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Like any other era, the 90s are coming back around again to grace us with its nostalgic presence. Design trends come and go, but some of them come back again, and the 90s aesthetic is no exception. If you want to get in on the best part of the decade without spending a fortune, here are some ideas to get you started.
Add some texture
Unlike the starkness of modern minimalism, 90s minimalism is more about a laid-back feel with comfort at its core. One way to achieve this look is by adding texture in a warm-white palette. A textured area rug ($127.48), or textured throw pillow covers ($12.74/pair) are affordable ways to introduce some soft minimalism. If your existing furniture doesn’t fit in with your 90s interior design scheme, you can also try a sofa cover ($69.99) to change the color of your sofa on a budget.
Opt for Earth tones
The 90s often referenced earthy, natural tones (also, lots of mauve). Monochromatic palettes as well as corals and naturally inspired greens are a 90s nostalgia design style you can embrace for under $200. You can add an earthy green ($43.98/gallon) accent wall or paint some trim or cabinet facing to get some 90s Earth tones. You can also try hanging some drapes with a coral print ($38.99/pair) to bring in some earthy 90s colors.
Hang wallpaper
Anyone who lived through the 90s remembers all the wallpaper. While some of it is not worth bringing back, there are some prints that have potential in today’s interiors. Try some floral wallpaper ($7.98/ 17.7-inch by 78.7-inch roll) for a 90s vibe or you could also choose a striped pattern ($49.08/ 20.5-inch by 33-foot roll). If you can’t do a whole room, you can always choose to paper one wall as an accent with a large format watercolor wall mural ($77.88/69 by 98-inch panel). Abstract watercolor patterns were popular in the 90s and a self-stick mural can incorporate that aesthetic into your space on a budget.
Use a checkerboard print
The 90s showcased checkerboard print in many ways. While you don’t need to go over the top with it, adding some bold black-and-white contrast can help you bring the 90s into your design theme. The trick to using checkerboard print without it being totally overwhelming is to keep the rest of your colors within the black-and-white palette. You can add a checkerboard rug ($69.99) or you could paint an old tabletop with a checkerboard pattern using black ($15.48/quart) and white ($17.48/quart) high gloss enamel paint. To make your squares, you can measure them out and use painter’s tape to mask off each color. If black-and-white checkerboard is too start for you, you can also opt for a neutral-tone checkerboard pattern ($30.99/2-foot by 4.4-foot runner) instead.
Add a bold multicolor print
Taking inspiration from some of the best colorful prints from the ’90s can help you give a nod to the decade without going overboard. Since high contrast, multicolor prints can begin to clash when they’re layered on top of each other, you can either embrace the clash or pull back with one or two statement pieces. A set of watercolor print throw pillows ($14.95/set of 4) can give you a taste of 90s color—or you could opt for some accent tables ($79.99) with a colorful print on top.
