Everyone's Talking About '90s Minimalism, but Joan Juliet Buck's Rich Red Bedroom Captures the Nostalgic Color Trend I Can't Get Out of My Head

Forget black and beige, the richly textured, wallpapered burgundy bedroom in the writer and actress's New York Apartment embodies my favorite '90s trend

joan juliet buck living room
(Image credit: Oberto Gili via Getty ImagesGetty Images)

You can keep your clean lines, beige walls, and glass bricks; I'm coveting the '90s trends with bold personality: burgundy. The classic color never goes out of style, but it was especially popular in the pre-Y2K decade. For evidence, look no further than the home of ultra-chic style icon Joan Juliet Buck in 1990.

The writer and actress's New York bedroom was color-drenched in deep red tones. From the swirling jacquard wallpaper to the red bedside lamp and patterned red blanket, the space is a testament to the color's strong appeal in the '90s. To add interest, the editor broke up the strong color with gold-framed white pictures and white bedding. It's gorgeous.

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joan juliet buck in her red bedroom

Joan Juliet Buck's New York bedroom, 1990

(Image credit: Oberto Gili via Getty Images)

Shop The Burgundy Edit

First, I love Joan Juliet Buck's living room because decorating with burgundy is utterly timeless. Clare Schifano, bedroom design expert at And So To Bed, explains: 'This versatile shade excites the eyes and is a delicious pairing with colors you may already have in your space, like blues, greens, pinks, and neutral tones. Add this shade anywhere from lampshades to throws, pillows, and rugs to add a cheery pop of color to your bedroom.'

I also love how she opts for a more traditional scheme. Though many people are nervous that this might look stuffy or dated, when treated right and used with burgundy, this look will always be classic.

Clare advises: 'Trends come and go, but traditional styles last the test of time. Red has been a staple of English homes for centuries and can add a cozy yet refined touch to your bedroom. Think red checkerboard, stripes, and rustic plaid when choosing bedding and pillows to incorporate country home sophistication into your bedroom. For the ultimate luxurious feel, invest in traditional-styled red furniture like a Chesterfield bed, which will instantly create an opulent feel.'

Finally, I love the pop of red behind Joan's head. This serves as a headboard that bolsters and uplifts her space. Clare recommends: 'After all, red is the color of love and passion, so why not incorporate it into your bedroom in a vibrant headboard? Adding a splash of red will draw attention to your bed, making it the focal point of the room and a more attractive place to get into for that all-important beauty sleep.'


As '90s color trends surge in popularity, it's worth looking beyond the obvious to find the hidden gems that really resonate with you. No matter the year, personal style is always in.


Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.

In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.

Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.