From classic sitcoms to clothing styles, there’s no denying that all things ’90s are here to stay — and according to our design pros, that’s especially true home decor trendsAnd although some may dismiss them as dated, interior designers say they have a certain warmth and charm. Kitchen Made in the 1990s, people still love it.
So what exactly is the formula for a cozy, nostalgic kitchen? We asked the experts, and they’re candid about why designers love ’90s kitchens so much — and which elements you should keep in yours.
meet the expert
- peter spalding Daniel is an interior designer and co-founder of House Club, a product hub for interior designers.
- Nina Lichtenstein She is the founder and lead home designer of her eponymous firm.
’90s kitchens are the perfect base
Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Caitlin Green
From warm honey oak cabinets And from laminate to heavily accented backsplashes and tiled countertops, there are some 90s design trends When it comes to kitchens it may seem dated. But according to designer Peter Spalding, layout of space This is one that truly stands the test of time.
“I really love renovating a ’90s kitchen over the kitchens of the last two decades,” says Spalding. “One of my biggest kitchens hot takes Is that me? Hatred Huge kitchen islands, and ’90s kitchens didn’t really have them — they had workable, if often quite complicated, plans.”
When it comes to updating a 1990s kitchen, Spalding also likes to adopt a few of those postmodern architectural elements Influences from past decades, like bold geometric shapes, curved countertops and space-dividing panels.
He says, “These kitchens were the last gasp of the Venturian desire for complex and contradictory forms in architecture.”
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They are adventurous and playful
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Shiny cabinets and countertops, neutral color schemes, and smooth, minimalist features are all core elements of a modern builder-grade kitchen — but these can make a space feel cold and impersonal. So for home designer Nina Lichtenstein, the best part of a ’90s kitchen is its character and Eclectic style.
“The allure of the 1990s-style kitchen lies in its playful approach to design,” she says. The way ’90s kitchens reflected the way they combined bold tile patterns, glass-front cabinets, and pops of color. I like the way the medium embraces creativity.
Some other decor trends of the decade Lichtenstein and other designers like to see in today’s kitchens include light paint colors and. wood finishFunky patterned wallpapers and retro style white appliance,
They’re warm, cozy and nostalgic
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As cliché as it may sound, the kitchen really is the heart of the home – and Spalding believes that kitchens built in the 1990s tend to retain that welcoming, connected feeling, just as It is no longer used in many modern kitchens.
He says, “As far as providing a comfortable center for the home, they succeeded, even if their details sometimes lacked beauty.” “I actually like them more than some overly showy contemporary kitchen Which are too connected to other major rooms in the house to be practical – ’90s kitchens were less about inspiring envy and more about bringing people together.
For Lichtenstein, a lot of the love for ’90s kitchens comes from spending time around them and growing up, and their features instantly bring memories and warmth when you step into the space.
“From arched cabinet cutouts to light oak finishes, these kitchens always evoke a great feeling of comfort and nostalgia,” she says.
’90s kitchen elements worth keeping
Whether it’s the layout or individual design features, both designers we spoke to agreed: There are plenty of aspects of ’90s vintage kitchens that are worth keeping in today’s spaces.
If you live in a home built in the 1990s and are considering a kitchen renovation, Lichtenstein says think about which elements give you the most feeling of comfort, and thoughtfully design around them. And decorate. news perception,
“To incorporate ’90s staples into a more modern space, try mixing vintage details with streamlined designs,” she says. “For example, a Tiled Backsplash Decorating with a geometric or checkerboard pattern reminiscent of the ’90s can still feel fresh, and incorporating a vintage glass cabinet or light oak shelving can soften the smooth edges of a contemporary kitchen.
If you’re renting or moving into a new home and daydreaming about a cozy kitchen inspired by your favorite throwback TV show, take this trip to the thrift store For some vintage furniture and decor, add butcher block to your countertops, or create a backsplash pattern to bring out the warmth of wood cabinetry. peel and stick tiles To create the perfect blend of old and new in your space.
