Ah, the ’90s! A time when the music was grungy, the fashion was questionably plaid, and the interior design? Well, it was a mixed bag of pastel hues, floral prints, and oak overloads.
Like a time capsule, some homes still bear the unmistakable mark of this bygone era. While nostalgia has its charm, there’s also something to be said for moving with the times and giving your home a modern update. If you’re unsure whether your home is stuck in the ’90s, here are thirteen tell-tale signs to look out for.
The Popularity of Pastel Colors
If your home is still sporting the pastel color palette that was all the rage in the ’90s, it might be time for a refresh. Whether it’s mint green walls, powder blue cabinets, or a soft pink bathroom suite, this trend screams ’90s. While pastels can still be used effectively in a modern setting, if they are the primary colors in your home, it might be time for an update. Consider switching to a more neutral palette with pops of bold color for a more contemporary look.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to completely abandon your love for pastel shades. You can incorporate them in small doses as accents to add a touch of softness and nostalgia to your modernized space.
The Ubiquity of Wallpaper Borders
Remember the wallpaper borders that used to run along the top of the walls? They were a staple in the ’90s home decor, often featuring floral designs, country scenes, or even cartoon characters. If your walls are still adorned with these, it might be time for a change. Not only can they make a room feel dated, but they can also make the ceiling feel lower, especially in smaller rooms.
Consider replacing the wallpaper border with a fresh coat of paint or a more modern wall treatment like shiplap or beadboard.
The Presence of Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Wall-to-wall carpeting, especially in shades of beige or cream, was a hall mark of ’90s interior design. However, this trend has not aged well and can easily make a home feel stuck in the past. Modern homes tend to favor hard flooring options such as wood, tile, or concrete for their durability, ease of cleaning, and sleek appearance.
If you’re still attached to the comfort of carpet underfoot, consider area rugs. They offer the warmth and texture of carpet without the dated look of wall-to-wall carpeting.
The Prevalence of Floral Prints
In the ’90s, floral prints were everywhere – on the walls, on the furniture, on the curtains, and even on the ceiling. While floral prints are timeless, the bold, large-scale floral patterns popular in the ’90s can give a dated appearance to your home. Consider updating your floral prints to more modern, minimalist designs or switch to solid colors for a fresher look.
If you’re reluctant to part with your beloved floral prints, try incorporating them in smaller doses, like throw pillows or wall art. A little floral can go a long way!
The Use of Brass Fixtures
Brass fixtures were a go-to choice in the ’90s for everything from door knobs to lamp bases. However, the shiny, polished brass look is now considered outdated. If your home is still sporting these fixtures, it might be time for an update. Consider replacing them with more modern alternatives such as brushed nickel, matte black, or even a more muted, antiqued brass.
Replacing fixtures is a relatively easy and affordable way to modernize your home. You’d be surprised at the difference it can make!
The Collection of Beanie Babies
In the ’90s, Beanie Babies were more than just cute stuffed animals – they were a full-blown craze. If you’ve still got a collection on display, it’s a dead giveaway that your home is stuck in the ’90s. While they may hold sentimental value, consider storing them away or displaying only a select few in a more subtle manner.
Remember, less is more when it comes to displaying collections in a modern home.
The Existence of Big Entertainment Centers
The ’90s was the golden age of the big entertainment center. These bulky pieces of furniture were designed to house the TV, stereo, VCR, and a whole library of VHS tapes and CDs. However, with the advent of flat-screen TVs and streaming services, these entertainment centers have become obsolete and can make a room feel dated.
If you’ve still got one of these in your living room, consider replacing it with a sleeker TV stand or mounting your TV on the wall for a more modern look.
The Inclusion of Country Kitchen Decor
The ’90s saw a surge in popularity of country kitchen decor. Think rooster motifs, gingham curtains, and painted wooden signs. While this style can feel cozy and charming, it can also make a kitchen feel stuck in the past. Consider updating your kitchen with more contemporary decor and fixtures.
Don’t worry, you can still create a warm and welcoming kitchen without resorting to ’90s country decor. Try incorporating natural materials, neutral colors, and modern lighting for a cozy yet contemporary kitchen.
The Overabundance of Oak
In the ’90s, oak was the wood of choice for everything from kitchen cabinets to bedroom furniture. While oak is a beautiful and durable wood, its overuse can give a home a dated appearance. Consider painting your oak cabinets or furniture for a more modern look.
If you’re not ready to part with your oak, try updating the hardware on your cabinets or furniture. A simple change of knobs or pulls can make a big difference.
The Occurrence of Sponge Painting
Sponge painting was a popular wall treatment in the ’90s that gave walls a textured, mottled look. While it was a fun and easy DIY project back in the day, it’s not a look that’s held up over time. If your walls are still sporting a sponge-painted finish, it might be time for a fresh coat of paint.
Consider a solid color in a matte or eggshell finish for a more modern look. If you still crave texture, consider a subtle texture like a linen or plaster finish.
The Display of Glass Block Walls
Glass block walls were a favorite for ’90s bathrooms and kitchens, serving as room dividers or shower walls. While they can add a unique architectural element, they can also make a space feel dated. Consider replacing them with a more modern material like frosted glass or a simple curtain.
Remember, modern design favors clean lines and simplicity over heavy, outdated architectural features.
The Overuse of Vinyl Blinds
If your windows are still dressed in the vinyl mini blinds that were popular in the ’90s, it might be time for an upgrade. These blinds have a tendency to yellow and warp over time, and their look is decidedly dated. Consider replacing them with more contemporary window treatments like wood or faux wood blinds, roman shades, or simple curtains.
Window treatments can make a big impact on the overall look and feel of a room, so don’t overlook them in your home update.
The Appearance of CD Towers
Lastly, if you’ve still got a CD tower in your living room, it’s a sure sign that your home is stuck in the ’90s. With the advent of digital music and streaming services, CDs have largely become obsolete. Consider repurposing your CD tower into a unique storage solution, or simply donate it to make room for more modern decor.
Updating your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a few tweaks and updates, you can bring your home into the present while still honoring its past. So say goodbye to the ’90s and hello to a fresh, modern space. For a fun look at modern buildings that are stuck in the ’90s, check out this article.
