Looking Back: 6 Sept 1995 Home Decor Magazine Trends That Are Still Relevant Today
Since the dawn of modern interior design, each decade has brought about its own unique style trends. From funky flower power to minimalist motifs, interior design has come a long way since the ‘70s. As we look back to 1995, we find a memorable year in home decor magazine trends that are still influencing contemporary design today. Here we’ll discuss six of these trends that have stood the test of time.
Trend #1: Custom Finishes and Artistic Accents
One trend that was in full swing during the ’90s was the use of customized finishes and artistic accents. This trend originated to counter the mass-produced, cookie-cutter aesthetic that dominated the ’80s. Designers and homeowners alike started using finishes like Venetian plaster and faux painting to add character to their homes.
In today’s world, custom-made finishes are still in demand, with homeowners opting for distinct textures, wallcoverings, and trim options. Artistic accents from glass decorative pieces to handcrafted rugs, textiles, and bespoke furniture continue to add personality to modern-day spaces.
Trend #2: Muted Earthy Tones
Another characteristic of the ’90s was the widespread use of muted earthy tones. Olive green, beige, brown, burgundy, and gold colors were among the trendiest choices in home decor. The palette’s warm and natural tones struck a balance between boldness and subtlety.
Today, muted earthy tones are still prevalent in home decor, although they are occasionally combined with more vibrant colors like navy and orange. Additionally, the ’90s color palette is becoming popular once again, with olive green and beige now making a comeback.
Trend #3: The Use of Natural Materials
The ’90s saw a significant rise in the use of natural materials like wood, stone, and terracotta in interior design. This trend was a response to the artificiality of the ’80s, which saw an influx of plastic and synthetic materials in design.
The importance of using natural materials in interior design has only grown since the ’90s. Today’s designers try to incorporate the use of wood, stone, metal, leather, and other natural materials into their work as much as possible. Making use of natural materials can bring an organic, innate warmth and a feeling of sophistication to a space.
Trend #4: Simple Lines and Clean Surfaces
Simplicity and clean lines marked the ’90s interior design era. The emphasis was on minimalism, uncluttered space, and clean surfaces. Homeowners chose to decorate with streamlined furniture and reduced items.
Today’s design trends still follow the ’90s style, but they focus more on functionality and space-saving. The minimalist approach has also grown to have a broader meaning in contemporary design. Its applications extend from modern to eclectic and often overlaps with the Scandinavian style of decor.
Trend #5: Soothing Lighting and Creative Lamps
Lighting was an essential aspect of ’90s interior design, with focus on soft and flattering light. Innovative lamps; sculptural standing lights, spherical light fixtures, and creative pendant lights in hues of blue, green, and purple made a visual impact.
In today’s homes, lighting functionality is still of utmost importance, but the aesthetic has changed. The use of dimmer switches, the incorporation of colored lights, and fluorescent light fixtures are more common in modern design today.
Trend #6: Eclectic Design Melding Repurposed Items
A trend that has made a considerable impact during the ’90s was the use of repurposed items and eclectic design. Recycling old furniture pieces like re-upholstered chairs, antique armoires, and other artifacts became trendy. Eclectic design meant nothing was off-limits when it came to exploring different styles. The goal was to blend together as many different elements as possible, creating a sensory experience.
Eclectic design continues to evolve and has become a modern-day way of decorating. Today it often means mixing contrasting elements, styles, patterns, and textures with a vintage-meets-modern twist.
Conclusion
The ’90s decade laid the groundwork for many timeless interior design trends still in demand today. Homeowners and designers have been experimenting with mixes of vintage, modern, sustainable, and re-purposed elements to create something both visually spectacular and eco-friendly that hasn’t lost its sense of fun and creativity. As the trends from 1995 live on into the 2020s, we can expect new re-iterations and experiments that will evolve as they always have to create a new era of classic design style.
