Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Early in January The Glam Pad made six design trend predictions for the New Year. While we are fervent defenders of timeless classics, the new year offers an exciting opportunity to dissect design trends we see emerging.
While ’80s-style opulence, bold prints, and maximalist decor currently abounds, we are also starting to notice a subtle shift. Marked by quiet chintzes, natural woods, and softer color tones, the ’90s and early ‘2000s, are making room in shelter magazines and on Instagram. Think casual elegance vs. overt glamour.
From a resurgence of interest in ’90s fashion designers like Vivienne Westwood, Calvin Klein, Versace and the super models that donned their clothing, to television series like The Crown revisiting life during this time in their latest season, these interests transfer into spaces and become design references once again.
I must admit, I was merely a thought in the ’90s and only lived through two years of the decade. And the early ‘2000s were the prime of my childhood. Decorating was not at the forefront of my mind just yet. My fondness for ’90s and early ‘2000s interiors comes from a familiarity found within movies I adored growing up. Nancy Meyers films in particular come to mind.
Her cult-classic movies are known not only for their heart-felt stories, but for what has been dubbed “Meyers Interiors.” There is even an Instagram account dedicated to the sumptuous domestic aesthetics she creates in all her films that make you feel perfectly warm inside, as if you could rise with a smile on your face from your Frette linens in your buttery-soft silk pajamas to come downstairs to freshly baked bread.
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Something’s Gotta Give, a favorite Meyers film of mine staring the dynamic duo Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson is a perfect example. (This movie has also given rise to the recent “Coastal Grandmother” phenomenon that is celebrated as the more streamlined version of maximalist “Grandmillennial” style.)
Portrayed by Diane Keaton, playwright Erica Barry’s sublimely manicured beach home in the Hamptons becomes a character in and of itself. Creamy linens, dreamy blues, and touches of wicker set a serene and timeless tone.
Father of the Bride also comes to mind. If one did not know the Banks’ home was in the middle of Pasadena, CA, the home could easily pass for a countryside colonial. Each room perfectly balances traditional furniture with modern charm and a hint of English country. The walls are neutral with a peppering of artwork and occasional wallpaper while the furniture boasts elements of rich earth tones and pastels. And don’t forget about the muted chintz prints!
Another film that brings me childhood joy is the 1998 remake of The Parent Trap. Aside from the heartfelt plot, the film is a wealth of interior inspiration. Between Elizabeth James’ London townhouse and Nick Parker’s Napa Valley villa, the best of ’90s Nancy Meyers interiors are on full display. Showing restraint, the James residence is filled with traditional pieces of furniture, heirlooms, and reading much like an ancestral English home. Yet, the home has been updated with spritely hues of orange, pastel pinks, and plenty of damask to go around.
Across the pond in the Napa Valley, the Parker residence vineyard villa presents a casual California take on ’90s interiors. Nestled in the mountains, the home boasts natural materials, soft whites, easy upholstery, and an undeniable elegance. While both homes in the film are set two very different environments, they both carry similar design hallmarks of the era.
Let us not forget the charming cottage in The Holiday… It’s hard to believe this movie is almost 20 years old!
As ’90s and early ‘2000s influences trickle into Insta interiors, The Glam Pad predicts a continued love of chintz, a return of damask prints, subtle wallpapers with borders, natural tones, and plenty of pretty pastels. While we will aways embrace bold, maximalist interiors, the pared down elegance of the ’90s/’00s is also lovely and classic…. Which do you prefer?
NOTE: While we do enjoy staying in the know and keeping our followers abreast, The Glam Pad does not recommend following “trends”… We are strong proponents of creating your own style and embracing what you love, no matter what the “influencers” are pushing on Instagram. You can read more of our thoughts on the fickle nature of trends here.
Shop our 90s and 2000s inspired finds!
x Natalie
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Follow Natalie on Instagram: @natalieealdridge
Excellent article. Thank you.
Thank you so much!! These are seriously some of my all-time favorite interiors. I hope your predictions are spot on!
I love all of these interiors . Maybe I’m stuck in this design era because I never stopped loving it and always want my rooms to look like this . Fun story
I had to laugh when I read this! I JUST removed my wallpaper with borders l put up in the mid 90’s! (Finally) And I must admit that before I made that first scrape I bid it a semi-sad farewell. Still pretty but I’ve looked at it for 20 years! And my kitchen is still covered in wallpaper similar to the sofa fabric in “You’ve Got Mail”. It’s scheduled to come down this summer. I guess my timing is way off! However, I do plan to put up more wallpaper—to the chagrin of my sister who is helping me take the old stuff down. Love the English charm of pattern and color around me!
Joyous & animated ! beautiful rooms & flow ! The architecture of the rooms is spot on ! Flowers in most rooms, too, but most of all LIFE ! it is the people that bring these homes alive ! Movement, feet on sofas, books, flowers, communication, dining together, leaning over food on the table. our homes are not a temple, they need movement ! These ‘homes’ are precious but are not treated as such. That may be a perfect design recipe.
Thank you for sharing these interiors and your predictions! I’m like Mario [RIP], I think chintz, charm, and elegance never went away, but I welcome its “return.” At least, it never went away in my house…LOL. I enjoyed your post.