90s Paint and Wallpaper Styles to Retire Now
90s Faux Finishes Walls
If you’re planning a home update and want your space to feel fresh and relevant, looking to the past can be helpful—but not every retro trend is worth reviving. While the 90s brought some design staples that have evolved beautifully, others are better left in the archives. From dated wallpaper designs to questionable paint pairings, several 90s home trends simply don’t align with today’s home painting trends or sustainable design goals.
Faux Finishes That Feel Forced
In the 90s, faux finishes were everywhere. You might remember sponge-painted walls or marbled surfaces meant to replicate stone. But what once felt artistic now reads as outdated. Today’s trending paint finishes focus on subtlety and sophistication. If you’re aiming to add texture, go for modern techniques like limewash or matte finishes that offer depth without looking artificial. These options pair well with eco-friendly paint and Low VOC paints, keeping both your aesthetic and indoor air quality in check.
Heavy Borders and Overdone Stencils
Borders lined with fruits, florals, or vines were a 90s staple. But those decorative edges around ceilings or midway down walls no longer feel stylish. If you’re working on a painting or wallpaper refresh, skip the stenciled grapevines and instead explore textured wallpaper 2025 collections or minimalist trim paint in trending interior paint colors for living rooms in July 2025. A clean, border-free wall allows your decor and architecture to shine without unnecessary visual interruption.
Tuscan Color Schemes That Miss the Mark
Earthy reds, mustard yellows, and olive greens dominated 90s kitchens and living spaces. These Tuscan-inspired hues, while cozy, often made spaces feel darker and more enclosed. Now, homeowners are leaning into brighter interior paint colors that open up a room. Whites with warm undertones, sage greens, and soft greys not only make your home feel more spacious, but they also complement smart paint (temperature regulating) options that align with today’s energy-efficient goals.
Wallpaper Borders That Break the Flow
Much like paint borders, wallpaper borders had their moment—and it’s long gone. Designers now favor full-wall coverage or strategic placement using removable mural wallpaper or sustainable wallpaper options. These offer visual interest without breaking up wall height, making rooms feel more cohesive. If you’re unsure about commitment, peel-and-stick wallpapers provide flexibility, especially for DIYers curious about how to install peel-and-stick wallpaper without long-term consequences.
Sustainable Wallpaper Options
Matching Everything
The 90s love for matching decor—sofas, drapes, cushions, even wall paint—can feel a bit overwhelming today. This “everything must coordinate” mindset has shifted toward a more layered, curated look. If you’re doing a paint refresh, instead of trying to match your walls to your furniture, consider using accent walls in contrasting tones. Creating a modern accent wall with paint techniques gives your space character while avoiding the rigidity of a fully color-matched room.
Overly Textured Walls and Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings and knockdown wall textures might have been popular in 90s homes, but they don’t do any favors for modern aesthetics. Beyond being visually dated, these textures can complicate surface prep when repainting or applying wallpaper. Smooth surfaces are not only easier to maintain, but they also reflect light better, making rooms appear larger. If you’re tackling a renovation, it may be worth the investment to remove heavy texture before applying new paint or wallpaper.
Overuse of Beige and Brown Tones
Beige-on-beige palettes were a 90s go-to, often creating a flat, lifeless atmosphere. While neutrals are still popular, today’s tones are warmer and more dynamic. Think taupe with pink undertones, greige, or even sandy earth tones that bring a sense of warmth without dullness. These updated shades work well with natural wood finishes, ambient lighting, and eco-friendly paint for a more inviting and updated interior.
Fresh Over Familiar
Updating your space doesn’t mean dismissing everything from the past—but it does mean being intentional about what to bring forward. By skipping over some of these dated 90s trends and embracing new ideas in wallpaper designs and interior paint colors, you create a space that feels current and personal. Whether you’re focused on sustainable upgrades, aesthetic cohesion, or experimenting with modern textures, today’s home improvement tools and techniques offer smarter, healthier, and more stylish alternatives for every room in your house.