’90s Decorating Trends That Should Stay in the Past, According to Designers

• Liz Williams is the founder and principal designer at Liz Williams Interiors, based in Atlanta.
• Amanda Sinistaj is the founder and principal designer at Ellwood Interiors, based in Birmingham, MI.

From sponge-painted accent walls to rag-rolled bathrooms, faux finishes littered ’90s homes. Intended to add texture and visual interest, they ultimately had the opposite effect. “In the ’90s, homeowners craved texture without the cost of plasterwork,” says Sinistaj. “The DIY movement was in full swing, and mixing your own combo of colors to create a quirky sponged wall finish was practically a rite of passage, but without real technique or color theory, the results often lacked depth and polish.”

Williams remembers the trend just as vividly and is equally keen to leave faux finishes firmly in the ’90s. “Faux painting felt creative. People loved the DIY aspect and thought it added dimension and luxury, but most of the time, the end result was busy and amateurish,” she recalls. Instead of enhancing the room, faux finishes distract from other design elements, including furniture, art, and the overall aesthetic.

For a modern refresh, strip back the space to a clean coat of paint in a timeless neutral. “Sometimes the simplest update is a fresh, high-quality coat of paint in a rich tone or soft matte finish,” says Sinistaj. “It brings cohesion and clarity to a space that faux finishes can’t.” If you still want to add dimension, Williams suggests opting for textured wallpaper, such as grasscloth, hand-applied limewash, or Venetian plaster, for an elevated alternative.

In the ’90s, buying all your case goods in a single collection—same wood tone or finish, same form, same everything—was considered a smart move. It took the guesswork out of coordination, but also resulted in a flat and uninspired look. “Matching coffee tables and side tables felt safe,” says Sinistaj. “But with inspiration now just a swipe away, today’s homeowners are more design-savvy than ever.” In an era where self-expression and individuality are on-trend, matching furniture sets could not be less welcome.

Instead, invest in a personally curated selection of furniture that showcases different materials, finishes, and silhouettes to create a space that feels layered, intentional, and uniquely yours. “Just aim to keep at least one element consistent—whether it’s the finish, style, or the scale,” Sinistaj advises. “This creates cohesion while still allowing for contrast and character.” It’s the difference between a room that feels intentional or accidental.

After the vibrant color palette of the 1980s, the 1990s ushered in a more subdued vibe, with dusty mauves, cool teals, and grayish pastels dominating everything from walls to upholstery. “That dusty vibe was peak ’90s, and while teal might have moved on, mauve has made a surprisingly chic comeback,” notes Sinistaj. But it’s not the colors on their own that feel dated; it’s the combo that pegs a space to that era.

If you love both teal and mauve, bring them back in a more sophisticated way with updated versions of those tones, but not together. Or, choose a new palette altogether. Paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to transform a space, as it doesn’t require construction. If picking colors doesn’t come easily to you, Sanistaj suggests turning to the experts in paint color. “Brands like Sherwin-Williams, Farrow & Ball, and Benjamin Moore now offer curated palettes and inspiration to guide you toward the perfect combination.”

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Swags, jabots, fringes, tassels—’90s window treatments were nothing short of ambitious. “Before the rise of low-E, insulated windows, these fabric-heavy creations served a dual purpose, keeping in the heat and prying eyes out, all while delivering the level of formality that everyone seemed to be chasing at the time,” recalls Sinistaj. Heavy layers made sense when insulation and privacy were bigger concerns, but now they feel like dust collectors. Thirty years down the line, homeowners now prefer to maximize light and maintain a visual connection to the outdoors.

“That’s not to say all beautiful drapery is antiquated. Curtains elevate a palette, add softness, and make large rooms feel cozier or small rooms feel taller,” Sinistaj adds. “The key is making sure the style supports the vibe you're going for.”

The ’90s were the era of carpets. Nothing says comfort and luxury like a fully carpeted living room, but while the warmth and coziness were real, so were the drawbacks. “Wall-to-wall carpet was more affordable and easier to install than hardwood flooring,” says Williams, but it’s not so practical for today’s homes, especially in high-traffic areas. “Carpet stains, traps allergens, is generally harder to maintain and keep clean, and makes rooms feel monotonous without any texture or contrast.”

Hard flooring is the new gold standard, whether it’s hardwood, engineered wood, or luxury vinyl plank. “With wood flooring, you can add a rug to create visual contrast, anchor a key area, and add comfort, texture, and style.” She suggests opting for something durable and easy to clean, with a soft pattern to define the space without going overboard.

The late ’90s saw a flux of Tuscan and Mediterranean-inspired kitchens, featuring dark wood cabinetry, ornate ironwork, and dark granite countertops. “People associated the look with richness and old-world warmth,” Williams recalls. “But, those kitchens often felt dark and heavy, especially by today’s standards, where brightness and openness are the main kitchen criteria.”

To freshen up a Tuscan-inspired kitchen, start with the cabinets. “Paint them in a warm neutral or soft white,” suggests Williams. “Then, swap out the granite for a light quartz or honed stone, and simplify the hardware and lighting.” You can still add Tuscan warmth with wood furniture accents, a handcrafted tile backsplash, and natural woven textures.