These are the iconic 90s kitchen trends that are still stylish in 2025, according to designers

The 1990s may be 30 years in the past, but there are a few trending kitchen features of the decade that are still stylish today. From checkerboard floors adding a grounding statement to the stainless steel revival, there are plenty of cues we can take from the era.

And it's perhaps no surprise – recent kitchen trends have featured many nods to nostalgic designs that prove to be characterful yet timeless, and it's high time '90s design trends had their moment.

I know what you're thinking – it's a decade that came with its fair share of questionable designs, but these '90s kitchen trends are ones homeowners and designers still can't get enough of.

6 of the most stylish 90s kitchen trends that continue to prove popular

We're by no means suggesting you design a kitchen that looks like a shrine to the era, but there are definitely a few features that add a sense of personality and interest to your kitchen. After all, if they are still considered stylish three decades after their heyday, there must be something timeless about them, right?

1. Checkerboard flooring

The '90s brought with it some statement kitchen flooring ideas – and amongst the favorites were checkerboard floors. And it's one of the era's trends that still feel stylish in 2025.

'Checkerboard tiled flooring was a staple of '90s kitchens, a practical design choice that made a statement. Our Checkmate project embraced this feature, styling the space with playful, kitschy artwork and accessories, alluding to 90s TV cartoons,' says Emily Hicking, senior designer at Grid Thirteen Design Studio.

'Pastel hues, another defining feature of the decade’s interiors, further ties into the aesthetic. The ceiling, painted in a delicate Wedgwood blue, softens the eccentricity. These design combinations are set against a blank canvas of a handleless white gloss kitchen, providing a timeless backdrop, where nostalgic décor meets contemporary style.'

2. Stainless steel finishes

Warm-tone metals have prevailed in kitchens – particularly when it comes to kitchen cabinet hardware ideas. But stainless steel has been making a steady comeback, and designers say it's a finish that's here to stay.

Getting the stainless steel kitchen trend right is about balancing the different materials. It's less about a full room drenched in metal, and more about introducing steel elements alongside more organic, wooden pieces – like in this kitchen.

The stainless steel cabinets and appliances along the back wall offer a nod to the enduring '90s trend, while the wooden table, shelving, and yellow AGA all add a softer, more lived-in feel to the space.

3. Wooden countertops

Wooden countertops – in particular butcher blocks – were one of the biggest trends of the '90s, and it's a feature that we are seeing more in kitchen designs today, especially as homeowners begin to embrace more timeless styles.

'We have seen an increase in all wooden countertops over the last few years, something we are very happy about, as mixing wood and stone is a very traditional look in freestanding kitchens,' says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL Kitchens.

'Wood is beautifully tactile and naturally warmer to the touch than stone so it offers a more relaxed and gentle approach to your countertops and makes a perfect material for kitchens. Especially ones that blend into living areas as it feels less utilitarian.'

4. Handle-free designs

While it's a small detail, the hardware you introduce to your space has a huge impact on the overall look and feel. And in '90s kitchens, opting for no cabinet hardware was the trending style – and it's still a stylish choice today.

Often referred to nowadays as slab cabinet doors, it's a design that creates a sleek, seamless look, often favored in more modern kitchen ideas. In the '90s, they were often designed in bright, bold colors with the aim to create a more modular look.

This kitchen is a more up-to-date, subtle take on this '90s trend, with sleek white cabinets being softened by wooden accents. The square, grid-like format of the lower cabinetry also has a bit of a 90s feel to it.

5. Glass-fronted kitchen cabinets

Glass-fronted kitchen cabinets are everywhere at the moment, providing a timeless method for breaking up solid runs of cabinetry and introducing a different texture. But it turns out, they were first made popular in '90s kitchens.

It's a feature mainly introduced to the upper cabinets to not only create a more open, airy atmosphere but also to provide a place to create dust-free displays. From vintage ceramics collections to beautifully stacked tableware, it's the perfect middle ground between classic cabinets and open shelving.

And as the lived-in kitchen aesthetic continues to prove popular, it's no surprise this '90s trend is still considered stylish in 2025.

6. Beige and magnolia kitchen colors

While kitchen color ideas of the '90s featured a lot of bold colors and pastel hues, there was a more pared-back palette that proved popular. Warmer neutrals had a revival – and it's a trend we're seeing again now. Yes, we are talking magnolia.

'Creamy neutrals were a hallmark of '90s interiors, largely because they offered a soft, accessible alternative to the stark whites of previous decades. They brought warmth and comfort to the home, qualities that resonated then, and still do now,' says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.

'We’re seeing a real resurgence in their popularity today, but with a more refined, layered approach. Think chalky beiges, putty tones, stone, and mushroom hues that create a calm, timeless backdrop for the kitchen,' he adds, explaining that the appeal of this color palette lies in its versatility to suit modern and traditional schemes.

'They also pair effortlessly with natural materials like oak, marble, and aged brass. There’s a real appetite right now for spaces that feel elegant but lived-in and creamy neutrals deliver that balance perfectly.'

Whether you want to create a kitchen that feels full of nostalgia or simply want your scheme to feel personality-filled yet timeless, these '90s kitchen trends are a proven way to design an enduringly stylish kitchen.

The key to nailing the look is to mix old and new – try to embrace transitional kitchen ideas rather than creating a shrine to the '90s. And if you want something more authentic, why not bring vintage pieces into the kitchen that hail from the era?