Retro Revival

The 90s Are Back and Textured Home Decor Is Leading the Trend

Every few years, interiors borrow a little wisdom from fashion — and right now, the 90s are having a beautifully cozy comeback. It started on the runway (hello, corduroy blazers and slouchy velvet trousers), then quietly slipped into accessories, and now? It’s reshaping the way we style our homes.

But this isn’t the neon-streaked 90s. This revival feels softer. Elevated. Textural. Tactile. More “low-key hygge” than “high-gloss grunge.”

Let’s unpack the biggest 90s-inspired home trends of the moment and explore how to incorporate them with comfort, creativity, and modern intention.

Corduroy Is Having A Moment

Corduroy’s comeback began in fashion — particularly in menswear — where stylists embraced it as the cozy, refined alternative to denim. Then interiors designers began asking, "What if that same softness, structure, and subtle rib could bring warmth to the home?" It carries that familiar ribbed texture, just softened and refined. Neutral olive, dusty mauves, and navy tones make it feel grounded and modern rather than vintage or themed.

It works beautifully in the bedroom because it adds depth without overwhelming a quiet space. But it’s not limited to bedding — corduroy can work on window benches, floor pillows, and accent pieces where you want soft structure. The key is tone. Keep it muted and textural, and corduroy feels calm rather than bold.

Designer Tip:
Corduroy shines near natural wood tones, brushed brass accents, and bouclé décor. If you want instant warmth: add a chunky knit throw or a linen pillow for contrast.

Texture Is the New Pattern

Bouclé's revival wasn’t accidental — it came at the exact moment designers began craving quiet luxury. It started with accent chairs and ottomans, then evolved into throw pillows, duvet accents, bedding trims, and even comforters and duvet covers.

Bouclé has become a go-to for creating warmth through texture, not pattern. It captures a tactile coziness that fits almost anywhere — from pillows layered on a bed to sculptural pieces in the living room. It gives neutral palettes character and dimension, especially in the colder months when we naturally lean toward softness.

Rounded pillows or curved shapes bring out bouclé’s calming personality without making the room feel heavy. It’s a way to add interest while keeping the palette clean.

In the 90s, bouclé was everywhere — think Parisian minimalism meets cozy comfort. Today’s approach keeps those influences but strips away the formality, making bouclé a perfect addition to layered bedding.

Designer Tip:
Use bouclé pillows where you’d normally put pattern — they’ll create equal visual interest, just with a richer, more touchable finish.

Velvet — The Glam Cousin That Never Went Out of Style

The 90's wouldn't have been the 90's without velvet. It has a timeless range. In the past, it was treated as dressy and dramatic. Today, it slides comfortably into minimal spaces by keeping the tone subtle and the surface matte. You get richness without shine, warmth without weight.

In a bedroom, velvet brings a sense of quiet luxury. On a sofa or accent chair, it catches the light and makes the whole space feel more layered. Think of velvet as a soft depth-maker, not a statement piece.

Designer Tip:
Velvet loves companionship. Pair it with cotton, linen, or slub textures to create balance.

Tailored Pleating Dials Up the Drama

Pleated silk feels like corduroy dressed up for cocktails — familiar, ribbed, structured, but with the softened luxe sheen that makes it perfect for refined rooms.

Tailored pleating creates fine texture — subtle enough to blend, interesting enough to elevate. It’s like corduroy’s more refined cousin. Whether used  as a supporting player on a bed, sofa, or chair, or as the main event in bedding or window curtains, pleating adds structure without stiffness.

Why These Textures Work So Well Together

They all contribute something different:

• Corduroy brings structure

• Bouclé brings cozy tactility

• Velvet brings warmth and depth

• Pleating brings refinement

Layered together, they create a quiet richness that doesn’t rely on color or pattern. It feels inviting in the bedroom, polished in a living room, and grounded in entry or guest spaces.

How to Make the Trend Your Own

The most interesting rooms aren’t perfect matches — they’re curated. Try mixing one texture that’s grounded (corduroy) with one that’s soft (bouclé) and one that’s refined (pleating or velvet). Keep your palette within a family of neutrals and the look stays cohesive.

You can start small, like adding textured pillows to a reading nook, or go larger with a textured comforter that becomes the focal point of the room.

Either way, the impact comes from the mood, not the size.

Soft Nostalgia for Right Now

There’s a reason this 90s influence works today. It gives us comfort without clutter, warmth without excess, and a sense of calm that’s needed in busy lives. These aren’t “retro themes.” They’re lived-in textures that make a space feel like you.

It’s a revival worth curling up in and we are all in!