9 ideas to steal from the kitchens of the 1990s and how to make them actually look chic in 2025

There's something so nostalgic about kitchens from bygone eras. And while there are some features we would never want to bring back (pine cabinets, we're looking at you), there are some that still feel fun and stylish today.

With retro kitchens proving increasingly popular for a unique and playful scheme, it's got us thinking about the 1990s, particularly the kitchen features we all loved throughout the era that would add a heavy dose of character to a scheme now.

From a new take on wooden cabinetry to the color palettes making a comeback, these are the ideas to steal from kitchens of the '90s, according to designers.

9 ideas to steal from the kitchens of the 1990s

If you love the nostalgia of '90s interiors but aren't sure which elements to bring back into 2025 and which to leave firmly in the past, these designer suggestions will set you on the right path. Whether you bring back the decade's favorite color palettes or the re-emerging cabinet designs that prove to be timeless, there's something here for every kitchen.

1. Freestanding kitchen designs

Built-in kitchens may be the go-to in modern-day designs, but the '90s leaned more towards freestanding designs. And it's a look that is making a comeback, with many homeowners striving to mix freestanding furniture into their kitchen, which is a '90s feature you can steal in 2025.

'deVOL was just a small company in the '90s, but it was built on a love of freestanding kitchens. This freestanding style stayed around for many years, but we noticed over time that our customers began wanting more fitted cupboards, and so twenty years of change began,' says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL Kitchens.

'Finally, we are seeing a move back to a more freestanding look, not necessarily the cottage freestanding of the '90s, more a country house freestanding style. This is a look we really admire and love for its authenticity,' she explains.

2. Classic white kitchens

If there's one kitchen color that never really goes out of style, it's white schemes. And it was a hallmark of many '90s kitchens, creating the bright, fresh look so many homeowners desired.

'One of the things from the '90s kitchens that still feels totally at home today is the classic white kitchen. That bright, fresh look really took off in the 1990s, and it hasn’t gone anywhere because it’s just so timeless,' says Kailee Blalock and Taylor Troia, founders of House of Hive Design Co.

'What keeps white kitchens relevant is their versatility – white cabinetry gives you a clean, versatile backdrop that works with pretty much any style, whether you’re going for something modern and minimal or cozy and traditional. These days, we like to warm it up a bit, layering in natural stone, brass hardware, or wood details so it doesn’t feel too stark or sterile.'

3. Wooden kitchens

There are lots of '90s kitchen references that you can take to inspire your kitchen today, even if it's not an exact match. Take the natural materials used, for example – wooden kitchen cabinets are back in a big way, but in a more timeless tone.

'The wooden kitchen was another popular '90s look, often orange colored pine, which soon became a very unappealing look, and everyone rushed to rip out their orange kitchens and orange terracotta tiled floors, which were supposed to represent the rustic country cottage look, but didn’t stand the test of time,' explains Helen.

'Now, in a more sophisticated society, we are seeing wooden kitchen cupboards, single pieces of furniture, and terracotta tiled floors, but the colors are natural, not stained or falsely representing the real thing; they are the real thing,' she adds.

4. In-frame cabinetry

While there are elements of the classic '90s kitchen that you probably wouldn't want to introduce to schemes now, there are some elements that have truly stood the test of time, and still feel chic and timeless today.

'In-frame cabinetry, which saw a revival in the 1990s, continues to be a hallmark of quality kitchen design today. It has its roots in traditional joinery, where cabinet doors are set within a solid frame,' says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport Kitchens.

'Unlike more mass-produced styles, in-frame cabinetry feels built to last. To bring this into a modern setting, we often pair the classic framework with more contemporary flourishes: a bold paint color like deep olive or warm taupe, minimalistic handles in antique brass, or even a quartzite worktop with subtle veining.'

5. Island seating

'Islands with seating are another '90s favorite that’s still going strong. Back then, it was all about making the kitchen a gathering spot, and that idea is even more important now,' says Kailee and Taylor.

While kitchen island seating isn't a design feature solely owned by kitchens of the 1990s – in fact, it's a feature that has remained ever since – it does prove it's a timeless addition to your kitchen, aesthetically and functionally.

'Today’s islands tend to be larger, offering storage, prep space, and a spot to gather. Pairing one with great barstools or adding an interesting countertop edge detail is a nice way to give that '90s feature an update.'

6. Glass-fronted cabinetry

If a freestanding kitchen isn't a possibility in your space, glass-fronted kitchen cabinets are a great way to break up solid runs of cabinetry, and are another feature that hails from the 1990s.

'Glass-front cabinets first gained popularity in the '90s and are still a favorite for adding visual lightness and showcasing beautiful pieces. We love updating this feature by opting for reeded or antique glass, or limiting glass fronts to a single curated area, such as flanking a range hood, to create a thoughtful, intentional moment,' says Kailee and Taylor.

You've probably seen glass fronts used most frequently on the upper cabinets, but there's no reason you can't introduce them to some of your base units for something a bit different.

7. Chrome

When you think of timeless kitchen finishes, brass usually comes to mind. But the 1990s were the decade of chrome, and it's a finish that's enjoying a revival once again. And it can be just as enduring when designed into your scheme well.

'Chrome is having a quiet resurgence. It was everywhere in the 1990s, but back then, it was all about high-shine finishes across taps, handles, even appliances, which resulted in a very polished, almost clinical look,' says Gareth Hull, design lead at Hendel & Hendel.

'Today, we’re seeing chrome re-enter the conversation as a deliberate design choice rather than a default. It’s no longer just about gloss and reflection but how a cooler-toned metal can anchor a space,' he explains.

This is what makes chrome hardware and finishes throughout the kitchen feel in style today, rather than the borderline garish look it had in the 1990s. 'When used thoughtfully, chrome has a sharpness that works in a modern kitchen. It lifts darker schemes, sharpens soft neutrals and adds a crisp edge to timber or stone, the latter two of which are firm favorites in kitchen design at the moment,' Gareth notes.

'We’re styling it with more restraint. By that, we mean chrome hardware against slab-front cabinetry, or used as a counterpoint to natural textures. It’s not about matching everything; it’s about letting the chrome sit confidently on its own terms.'

8. Butcher's block countertops

'Of course, you can’t forget butcher block counters. They added so much warmth back then, and they still do today,' says Kailee and Taylor, who advocate for bringing this feature into your kitchen in a small but meaningful way.

'Instead of doing a full kitchen of butcher block, we’ll use it on part of an island or as an accent. It brings in that natural texture and helps balance out stone or quartz counters,' they suggest.

If you want to blend two '90s features together, introduce a butcher's block kitchen island, like in this scheme, that gives the space a more freestanding feel without taking away the functional needs.

9. Butter yellow kitchen color schemes

This year's kitchen color trends have taken an unexpected turn, with butter yellow kitchens proving increasingly popular. But you might not have realized that this is actually a hue that's dominated schemes before.

'Another resurgence is the primrose and butter yellows that were so popular in the 90s for kitchen cabinets, I think the tones are a little softer this time around, again a little more sophisticated than before, color has certainly come on so much in the last couple of decades,' says Helen.

If you're wondering what colors go best with butter yellow, it's being styled in a few ways. For a light, soft scheme, pairing butter yellow cabinets with warm whites, like in this design, feels almost neutral and utterly timeless. For something bolder, pair it with strong blues, reds, or even shades of brown.

These nostalgic decorating trends are hallmarks of 1990s kitchens. Whether you introduce freestanding furniture or a new-but-old color scheme, adding one of these revived design features is a great way to create a more vintage kitchen feel.