8 “Outdated” Home Trends That Are Worth Revisiting, Designers Say

1990s-Inspired Wallpaper

Wallpaper was big in the ’90s, and while this decorative touch has been back in style for several years now, ’90s-inspired wallpapers are falling back into favor, according to Lindsey Jamison of Rumor Designs. “Wallpapers with bold ’90s hues, like plum and emerald green, and patterns (think oversized florals) are an easy way to give a room character and a strong sense of place,” she says.

Decorative Pops of Wallpaper

Don’t want to wallpaper an entire room? Angelia York, vice president at Saint Louis Closet Co, suggests going for the old-school look by using pops of wallpaper in unexpected places. “I am starting to see more of this look: wallpaper behind bookshelves, closets, and pantries,” she says. “Adding bold wallpaper brings a fun look and helps define those boring areas and make your home feel like one of a kind.”

Best of all, you don’t need to spend a lot of money or hire a pro to do this. Just use peel-and-stick wallpaper and the project will be quick, easy, and inexpensive.

Built-Ins

There’s no better way to store things or display everything from decorative objects to picture frames than with built-ins. Although these went out of style for a while, York reveals they’re making a comeback more stylishly and uniquely than ever before. “Think window seats with hidden compartments, built-in bookshelves with detailed trim, or closet systems that feel like furniture,” she says. “Lately, minimalism and open shelving have been dominating the home trends. However, I think homeowners are craving more personality and functionality in their homes again.”

Traditional Floor Plans

While open-concept homes had their moment, many homeowners are opting for more old-fashioned (and far more private) traditional floor plans. Cheryl Kees Clendenon tells me, “I think actual rooms, as opposed to the ubiquitous open floor plan, are coming back strongly—especially with the 30-somethings, as they are loving older, quirkier homes.”

Wood Paneling

Looking to add a dose of warmth to your home? Skip the Chip-and-Joanna-inspired shiplap and opt for a more classic wood paneling instead. “Once a hallmark of dated dens, wood paneling has reemerged as a refined design tool, grounding interiors with warmth, rhythm, and texture,” says interior designer Lauren Saab. “I like it best in restrained applications such as behind a bed or lining the back of a built-in, finished in a soft matte stain that lets the grain become the focal point. It’s a quiet nod to mid-century design, refreshed through tone and placement.”

Selective Stained Glass

Do you live in an older home that could use a little bit of wow factor? Saab suggests installing stained glass. But unless you live in an old church, it’s best to use this element selectively. “In the right hands, it becomes a pure atmosphere,” Saab says. “It’s the ultimate material for restrained, intentional moments such as an interior door panel or a transom window where natural light can filter through and refract color across a space. It adds a fleeting, almost cinematic quality that is hard to replicate. When used sparingly and framed with clean lines, stained glass becomes more than decorative. It feels immersive and intentional.”

Checkerboard Flooring

While some vintage checkerboard floors have all the sophistication of a 1950s diner, they can actually provide quite a refined look if done the right way. According to Saab, checkerboard floors are reclaiming their place in contemporary design. “It’s most compelling in tonal pairings, like cream and sand or deep green and off-black, where the contrast reads as refined rather than loud. Whether done in marble, travertine, or ceramic, it introduces structure and subtle drama.”

Keep in mind, checkerboard flooring isn’t something you want to install throughout your whole house. The designer suggests using it in spaces like entryways and powder rooms.

Quiet Maximalism

Designer Kim Dee is a big fan of quiet maximalism. “When most people think of maximalism, they think of an explosion of color and patterns,” she says. “While too much going on can be overwhelming, when intentional and scaled back, you have quiet maximalism—a trend totally worth revisiting.”

So think less-is-more here. “[Quiet maximalism] has a collected, lived-in feel but with restraint,” Dee says. “A more curated design of patterns, colors, and accessories—and a true sense of home.”