How Winona Ryder's '90s Living Room Made a Controversial Yellow and Green Color Palette Look Effortlessly Chic

Some color palettes (like blue and white) just make sense, while others (like yellow and green) raise instant alarm bells. There's no way those shades could look chic together, right? Winona Ryder's living room from the '90s is the antithesis of all of our preconceptions about risky color pairings.

Archival images of the actress in her New York apartment from 1994 show how to style green and yellow together effectively. She brings the unexpected color pairing in mostly through a large painting featuring brass instruments on a dark green background. Her walls are cream. Winona perches on a sand colored velvet accent chair, which helps to ground the brighter tones of the room. Light green silky pillows add a touch of softness that ties the colors together.

It's proof that there are no limits in terms of what colors look good together; if you can dream it, you can make it work. As '90s color trends resurge across the interior space, Homes & Gardens takes a deep dive into Winona Ryder's space. Here's a glimpse into her New York City apartment, as well as commentary from two acclaimed interior designers on why it works. I've also curated an edit of products to help you replicate her look.

Recreate Winona's Look at Home

To start, how does Winona make a yellow and green room idea stylish? According to the experts, it has to do with balance. Jennifer Cataldo, Interior Designer at Maison Cataldo explains: 'Winona makes green and yellow feel chic by keeping the look controlled. The bold color lives in the artwork while everything else stays soft and neutral. The green leans earthy, the yellow is concentrated, and nothing competes with it.'

Interior designer Danielle Nicholson, adds: 'The base of the room is actually very neutral, however, the neutral palette has gold undertones which allows the tie in with the green and yellow. The artwork she has chosen is very muted and classic with incredible texture. The pillows are also very classic with a silk texture. It’s not so much about the colors scheme, but how it has been applied in a subtle way, keeping the backdrop simple and letting the artwork have its moment.'

'90s trends are making a massive comeback in 2026, but if Winona's look is to return it will be with a twist. Jennifer tells Homes & Gardens: 'This palette is returning with the 90's revival, but in a more refined way. Think mossy greens and muted ochres instead of anything too bright or primary.'

Furthermore, tapping into the nostalgia we're currently experiencing around this era may have more to do with creating an atmosphere of curated clutter rather than repeating specific color palettes. 'I don’t necessarily think the color scheme of yellow and green will become a trend,' says Danielle. 'What I do see happening as looks from the 90s resurge is that people are more inclined to create spaces that feel like a lived-in home that have more personality. Going back to their roots and designing with what they love as opposed to what they’ve been influenced by. I think many people are craving that’s 90’s feel of nostalgia in the home.'

The best way to recreate the chic effect of Winona's green room idea is to replicate her pared-back technique. Jennifer advises: 'At home, use green as your base and add yellow sparingly through art or a single accent. Keep the rest quiet with natural textures so it feels layered and not loud.'

Daniella recommends: 'Stick with a neutral base palette, be sure to choose your key color scheme and pieces first. That way when selecting the neutral base, you pull the right undertones. This way, everything will tie in very nicely. Layer with different textures to give that luxe feel, like raw silk, wool, and linen. Remember to keep it simple and let the few select statement pieces speak volumes against the magnificent backdrop you will create.'

No matter the colors you choose, it's important to avoid this common living room design mistake. Danielle explains: 'The biggest mistake people make is when they’ve decided on a color scheme. The entire space becomes about the colors they’ve chosen. For example, if they are yellow and green, they feel compelled that the walls need to be yellow and go overboard on accessories, they continue on their color scheme it all starts to become very overwhelming. You don’t want to walk into a space and right away know what the color scheme is. If it’s done right, it will hit you very subtly just like this image.' Instead, opt for restraint. When in doubt, go back to the pictures of Winona Ryder's space.

With the right treatment, even the most supposedly garish color combinations can look elegantly elevated. Winona's space is a reminder to embrace your personality in your interiors, rather than following preconceived ideas about what 'looks good.'