'80s And '90s Home Decor Gets New Life Thanks To These BlackOwned Shops

We've all heard the saying that everything old is new again, and that couldn't be truer than when it comes to home decor. Looking for 80s and 90s inspired decor when renovating your living space is a big mistake. These two decades have produced trends that are timeless, or at least seem to be repeating themselves. The 80s are now known for their electric colors, basic floral patterns and geometric furniture. And the 90s now includes rattan and wicker textures, travertine tiles and clean, light wood finishes. And if you're looking for one of those 80s or 90s trends, look no further than a few black home furnishings stores that carry vintage and vintage-inspired products with plenty of nostalgia.

"We often see an era first in fashion, then in graphic design, then in home decor," says Dana Lewis-Murphy, founder of Vintage Glow Geometric. The online sale is full of 80s and 90s decor in bright colors and, fittingly, geometric shapes and silhouettes. Lewis-Murphy added that she watched her 14-year-old daughter flock to retro shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Golden Girls , as well as vintage style in her grandparents' closets and their garage kept from memories. absorb

And her daughter isn't the only one suffering from homesickness. Coincidentally, Gen Zers (especially on TikTok) embraced the 80s and 90s in all their colorful glory at home. "The Renaissance is also fueled by small style sparks, especially emerging subgroups," says Lewis-Murphy, naming microtrends like barbecue, beachy granny, arcade chic, and the list goes on.

And while mass retailers like Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters are quick to jump on these trends and undoubtedly offer '80s and '90s-inspired outfits, vintage and thrift stores are your best bets for more authentic merchandise. . And, incidentally, there are a few black shops that sell chic, retro, or retro-inspired pieces that you won't find anywhere else. These articles really speak to both the black experience of this period and the true glamor of this era.

Ahead is a list of four black-owned stores that prove 80s and 90s decor is back and more sophisticated.

If you really want to embrace the 80s in your home, look no further than Glow Geometric. “I opened [the store] in 2016,” Lewis-Murphy recalls. "I had a very hard time after losing my mother to cancer and I wanted to think back to when I was young, when everything seemed so beautiful and happy... My mother actually had chairs that belonged to Dynasty and at the 80s in our house. it was purple, very modern with black and silver decor. "So the design was all around me without me realizing it, but I embraced it," says Lewis -Murphy.

Glow Geometric's selection of candy-colored decorations are reminiscent of popular 80s and 90s shows like A Different World , Full House , and Saved by the Bell . Items range from slim vases and colorful teapots to giant clock-shaped wall clocks and cube-shaped coffee tables. Before buying a coin, the founder always makes sure that it meets certain standards. For example, it should be modern and specifically geometric, well-made, fun and attractive. The entrepreneur also looks for perfectly imperfect things. “Honestly, that's how I approach design. I like things a little twisted, curved or off center."

The vintage BLK MKT clearly reflects black cultural expression. Online or in stores across Brooklyn, you'll find all kinds of vintage memorabilia, artifacts, signs, and statues that connect the relationship between black people, pop culture, and American history. (The store also offers bespoke upholstery services so you can truly transform your home into a retro haven.)

All BLK MKT items are carefully selected by founders Gianna Handy and Kianna Stewart, who opened the store in 2014. Each item features unique, one-of-a-kind details, an intricate hand-painted design, and/or an origin story interesting. On their website, the brand guarantees that their stock is truly vintage, so items are "pre-loved" and often have minor imperfections. But if you're serious about bringing the story of black culture into your home, it won't be hard to overlook these flaws.

Goody believes in good design, good people and good influence. Twin brothers and founders of the design duo, Byron and Dexter Pierre, opened the store in response to their frustration with the fashion industry, which they saw as a broken system full of seasonality, discounts and short-term values. seen.

“We took on the challenge of disrupting the status quo and felt very inspired and passionate about providing a unique, inspiring, ambitious and educational design direction that empowers an engaged community of conscious consumers and focused creatives on the global impact of working from home. Byron explained

The brand only works with artisans and brands that have a positive social or environmental impact. “At Goodie, the lens through which we see everything begins and ends with a strong commitment to good design and good craftsmanship,” shares Byron.

In addition to great design, Goody also sells impeccable furniture and decor with a nostalgic touch that can help you create the 90s home of your dreams. Think wooden bowls, wicker baskets, geometric chairs and tables, and tapestry blankets. These suggestions will take you back in time.

If you love space-age decor from the late '90s, you could really embrace the trend at The Biomorphist, founded by Lewis-Murphy. "There was a very specific design movement and style that was born at that time that was never appreciated," he explains.

To pay homage to this second half of the 90s, The Biomorphist takes a very sophisticated approach to Judy Jetson-inspired aesthetics with designers such as Karim Rashid, Zaha Hadid, Philippe Starck and Ron Ard. The online store offers colorful and versatile decor items that, when added to your space, will instantly transport you back to a simpler time of arched swivel chairs and plexiglass tables.