If you feel like your home hasn’t quite caught up with the times, it might be due to some lingering design choices from the ’90s. Many elements that were once trendy can now give your space an outdated vibe without you even realizing it.
Knowing which decor details make your home look stuck in the past can help you refresh your space and make it feel more modern. Updating these choices doesn’t mean a complete overhaul—it’s about making simple changes that bring your style into the present.
Honey oak cabinets with dated hardware
If your kitchen has honey oak cabinets paired with old-fashioned hardware, it can instantly date the space. Those golden tones combined with brass or bulky handles give off a strong ’90s vibe.
Updating just the hardware can make a big difference. Swapping for sleek, modern knobs or pulls refreshes your cabinets without the need for a full remodel.
You can also consider painting the cabinets a light color while keeping the wood grain visible. This helps keep the warmth but adds a fresh, modern touch that feels current.
Floral wallpaper borders around ceilings
If your home still sports floral wallpaper borders around the ceiling, it can feel very dated. This style was popular in the ’90s but now often makes rooms look stuck in the past.
You might want to remove or replace these borders with cleaner, more modern edges. Floral ceiling borders can overwhelm a space, making it look busy rather than stylish.
Instead, try a fresh coat of neutral paint or a subtle, modern trim. It can open up your rooms and help your home feel more up-to-date.
Hunter green or mauve wall colors
If your walls are painted hunter green or mauve, your home might feel stuck in the ’90s. These colors were trendy back then but can now make a space feel dated if not balanced well.
Hunter green can feel heavy and dark on large walls. You can refresh it by pairing it with lighter neutrals or metallic accents.
Mauve can come across as old-fashioned without modern decor elements. Using it alongside soft grays or beige can help update the look.
Sponge painting techniques on walls
If you grew up in the ’90s, you might remember sponge painting as a popular way to add texture to walls. This technique uses a sponge to dab or remove paint, creating patterns that can feel dated if not updated.
You usually work with two colors, but mixing more can add depth. Choosing the right colors and sponge type changes the look a lot.
With some practice, you can easily refresh a space by either avoiding or modernizing this effect. Otherwise, it can make your home feel stuck in that decade.
Plastic valances with gathered fabric
If you still have plastic valances with gathered fabric in your home, it’s a classic ’90s look that feels outdated now. These valances often appear stiff and artificial compared to modern window treatments.
The gathered fabric, meant to add fullness, usually looks cheap when combined with plastic. It can make your windows feel cluttered rather than stylish.
Replacing them with simple, soft fabric valances or sleek blinds can freshen your space without much effort. You’ll notice how much lighter and updated your windows look.
