The Old Yellow Style interior design features a uniform warm yellow色调, with vintage wooden frames paired with simple soft furnishings and layouts, exuding a strong retro vibe. This aesthetic from the last century has sparked a wave of nostalgia in the decorating world, resonating deeply with the 80s and 90s generation.
Often referred to as ‘Old Yellow Style’ or ‘Millennial Style’ decor, it is characterized by a dominant暖黄色调, complemented by wooden furniture and floors, and custom yellow wood cabinets. The entire space emits a sense of ‘digital patina,’ making it a unique and memorable trend.


Why does the Old Yellow Style look the same everywhere? Its origins can be traced back to 1990s Hong Kong television dramas.


At that time,装修 materials and style options were limited, and designs were relatively simple. As Hong Kong dramas gained popularity, their trendy and sophisticated interiors became widely imitated, leading to a uniform style through neighborly references.
The resurgence of Old Yellow Style reflects a shift in lifestyle and aesthetics among millennials (primarily those born in the 80s and 90s). This generation has experienced rapid development’s opportunities and pressures, resulting in material abundance but often spiritual emptiness.


Consequently, their priorities have evolved: while they may ‘lie flat’ in pursuit of career success, they increasingly seek physical health and mental fulfillment. In terms of living spaces, they value homes that offer relaxation and stress relief over mere design flair, aiming for zero mental pressure.


The simple and practical design of Old Yellow Style, combined with its focus on整洁 and functionality, along with the warm yellow tones evoking childhood memories, helps slow down the pace of life, perfectly meeting these needs.
Although classic, Old Yellow Style no longer aligns with mainstream aesthetics. Many DIY enthusiasts are planning renovations, but success can lead to a charming American country style, while failure might result in a cheap rental look.


The biggest issue with old-style decor is the excessive暖黄色调, which can cause visual fatigue. The first step in renovation is to reduce the proportion of暖黄色调 in the space. For example,年代感十足的 yellow wardrobes can be updated with stickers or paint for around two to three hundred dollars. If you’re not handy, it’s best to hire professionals for painting.






Beyond repainting, you can transform the space based on the original layout into similar styles like mid-century modern,南洋复古风, or natural wood style.


These styles share similarities with Old Yellow Style, such as abundant wooden furniture, making renovations relatively easy. They also age well, often gaining more character over time. For mid-century modern, pair with deep brown tones; for南洋风, use gray-green and black. Existing wood floors can be sanded and refinished if there are no issues like warping or leaks.


In addition to hard renovations, soft furnishings are crucial. Start with materials—choose options that look good even when aged, ensuring durability and timelessness. For instance, fabrics like cotton, linen, and British tweed, with their coarse textures, tend to improve with wear.


Select furniture and soft furnishings based on the renovation style. For mid-century modern, opt for简洁 designs in walnut tones. For南洋复古风, focus on black, dark brown, and green hues, using materials like wood and rattan. Both styles suit fabric or leather sofas—choose genuine leather for质感 or fabric for a cozy feel.


If you have pets like cats or dogs, consider cat-proof fabric sofas. Another key element in old-style decor is vintage curtains.


Without altering the room’s wooden structure, replace old curtains with wooden blinds to maintain the overall style while adding durability and appeal.