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Birmingham Today
By the People, for the People
Designers Say These 90s Decor Trends Should Stay in the Past
From faux finishes to matching furniture sets, these outdated styles are best left behind.
Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:55pm
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A bold, pop art-inspired illustration captures the vibrant yet dated aesthetics of 90s home decor trends that designers recommend leaving in the past.Birmingham TodayWhile the 1990s gave us many iconic trends, some interior design styles from that era haven't aged as gracefully. Designers Liz Williams and Amanda Sinistaj share the 90s decorating trends that should be left behind, including faux finishes, matching furniture sets, and Tuscan-style kitchens. They offer tips on how to update these dated looks with more timeless, modern design choices.
Why it matters
As homeowners seek to create spaces that feel fresh, cozy and uniquely their own, outdated 90s design trends can make a home feel stuck in the past. Designers emphasize the importance of thoughtful, timeless curation over fleeting fads to achieve interiors that stand the test of time.
The details
Designers cite several 90s trends that have become outdated, including faux finishes like sponge-painted walls, matching furniture sets, the overuse of teal and mauve colors, elaborate window treatments, wall-to-wall carpeting, and Tuscan-style kitchens. These looks were popular at the time but often lacked depth, cohesion and a timeless quality. To refresh these dated elements, experts recommend stripping back to clean, high-quality paint, mixing furniture styles, updating color palettes, opting for simple window treatments, and incorporating hardwood floors with area rugs.
- In the late 1990s, Tuscan-inspired kitchens featuring dark wood cabinets, ornate ironwork and dark granite countertops were very popular.
- The 1990s saw a rise in the DIY faux finish trend, with homeowners sponge-painting accent walls and rag-rolling bathrooms to add texture.
The players
Liz Williams
The founder and principal designer at Liz Williams Interiors, based in Atlanta.
Amanda Sinistaj
The founder and principal designer at Ellwood Interiors, based in Birmingham, Michigan.
What they’re saying
“The more something leans into novelty over timelessness, the faster it tends to feel tired.”
— Liz Williams, Interior Designer
“Timeless design is thoughtfully curated. Even if your personal style has evolved, you can still appreciate the craftsmanship, the breath and space in between things, and the heritage woven into each piece.”
— Amanda Sinistaj, Interior Designer
The takeaway
As homeowners look to create modern, personalized spaces, outdated 90s design trends like faux finishes, matching furniture sets, and ornate window treatments should be left in the past. Designers recommend focusing on timeless, high-quality materials and thoughtful curation to achieve interiors that feel fresh and reflective of one's unique style.
