Part with these old-fashioned home styles and discover new concepts that give your living area a contemporary, warm, and personalized touch.
While the ’90s provided us with a lot to remember—legendaryTV sitcoms, pop culture icons, and, naturally, the emergence of the internet—not all trends are worth reviving. In terms of interior design, there’s a delicate balance between nostalgia and a room that seems trapped in the past. Some design elements, like wicker furnishings, wallpaper, and open-plan living areas, have made a return.modern homes, others have not aged as well. Continue reading to learn about the six interior design trends that experts recommend abandoning.
Why Do Trends Seem Out of Date?
Interior design can become outdated if it prioritizes temporary fads. “The more something embraces newness rather than timelessness, the quicker it tends to seem worn out,” notes designer Liz Williams. “Designs that appear stuck in the past often depend too heavily on”trendy finishes, bold color combos, or overly detailed elements that do not align with modern renovations.” Sponge-painted walls, excessive tassels, orornate window treatmentsmight have seemed fashionable in the ’90s, but they didn’t possess the level of simplicity that ensures enduring appeal and a classic look.
Timeless design is carefully selected,” says designer Amanda Sinistaj. “Even if your individual style has changed, you can still value the artistry, the presence and openness between elements, and the history embedded in every item.
Related: 6 Sentimental ’90s Wallpaper Styles We’re Reintroducing
Decorating Styles from the 1990s That Should Stay in the Past
Although certain aspects of 90s design have been creatively updated, some continue to be firmly rooted in the past. Fromoverly decorative finishesTo color combinations that conflict with today’s more neutral styles, these formerly trendy designs now appear anything but remarkable. The positive aspect is that most of these outdated elements are simple to identify and even simpler to update.
1. The Imitation Surface Craze
From sponge-painted accent wallsTo rag-rolled bathrooms and fake finishes found in ’90s homes. Designed to bring texture and visual appeal, they ended up having the reverse impact. “During the ’90s, homeowners wanted texture without the expense of real plasterwork,” explains Sinistaj. “The DIY trend was strong, and creating a unique sponged wall finish by mixing your own colors was almost a must-do, but without proper skill or understanding of color theory, the outcomes often lacked depth and refinement.”
Williams recalls the trend with equal clarity and is just as eager to put faux finishes back in the ’90s. “Faux painting was creative. People appreciated the DIY element and believed it brought depth and elegance, but usually, the final look was cluttered and unprofessional,” she remembers. Rather than improving the space, faux finishes take attention away from other design features, such as furniture, artwork, and the overall style.
For a contemporary update, simplify the area to aclean coat of paintin a classic, neutral style. “Sometimes the simplest update is a new, high-quality layer of paint in a deep hue or gentle matte texture,” says Sinistaj. “It creates harmony and focus in a room that fake finishes can’t.” If you still wish to introduce depth, Williams recommends choosingtextured wallpaperfor instance, grasscloth, hand-troweled limewash, or Venetian plaster, as a more refined option.
2. Matching Furniture Sets
During the ’90s, purchasing all your case goods from one collection—same wood color or finish, same style, everything the same—was seen as a wise choice. It eliminated the need for coordination, but also led to a dull and unexciting appearance. “Having matching coffee tables and side tables felt secure,” says Sinistaj. “However, with inspiration now just a swipe away, today’s homeowners are more knowledgeable about design than ever.” In a time where personal expression and uniqueness are in fashion,matching furniture setscould not be more unwelcome
Alternatively, focus on a custom-designed set of furnishings that highlights various materials, finishes, and shapes to form an area that appears rich, deliberate, and distinctly personal. “Simply make sure to maintain at least one component that remains the same—be it the finish, design, or”the scale,” Sinistaj advises. “This fosters unity while still enabling variation and individuality.” It’s the distinction between a space that appears deliberate or haphazard.
3. Excess of Teal and Mauve
Following the lively color scheme of the 1980s, the 1990s brought about a more muted atmosphere, withdusty mauves, cool teals, and grayish pastels that dominate everything from walls to furniture. “That dusty look was the height of the ’90s, and although teal may have evolved, mauve has made a surprisingly stylish return,” says Sinistaj. However, it’s not the individual colors that seem outdated; it’s the combination that identifies a space as belonging to that time.
If you enjoy both teal and mauve, incorporate them again.a more sophisticated wayWith updated versions of those tones, but not in combination. Alternatively, opt for a completely new color scheme. Paint is one of the simplest and most affordable methods to refresh a room, as it doesn’t involve any building work. If selecting colors isn’t straightforward for you, Sanistaj recommends consulting the professionals in paint hues. “Brands such as Sherwin-Williams, Farrow & Ball, and Benjamin Moore now provide”curated palettesand motivation to lead you to the ideal mix.”
4. Elaborate Window Treatments
Swags, ruffles, borders, and tassels—window coverings from the ’90s were incredibly elaborate. “Before the popularity of low-E, energy-efficient windows, these fabric-rich designs had two functions, helping to retain warmth and block visibility, while also providing the formal look that was highly desired back then,” says Sinistaj. Thick layers made sense when insulation and privacy were more important, but they now seem like they gather dust. After three decades, homeowners now favormaximize lightand keep a visual link to the outside.
That doesn’t mean every beautiful drapery is outdated. Curtains enhance a color scheme, bring in texture, and help big spaces feel more inviting or small areas seem more spacious,” Sinistaj notes. “The important part is ensuring the style matches the atmosphere you want to create.
To assist you in selecting the best window covering for your area, begin by determining your main requirements. “If privacy is your priority, a horizontal shade that provides both light management and privacy can be an excellent choice. For a more colorful or patterned appearance, think about a”tailored Roman blindin a lovely material to adorn the area without overpowering it gracefully.
5. Carpeting that Extends from Wall to Wall in Living Spaces
The ‘90s were thetime of rugs. There’s nothing that conveys comfort and opulence like a living room completely covered in carpeting, but while the warmth and snugness were genuine, so were the disadvantages.Wall-to-wall carpetwas more cost-effective and simpler to put in compared to hardwood flooring,” notes Williams, but it’s not as suitable for modern homes, particularly in areas with heavy foot traffic. “Carpet gets stained easily, holds onto allergens, is typically more difficult to clean and maintain, and can make rooms appear dull without any variation in texture or visual interest.”
Hardwood flooring has become the new benchmark, whether it’s solid wood, composite wood, or high-end vinyl planks. “Using wood flooring, you can place a rug to create visual contrast, highlight a specific area, and introduce comfort, texture, and aesthetics.” She recommends choosing a material that is sturdy and simple to maintain, with a subtle design that outlines the space without being too bold.
Related: 5 Floor Color Choices That Are No Longer Trending, Per Interior Experts
6. Tuscan-Style Kitchens
The end of the ’90s experienced a surge ofTuscan and Mediterranean-inspired kitchens, featuring dark wood cabinetry, intricate ironwork, and dark granite countertops. “People linked the style with opulence and traditional coziness,” Williams remembers. “However, those kitchens often seemed dim and cumbersome, particularly according to modern standards, where lightness and openness are now the primary kitchen design elements.”
To revitalize a Tuscan-themed kitchen, begin with the cabinets. “Paint them in a cozy neutral or gentle white,” recommends Williams. “Replace the granite with a light quartz or honed stone, and streamline the hardware and lighting.” You can still infuse Tuscan charm with wooden furniture accents, a handcraftedtile backsplash, and naturally woven textures.
Read the original story onBetter Homes & Gardens
