The 1990s are having a moment – in 2026. In today’s hyperconnected world, people are reminiscing about a simpler time before social media saturation and constant activity. For many, the 90s evokes feelings of comfort and positive memories, and the decade’s unique style is popping back up in fashion, product packaging and home design.
While the 90s may not be every designer’s favorite decade, its nostalgic appeal is undeniable. Homeowners are increasingly drawn to its warm and familiar aesthetic, and this nostalgic pull is influencing the design choices people are making in their own spaces.
Designers have an opportunity to draw inspiration from the 90s and reimagine its style influences in an elevated, modern way. Think clean, minimal and current aesthetics, layered with character and traditional influences. This blend reflects a broader design sentiment: homeowners want simplicity, but not sterility.
This approach translates to a focus on sleek lines and thoughtful material pairings. Designers are moving beyond stark white-on-white designs by introducing elements that feel handcrafted and intentional. The resurgence of wood tones in kitchen design is proof that the 90s are back, albeit with a more refined sensibility. The orange-toned oak that once reigned supreme has been replaced by woods that emphasize the beauty of grain, tone and texture in a more elevated way. Flat-panel cabinetry, for example, can be warmed with a refined wood finish and paired with design-forward lighting to layer in character and depth.
Kitchen designs are increasingly featuring walnut, hickory and red oak, but with a focus on lighter, more organic stains and finishes. Cerused and wire-brushed techniques are also being used to add physical texture and depth without overwhelming the space. These choices reflect a desire for kitchens that are warm, tactile and timeless. Whether it’s a statement island in walnut or full perimeter cabinets in lighter stains, this wood-forward movement delivers the organic warmth people crave, without the dated feel of its 90s predecessors.
It’s clear that texture is becoming an essential element in kitchen design. Designers are seeing more textured woods in the kitchen, as homeowners once again explore richer, more engaging materials layered in more complex and nature-inspired palettes.
Today’s homeowners are also pairing wood with painted cabinetry, mixing stain colors and integrating contemporary hardware and lighting for a balanced design that nods to the past while firmly belonging in the present.
According to The MasterBrand 2026 Kitchen Trend Survey, ninety percent of designers report that homeowners are eager to use color in their kitchens and some homeowners are personalizing their spaces with nostalgic influence. For example, colors inspired by the 90s grunge scene, such as dark plum, forest green, brown and earthy red are being used to add instant moody sophistication to kitchens and surrounding living spaces. Additionally, some of the soft pastels that defined the 90s are making a comeback such as sage green and rose hues.
Ultimately, homeowners today are craving comfort, familiarity and personalization. The wood revival isn’t about recreating a past look, it’s about reinterpreting it for modern living. So if a homeowner is inspired by the 1990s, draw influences from the decade to help bring depth and character to their kitchen to set an inviting ambiance.
—Stephanie Pierce, director of design and trends at MasterBrand Cabinets
