9 decorating choices that scream ‘90s right away

The ‘90s had a look you can spot a mile away. Some of it was cozy, some of it was practical, and some of it didn’t age well at all. These choices may feel nostalgic now, but they immediately tell you what decade the house hasn’t moved past.

Sponge-Painted Walls

Back then, everyone thought sponging added “texture” and character. In reality, it often left walls looking blotchy and chaotic. You could find it in kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms — basically anywhere people wanted to show they were keeping up with trends. These days, sponge painting makes a house feel stuck in time, and smooth, solid walls look much more polished.

Oak Cabinets with Heavy Grain

Golden oak was everywhere in the ‘90s, and while it was sturdy, it quickly dates a kitchen. The heavy wood grain and honey color dominated, making spaces look busy and darker than they needed to. Today, people lean toward painted finishes or lighter stains that feel brighter and less heavy-handed.

Floral Borders

Wallpaper borders were all the rage, especially floral ones that circled the tops of walls. They were often paired with lace curtains or country-inspired decor. Now, they stand out in an unflattering way and immediately make a room feel outdated. Taking down those borders is one of the quickest updates you can do.

Hunter Green Everything

Hunter green was considered a “sophisticated” color in the ‘90s, showing up in carpets, couches, and even kitchens. Unfortunately, it made rooms feel dark and heavy. While green is making a comeback, today’s shades are softer and fresher. Swap out hunter green for sage or olive, and the space feels instantly current.

Brass Fixtures

Bright brass was the standard finish for everything from faucets to light fixtures. While brass has made a return, it’s now in warmer, matte finishes rather than the shiny lacquered look from the ‘90s. Updating these fixtures is one of the fastest ways to freshen up a room.

Vertical Blinds

Sliding glass doors almost always had vertical blinds, usually in white or beige vinyl. They were functional, but they rattled, broke easily, and looked cheap. Curtains or updated shades feel far more modern while still giving you privacy.

Glass Block Windows

Glass block windows were popular in bathrooms, basements, and even some kitchens. The idea was to let in light while keeping privacy, but the end result often looked cold and institutional. These days, frosted or textured glass accomplishes the same thing in a sleeker way.

Chintz Upholstery

Floral chintz patterns covered sofas, chairs, and even curtains. While bold prints are back in style today, the oversized florals of the ‘90s haven’t aged well. Neutral upholstery with layered textures feels updated while still cozy.

Track Lighting

In the ‘90s, track lighting felt modern and customizable. Today, it feels bulky and harsh. Recessed or pendant lighting gives you the same flexibility without making the ceiling look cluttered.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.