6 Classic ’90s Decor Trends to Steal from Carrie Bradshaw’s Iconic NYC Apartment

Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic personal style extended well beyond her incomparable wardrobe—her chic, rent-controlled apartment had just as much character.

While the space evolved as the series went on (especially after her breakup with Mr. Big and when Aidan moved in), the original version remains a blueprint for several classic ’90s decor trends. So, we couldn’t help but wonder: From vintage furniture to pastel walls, what are the most important nostalgic elements to channel if we want the same look? Here are six we’re still dreaming about from her fictitious pre-war Brownstone at 245 East 73rd Street.

1. Mismatched Furniture

The ’90s Nancy Meyers aesthetic was all about mixing and matching furniture styles, and you see that same thrifted, collected feel in Carrie’s apartment. Nothing feels too perfect or coordinated, but it’s still cohesive—each area looks like it came together after several trips to the flea market.

For example, Carrie positioned an antique mission-style chair next to a mid-century modern credenza. Just like her wardrobe, her home furnishings are characterized by unexpected pairings that just seem to work together. 

2. Light Wood Tones

Decorators in the pre-millennium decade favored light wood—especially in pine, oak, or maple—because these finishes made spaces feel more airy and casual. And perhaps the most iconic piece in the original Sex and the City apartment is Carrie’s light wood desk, which was paired with a slightly darker (but still light) wood chair.

Eventually, the desk was replaced with a modern, glossy white piece in 2008, but we think there’s more charm in the original. As with the rest of the apartment, the desk setup felt like something she picked up second-hand. 

3. Simple White Open Shelving

Above and to the right of Carrie’s bed are three simple white open shelves that host a variety of trinkets throughout the series. The ’90s marked the beginning of the IKEA era, where affordable, minimalist home decor became a go-to for stylish apartments. While it’s not clear if the shelves were actually from IKEA, they have that modern Scandinavian aesthetic. (And if she was spending all her money on shoes, it’s probably likely she had to budget in other areas.)

4. Mint Green Walls

The entire palette in Carrie’s apartment was ’90s inspired, but the mint green seen in the bedroom and throughout the living area is just the pastel you’d find in that decade. (We also love the dusty blue in the makeshift walk-in closet.)

Soft, muted shades were popular for their ability to create calming, feminine spaces that weren’t too overpowering. The refreshing green makes the space feel lived-in and romantic, which speaks to Carrie’s eclectic-yet-delicate fashion sense. 

5. Varied Patterns

Even if you’re not Carrie’s biggest fan, you have to admit: Her style was never boring, and she knew how to embrace patterns and colors. At one point, the bench at the end of her bed had a tropical green flora print (that changed several times throughout the series), and the chair next to the bed featured a hand-painted antique floral motif.

Layered, mixed patterns were very popular in the ’90s, particularly in eclectic spaces. Changing out one pattern on a piece of decor, as Carrie often did, is an easy, quick way to make a space feel fresh.

6. Bell Lamp Shades 

Carrie layered several light-toned fabric lampshades throughout her apartment, but the bell-shaped one on her desk is quintessentially shabby chic. This aesthetic took off in the ’90s, yet Carrie knew to use it in taste. The lampshade’s feminine silhouette contrasts with its modern base, adding yet another mix-and-match element that doesn’t play by typical design rules.