For a few years, from fashion runways and street style to the cabinetry, color and decor choices consumers have been making for their homes, we’ve been seeing a warming trend across design. While consumer interests have made it clear that beige is back – as are the full color palettes that dominated the 1990s – this isn’t quite the beige that ruled Generation X.
Trends typically move in 30-year cycles and design trends are no different. The return of the 1990s to home decor is happening as numerous elements converge. Sex and the City returned to our screens, 90s “it” band Oasis staged a reunion tour and Friends-era colors butter yellow and chocolate brown took over wardrobes last year and this year. Coffeehouse culture exploded in the 90s and cafecore became part of the decor vernacular in the 2020s.
The key to reimagining these nostalgic interior design trends is to elevate and refresh color palettes for the homes of today.
Embrace Khaki as the New White
Homeowners have been gravitating away from the grays and whites with cool undertones that dominated the 2010s toward saturated color and warmer neutrals. We’re seeing this move toward effortless luxury with refined neutrals to give our homes an elevated look.
Image: HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
A modern take on 1990s beige is khaki, which consumers are embracing as the new white. Khaki is a sanded shade, which is emerging as a top trend in interior paint colors, reflecting a growing preference for natural, earthy tones that evoke a sense of calm and sophistication. These muted, sandy shades like the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color of the Year Universal Khaki (HGSW6150) and the blushed tan Nomadic Desert (HGSW6107) are perfect for creating serene and inviting kitchens, blending seamlessly with various design styles from modern minimalist kitchens to kitchens oozing with rustic charm. The versatility of sand allows it to complement a wide range of accent colors, making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking to refresh their kitchens and bathrooms through paint, updated cabinetry, hardware and a variety of surface materials with a timeless yet contemporary palette.
Elevate Colors of the Past by Leaning Into Their Warmth and Saturation
Rather than the burgundies and greens popular in the 1990s, earthy rich tones, tranquil teals and watery sage greens are dominating color trends, reflecting a growing desire for serenity and connection to nature in our interiors.
Image: HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
The burgundies of today are deeper and warmer, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. The move towards muted saturation levels enhances the subtle elegance of these earthy tones, making them versatile and appealing for various design applications.
Teal embodies an earth-first mindset and evokes calm and a sense of restoration. Watery sage greens complement this trend by offering a soothing, natural aesthetic that resonates with eco-conscious consumers. Together, these hues create environments that are both refreshing and grounding.
Refresh Familiar Color Combinations
To develop a ‘90s color palette for a modern home, consider khaki paint colors as foundational hues that helps transform homes into inviting sanctuaries. Pair it with a modern burgundy, which helps to provide depth and dimension while green brings biophilic calm. For the kitchen, try a combination of a soft yellow, creamy neutral, moss green and tan.
Image: HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
Enclosed spaces, such as bathrooms, offer opportunities to make emboldened color choices. Balance teal and earthy red with a warm neutral, such as Still Water (HGSW6223) and Reddened Earth (HGSW6053) with Creamy (HGSW7012).
Achieve a Nostalgic Yet Sophisticated Look for 2026
The warming trend will continue as will homeowners’ desire to connect with nature and natural materials in their homes. By embracing modern tans as a foundational color and pairing neutrals with warm, saturated hues, these updated color palettes will help create a forward-thinking home design rooted in nostalgia.
—Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
