Actress Katie Holmes was a perennial fixture on our TV screens in the 1990s and early 2000s, so it is nice that her living room looks pleasantly stuck in a time capsule of my favorite decade – the 1990s.
In Holmes's living room, a brown leather sofa, vinyl record player, colored glass vase, and white and natural timber furniture sing out amongst the favorite minimalist pure white walls that were popular in this decade.
Yes, the '90s are back, but it has been reinvented for 2024, and the new interpretations have impressed even me. This retro living room takes us on a trip down memory lane.
Nostalgia has been creeping back into interior design trends recently and I welcome the nod to the past. Creating the perfect modern retro living room is all about uniting two worlds: the beauty of the past and the practicality of the present day. A vital step to achieving the look is realizing that vintage style is about longevity, soul, and patience to see things evolving.
Decorating with vintage elements has seen a resurgence in recent years, not only for its charming aesthetic but also as a highly sustainable way to furnish your home. An increased backlash against mass production has fuelled this trend and while people often come to vintage from an environmental standpoint, they stay for the character that antique and reclaimed furniture and accessories bring into their home.
‘You want to create the impression that a living room has evolved over time by mixing and matching fabrics, furnishings, and accessories. This gives the sense of a collection built up over time rather than being instantly created,’ says Rachel Rose, head of interior design at Susie Watson Designs. Also take into consideration the chosen colors – white walls are a great backdrop to complement the highly-saturated, vibrant colors of this decade, as seen in a few accessories.
If you do have your furniture and accessories from this decade, or any previous decades, I implore you to upcycle, recycle and reupholster. It is sustainable and like most trends, they all come back round in a cycle.
Shop the look
A vinyl record player is a must-have if you wish to replicate the '90s aesthetic. Throw on some Nirvana, Pulp, Lauryn Hill, and U2 for a truly nostalgic experience.
Decorative and timeless, green is a fantastic way to introduce a hint of biophilic color to a simple living room scheme. This modern interpretation of the classic glass vase is my favorite yet.
The return of the nineties brown couch has been influencing interior trends for 2024. This time, we are decorating with softer, paler browns such as taupe, caramel and toffee hues. Leather is also easier to clean than upholstery – win-win!
Flameless candles might be a more recent invention, but they are the ideal option for busy households with pets and children. Plus, you'll never have to replace them so they are a winner on the sustainability factor.
This gorgeous seasonal wreath isn't just for the holiday season. In fact, I would use it all winter long to add a touch of green and red color throughout the home. It is even safe to pair alongside a flameless candle.
If a flameless candle is not your thing, then invest in a beautifully-scented santal (my favorite fragrance) and ginger candle. Simple and elegantly designed, this Shea McGee (another favorite of mine) candle will suit just about any space.
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Christie Brinkley's Christmas tree takes inspiration from 'a sky full of sparkling diamonds' – her 'more is more' approach is on trend for 2024The model's Christmas tree is vibrant and timeless, using its branches as a vehicle for bright lights and a collection of ornaments
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Jennifer Aniston's modern living room proves that the 'Internet's most divisive color trend' will never quite go away – you just have to know how to get it rightForget what you thought you knew about gray. This sultry shade goes with every color and can be used to add depth and sophistication to any room
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Katie Holmes' rustic modern sofa material brings inviting energy into her living room – experts say it is as durable as it is chicThe actress's 90s inspired living room is awash with warm woods and retro touches, but her easy-to-clean sofa choice takes it to the next level
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Jeremy Clarkson's pale gray-green kitchen will dominate color trends in 2025 – it is my new favorite color and its soothing benefits are unmatchedTimeless, elegant, calming – there is a lot to love about a serene gray-green color scheme
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Martha Stewart shared a throwback photo of her 1978 kitchen – the retro kitchenware has reignited my love for this nostalgic trendTimeless and sophisticated, brown ceramic earthware transcends time in this throwback '70s kitchen
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Brooklyn Beckham's kitchen doesn't have upper cabinets – instead, he saves space using the smart storage solution experts championA kitchen hanging rack is a great option if you are the proud owner of an impressive crockery collection, want a chef's kitchen, or have a small space
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Jennifer Aniston's Japanese garden masters privacy planting without blocking light – and it is easy to replicateChoose garden screening and privacy planting to keep a yard private, conceal poor views, and divide the space in style
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Jennifer Aniston's living room has made me rethink this outdated ‘70s furniture trend – it's back and better than ever for 2025This retro furniture trend is once again making waves in the design industry, and I predict it is here to stay...
