early 2000s design is how unapologetically practical it was,” mentions Jimmy Welch, President of the The Jimmy Welch Crew. “It targeted on consolation and livability—areas individuals really wished to spend time in. One characteristic I’ve all the time favored is the devoted household room.
Again then, it wasn’t all wide-open all the pieces—there have been nonetheless boundaries that created cozy, useful areas. At present, we’re seeing a return to that concept with flex rooms and quiet corners. I’d additionally convey again the emphasis on pure mild and large, easy home windows. As an alternative of heavy drapes, it was all about letting the sunshine in. Now we replace that with energy-efficient designs and cleaner window remedies, however the objective continues to be the identical—a vibrant, welcoming house. The ’90s type wasn’t overly curated, and that authenticity nonetheless resonates.”
5. Combine ’90s minimalism with trendy, sustainable design
Justin Landis, Founding father of Justin Landis Group, recommends, “I still love incorporating those modern elements—like stainless steel appliances and streamlined layouts—into homes today, often blending them with natural textures and lighter colors to keep spaces feeling open and airy. Open-concept living continues to work well, especially when paired with smart tech, flexible layouts, and sustainable materials. That mix of nostalgia and practicality makes a space feel timeless and livable.”
6. Layer earthy neutrals with texture and trendy distinction
Nitya Seth, Inside Designer at Nityanamya, suggests, “I still enjoy working with earthy neutral palettes—beiges, taupes, and warm grays—layered with textured decor to add depth without feeling dated. There’s real harmony between ’90s minimalism and today’s preference for functional, uncluttered spaces. I also love incorporating glossy finishes and futuristic shapes from the 2000s to create visual contrast, using curved furniture and metallic details in moderation. When vintage-inspired elements are combined thoughtfully with modern design, the result is a space that feels both updated and authentic.”
7. Modernize Nineteen Nineties design staples with refined upgrades
“You know what? I’ll never let go of 1990s–2000s design. Its simplicity—open spaces, clean lines, and no-fuss style—still feels fresh today. Sure, not everything from back then needs a comeback (looking at you, sponge-painted walls), but a lot of it still works. That era focused on comfort and livability, which we all still want.,” informs Magda Callery, Inside Designer at Type by Magda. “By softening the lines, updating materials, and adding texture, we’re not starting over—we’re just modernizing a good idea. Design is all about mixing the old with the new. And if that includes a little ’90s chic? I’m in—just no blow-up chairs, please.”
Magda’s favourite ’90s-inspired design traits, however up to date for at present:
Beige-on-beige, however with texture: Layered neutrals really feel calm, not uninteresting, when paired with wooden, pure stone, and tactile materials.
Open ground plans, with intention: Maintain the movement, however outline areas with rugs, lighting, or daring florals.
Wooden and stainless-steel: Steadiness smooth steel with heat, rustic finishes for a grounded, trendy look.
Low-key built-ins: Clear-lined cabinetry and refined storage let supplies and craftsmanship shine.
8. Work with what you’ve obtained—simply give it new life
“I grew up during the rise of HGTV and was heavily influenced by designers like Michael Payne, who blended masculine and feminine styles with a focus on functionality. I still remember how he used stainless steel appliances to make kitchens feel sleek yet livable—that stuck with me.” Melody Stevens, Proprietor of Design on a Dime Interiors continues, “What I appreciated about Nineteen Nineties and early 2000s design was the shift towards open ground plans and earthy palettes that made houses really feel calm and intentional. Black granite, maple cupboards, and stainless-steel created a elegant, considerate look.
Regardless that I wasn’t designing for purchasers but, that period formed how I take into consideration steadiness in design—mixing timeless construction with recent, useful updates. I nonetheless stroll into ’90s houses and suppose, ‘We can work with this.’ The bones are strong—we simply give it new life.”
9. Steadiness minimalism with heat and intention
“I got my start managing renovations on properties I invested in, and now I run a GC firm here in NYC. What I still respect about late ’90s and early 2000s design is the simplicity—it was all about clean lines, open layouts, and function over fluff,” says Adam Hicks, CEO of CooperBuild.
“A lot of apartments and brownstones we work on still have bones from that era, and when done right, those open floor plans still hold up. I’ve been bringing back earth tones—warm beiges, taupes, soft browns—but using better materials and textures to give them depth. Stainless steel? Still a classic when balanced with wood or stone—it gives you that durable, unfussy look New Yorkers appreciate. The key is taking the calm, minimal vibe from back then and updating it with craftsmanship and detail. It complements modern living without feeling too sterile or staged.”
10. Why wallpaper is again—and the right way to use it to remodel a room
Andrea Thompson, Proprietor and Founding father of Drea Design Providers, claims, The early 2000s have been a time once we collectively turned our backs on wallpaper, contemplating it dated and out of step with newer design traits. As an alternative, designers and householders embraced naked partitions, choosing DIY methods like blotting paint with sea sponges and rags, utilizing stencils and stamps, and even sandpapering for an aged look.
I believe it’s truthful to say these traits are—virtually—utterly gone, changed by a renewed love for wallpaper and its limitless artistic potentialities, daring designs, and mural-inspired wow issue. Wallpaper is king once more, and my purchasers and I are all for it. Whether or not it’s an announcement wall or a complete room, the precise wallpaper can outline an area like no different single factor.”
