The unforgettable 90’s
Five trends from the decade that we’ll never forget...
1 Minimalism
In the 1990s, John Pawson was heralded as the godfather of minimalism. The London-based designer’s signature colour scheme often featured shades of white, cream and beige, creating zen-like spaces with uncluttered surfaces and walls void of decoration. His monastic Manhattan store for Calvin Klein set the bar for the many minimalist aficionados who followed, creating a movement that inspired other retail spaces and boutiques.
2 Neon
Kitsch and glitzy, neon signage came indoors. It had been a favourite above doorways and bars in sleazy areas like London’s Soho. Now, these signs were treated as an ironic light source in some interiors.
3 Inflatable seating
Blow-up chairs first appeared in the 1960s, but they had a colourful revival in the 1990s. The chairs, sofas, couches, loungers and side tables filled a corner of many a teenage bedroom. And while their bulbous shapes may have screamed fashionable, they were less than comfortable.
4 Scandi chic
Wallpaper magazine launched in 1996, giving a new platform to high-end Scandinavian design. As well as putting contemporary designers on the map, Wallpaper and its imitators created a new appetite for Nordic mid-century modern interior design. The Danes led the charge and the names Finn Juhl, Hans Wegner, Verner Panton and Arne Jacobson on everyone’s lips.
5 Loft-style apartments
In some cities, industrial and commercial buildings were converted by savvy developers into swanky pads. Flexibility and space were key features. Big windows framed views over the metropolis and the open-plan kitchen/dining room was divided into zones by chic pieces of furniture.
