Destinee Ristau, a 35-year-old woman, has spent the last three years working on a unique project that has captured the attention of many – a ‘nostalgia room’ filled with ’90s-inspired pieces. The room is a collection of items from the ’90s and early 2000s, ranging from Britney Spears posters to Disney-branded bedding and Furbies. However, the idea behind the room stemmed from a deeper place – a need to cope with childhood trauma.
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Ristau shared exclusively with PEOPLE that the room was a manifestation of her challenging upbringing. “The room would not exist without the trauma. I was growing up in a rough situation from the ages of 1 to 7, and I dealt with complete chaos,” she explained. With her parents’ separation, her mother working at a strip club and her father stepping in to take care of her, Ristau faced a tumultuous childhood. It wasn’t until much later in life that she decided to address these unresolved issues through therapy.
Following the passing of her father in 2017, Ristau found herself struggling with grief and sought solace in revisiting her childhood joys. This led to the creation of her nostalgia room, starting with simple items like an inflatable couch, a lava lamp, and a VHS tape of The Princess Diaries. As she delved deeper into the project, Ristau found herself sourcing items from thrift stores and online platforms to recreate the nostalgic ambiance she longed for.
The room expanded beyond just a personal retreat, becoming a platform for Ristau to connect with others who shared her love for ’90s memorabilia. Through her TikTok and Instagram accounts, she began sharing glimpses of her room, sparking joy and nostalgia in thousands of viewers. Ristau expressed gratitude for the positive impact her room has had on people, with many finding comfort and relaxation in the retro-themed space.
Despite living in a digital age, Ristau advocates for the importance of physical media and curating personal collections. She believes that nostalgia can be a healing force, fostering community and connection among individuals. In a world filled with rapid technological advancements, Ristau’s dedication to preserving and celebrating ’90s culture serves as a reminder of the power of nostalgia in healing and self-exploration.
As Ristau continues to expand her nostalgia-themed projects, including a ‘grandma kitchen’ and a celestial room, she remains unapologetic about her affinity for the past. Embracing nostalgia as a tool for healing and self-discovery, she invites others to listen to their inner child and explore what brings them joy and comfort. In a society where nostalgia often carries a stigma, Ristau’s story stands as a testament to the transformative power of reconnecting with cherished memories.