Quiet luxury is dead, and ’90s minimalism is taking its place. Effects like FX Love storythe culture of the ‘clean girl’, and uncertainty about the future is bringing back the clean lines and subtle color palettes of the past. Contrary to the ‘quiet luxury’ look of 2020, this take on minimalism is heavily textured with vintage details scattered throughout. It refuses to be flat.
Archival photos of Winona Ryder’s bedroom in New York in 1994 are the perfect blueprint for ’90s minimalism; they show a space that is not a small end, that is at the same time simple and easy. Like the cool girl of the ’90’s, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, the well-done version of this look is very elegant yet comfortable. Winona’s bedroom combines this balance with the visual purity of the white bed against the light wooden bedside table. A classic red and cream lamp adds a pop of color to the white walls. Her white upholstered headboard brings a touch of luxurious comfort. The result is perfect cocooning but light.
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Winona Ryder in the bedroom of her New York apartment, 1994
Recreate Winona’s Look at Home
Winona’s look is made up of three simple parts: white bedding, a wooden bedside table, and a fun lamp. By varying these three elements, you’re well on your way to creating a bedroom just like hers.
This beautiful dress comes to life with a blend of burlwood and classic grain accents. Its curved silhouette can be beautiful next to a white bedroom.
The world’s first cozy cotton blankets feel like falling into a dream. Its soft, smooth surface feels and looks extremely beautiful. The set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, 4 pillowcases, and a duvet cover.
A lamp with lots of personality is the perfect way to elevate a simple side table. I’m obsessed with these rechargeable bamboo lamps from Addison Ross that come in a variety of basic colors and shade options.
Upholstered Tufting Headboard
An upholstered headboard in the same color as your bedding is a great way to add a polished finish to your ’90s-inspired bedroom. This one has straight lines, echoing the minimalist pattern of Winona Ryder’s bed.
Miulee Christmas Throw Decorative Pillow
This pillow cover is made from natural ramie linen and cotton fabric, featuring a high-quality stone-washed fabric that softens well over time. Its stylish hemline brings a bohemian touch, creating a relaxed, elegant look for the cotton upholstered bed.
Figuer (Fig Tree) Standard Candle
Winona Ryder uses a Diptique candle by her bed to help her fall asleep, and this fig tree scent is our absolute favorite. It doesn’t just smell like figs, but the whole smell of a tree with green leaves.
Carlin Van Noppen, bedroom design expert at Fig Linens and Home explains: ’90s minimalism has a lasting appeal because it combines the best of the quiet luxury trend with more personality and warmth. People are tired of places that feel familiar and look to the beauty of the past to bring back some texture to our lives and homes. Plus, it’s easy to find pieces that create this look, from warm woods to clean-looking fabrics; the design of this time is “now.”‘
One of the most striking features of Winona’s bedroom is the white bed, and this will always be a timeless way to add light and air to the bedroom according to experts. Carlin advises: ‘If you’re hoping to bring ’90s minimalism into your bedroom, start with white bedding. It’s timeless, easy to wash, and goes with everything. In addition, white does not necessarily mean a liberal personality. You can choose white bedding with a small print, as we see in Winona Ryder’s space, or use decorative pillows to create a textural contrast.’
The minimalism of the 1990s is here to stay, suggesting beige and boucle defining the first half of the 2020s. For the best inspiration, we go back to the source with archive photos from the real 90s. After that, we can carry the best parts forward and leave the rest.