Obsessed With The Monochromatic 'Love Story' Interiors? Step inside Calvin Klein's Real Life '90s Office – It's a Masterclass in The New Minimalism

FX's Love Story has taken the world by storm. The fictionalized portrayal of the lives of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and JFK Jr. deals in longing stares, Ryan Murphy's signature campy dialogue, and, of course, loads of chic '90s minimalism. Calvin Klein's New York offices, where Carolyn Bessette worked, are a central backdrop, enchanting us with their clean industrial lines.

Though no one can deny the beauty of the space created by the production designer Alex DiGerlando, we can't help but wonder: what did Calvin Klein's actual offices look like in the '90s? Lucky for you, Homes & Gardens got to the bottom of it. We sourced photos from the late '80s to the early '90s that documented the interiors of Calvin Klein Inc in Manhattan to shed light on the differences and similarities between the real and imagined spaces. The popularity of the style signifies not only the return of '90s trends, but the resurgence of minimalism in a newer, chicer form.

Beginning on the set of Love Story, we explore exactly what this on-trend minimalist style might look like. By examining Calvin Klein's real-life offices from multiple angles, we start to tease out the elements that are resonating with viewers. We also curated an edit of minimalist staples to help you get the look, and asked experts how to emulate the style.

One of the most striking elements of both the Love Story set and Calvin Klein's real office is an industrial Fortuny lamp (available at 1stDibs). The iconic piece is based on a camera's tripod, and immediately creates a sense of drama and style. It's a reminder that embracing minimalist decor doesn't have to mean toning down character; instead, you can marry a distinct visual identity with clean lines and a pared-back color palette.

Recreate Calvin Klein-Style Minimalism at Home

The industrial shelves in the office are also a highly notable feature. This black metal furnishing sat behind Calvin's desk and was filled to the brim with magazines, books, picture frames, and awards. The repetition of industrial-style interiors indicates that we can expect to see these influences in 2026, with takes on minimalism pulling us out of our early 2020s greige slump.

To recreate the clean '90s style of Love Story and the real Calvin Klein offices, begin with a palette that is as blank as possible. Yasmin Rahbari, Design Expert at Ruggable explains: 'Sleek, clean and minimal lines are all a nod to the 90s. Think open plan kitchens, low-profile sofas and furniture that prioritises function over fashion. If you’re looking to bring this aesthetic into your own home, start small. Begin by removing unnecessary clutter and allowing the space to breathe. The key is to keep rooms feeling open and calm. Maximising natural light will also help to create that effortless, airy feel that defined many interiors of the era.'

Accessories like the torso statue and orchid on the coffee table help to soften these directives in the CK headquarters.

Monochromatic '90s color trends are equally crucial in taking on this look chicly. Yasmin advises: 'Color plays an important role too. A neutral palette works best, with shades such as white, cream and beige forming the foundation. These tones can be complemented with light wood furniture and subtle accents of black, chrome or soft gray.'

As nostalgia rules our interior design trends more and more, it's always worth returning to the actual source material to determine how to best tap into these impulses. Calvin Klein's '90s offices are the perfect place to start.

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