How to do a 90s Decor Update in Your Home in 2025

12 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Modernize Your Home

In this post, we’re talking all about those deja vu trends that are so rooted in 90s decor lore that it’s hard to believe they were ever in style. But of course, if you own a home that had a featured selling point of pristine wallpaper borders in every room, then you are all too familiar with the reality. Fear not, though! Everything in today’s post is budget friendly. So, if an extensive remodel just isn’t in the cards for this year, you can still make some changes that we guarantee will have a major impact (and will bring you right into the present day). Read on for my top 90s Decor Updates…

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#1 – Hunter Green & Burgundy

Ultra-saturated hues of green, red, blue, and everything in between seem to be everywhere right now, and if you’ve got a shade in a soft sage or a bold wine red, you’re sure to be right on trend. But a good old fashioned hunter green or burgundy (or both)? You’re living in a 90s decor world, baby. Luckily, getting rid of this color is as easy as slapping on a few new coats of paint. Just remember to use a quality primer first – getting rid of that dark paint color takes a bit more work than putting it on a neutral wall to start with.

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#2 – Faux Brass Hardware

Listen, we love a good infusion of brass into a space. But the key to making this finish feel modern is to opt for high-quality polished brass, brushed brass or an antiqued brass finish. All you need to do is a simple swap for this 90s decor updates. You can find replacements at any price point, and as long as you stick to the same hardware style (knob versus pull), it’s as easy as unscrewing one and screwing in another.

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#3 – Pickled Wood Kitchens

We will admit, a little shabby chic style in moderation can work in a room. But the 90s decor trend of a kitchen full of floor-to-ceiling pickled wood cabinets is a no-go. It’s dated. So, what’s the solution? For a total custom route, you can scrap your existing cabinets and start fresh with new, contemporary ones. Or, you can work with what you have by sanding your cabinets down to their bases and using an updated stain. Painting your cabinets a fresh new color is also a great option (and the least messy and expensive of the three). 

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#4 – Wallpaper Borders, Wall Stencils, Faux Paint Finishes, Sponge Painting

Does a scalloped floral border around a room make you think instantly of your great aunt? Are you staring at a purple sponge-painted wall and wondering how the heck to work with it? Wallpaper borders, wall stencils, faux paint finishes, and sponge painting are hallmarks of a 90s home. As such, we give you full permission to remove and paint over all of it. We promise you won’t miss it one bit.

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#5 – Florals Everywhere

Finally, we can’t forget to mention the florals everywhere trend of the 90s. And when we say everywhere, we mean everywhere. Think a powder room with floral wallpaper, floral hand towels, faux flowers in a vase, a flower toilet seat cover, and a floral-patterned floor mat. Or, imagine a master bedroom with floral bedding, floral scalloped wallpaper, framed floral prints, and floral curtains “to match.” Needless to say, this look is a nightmare and needs to be pared way down. Florals can absolutely work, you just need to use them sparingly. Balance them with more structured and solid prints and patterns and they’ll get the spotlight they deserve (and you’ll actually feel at home in your space). 

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More 90s Trends That Need a Fresh Update

If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re already eyeing those sponge-painted walls and wondering why you ever thought faux finishes were a good idea. But let’s keep going—because there are a few more 90s trends still lurking that could benefit from a modern take.

The great news? Most of these 90s decor updates are simple ways to make a huge difference in the look of your home without a full-scale renovation.

#6 – Say Goodbye to Popcorn Ceilings

Let’s start from the top—literally. Popcorn ceilings were everywhere in a typical 90s house. While they may have been popular for their ability to hide imperfections, they now date your space faster than white appliances in a sleek, stainless steel world.

There are pros who can handle popcorn ceiling removal quickly, or you can DIY it with the right prep and safety gear. Once they’re gone, your natural light will bounce more beautifully off a smooth surface, giving your rooms a crisp, modern feel.

#7 – Retire the Inflatable Furniture and Wicker Overload

Remember when inflatable furniture was a thing? If your guest room, story room, or basement still has any remnants of this 90s trend—or even its slightly more “grown-up” cousin, overused wicker furniture—it’s time for a refresh.

# 8 – Update That Square Tile

Square tile—especially in all-white or dusty pink—was a big trend in 90s bathrooms and kitchens. But today, it can make even the cleanest room feel dated.

Try this instead: Swap out tile for something in a larger format, geometric pattern, or even install classic white oak or hardwood floors for instant impact. Can’t replace tile right now? No problem—use modern decor, lighting, or a bold paint color to shift the focus.

#9 – Replace Dated Light Fixtures

One of the first things we notice when we walk into a 90s home? The light fixtures. Whether it’s a faux brass chandelier in the dining room or track lighting in the kitchen, outdated fixtures can really drag down the style of your home.

Interior designers agree: updating your lighting is a smart way to modernize a space without a full remodel. Look for matte black, gold finishes, or sculptural pendants to add a modern edge to your existing layout.

#10 – Front Doors & First Impressions

Let’s not forget the power of a front door. Many 90s homes still have single or double doors in outdated stains or finishes.

Here’s a quick win: A new paint color, updated cabinet hardware, and modern exterior lighting can work wonders. Want bold? Try a statement color. Prefer timeless? Go with a soft neutral that complements the rest of the house.

#11 – Styling a White Kitchen the Right Way

White kitchens were a staple of early 2000s design (thanks, Nancy Meyers), and they’re still a popular choice. But if your white kitchen feels sterile, it’s time to rethink your materials and accents.

Mix in wood tones, natural textures, and warm metal finishes for depth and personality. Trends for 2025 are all about soft layers, subtle color, and statement lighting. You don’t need to replace the cabinets—just update them with new hardware, gold finishes, or a fresh coat of paint.

#12 – Don’t Forget the Details

Think about the home office you’re working in daily or the guest room your in-laws use. Are they still rocking ruffled dusty rose curtains or a sponge-painted accent wall? It might be time to embrace a style that reflects how you live now.

If you’re unsure where to start, start with paint. A few simple coats in one of today’s trending hues can make your 90s home feel brand new. Even small spaces like a hallway, powder room, or entryway can have a major design impact.

Ready to Say Goodbye to the 90s?

Small changes make a big impact when doing 90s decor updates. From cabinet hardware to light fixtures to the neutral paint palette you choose—there’s no shortage of simple, stylish 90s decor updates to bring your house into the present.

Let’s make those 90s interiors a thing of the past—and give your home the glow-up it deserves.