Y2K Decorating Trends That Don’t Deserve a Comeback

While Y2K fashion is enjoying a comeback, not every trend from the early 2000s deserves a revival—especially when it comes to home decor. According to a few interior designers, some design choices from this era are best left in the past. Here, they share six trends that scream early 2000s—and why they hope these looks stay there.

Tuscan Kitchens

Designers like Kate Smith are so over the Tuscan-inspired kitchens that made their way into many homes during the Y2K era. “While Tuscany is one of my favorite places on earth, most early 2000 kitchens ended up looking more like an Olive Garden than they ever did to actually resembling the Tuscan countryside,” Smith says.

Distressed Furniture

The shabby chic movement took the early 2000s by storm, and with that came the rise of distressed furniture. Designer Heather Garrett fell hard for this trend but has fully moved on from it today. “When I look back, it seems to me as if everything had the look of being in a country store,” she says. “As with outfits, there are better ways to dress something down!”

Regarding the shabby chic aesthetic as a whole, “It was all tired and shabby and not very chic,” says Emily Roose. “The style was overly feminine and filled every space from the floors to the ceilings.”

Colorful Plastic Furniture and Decor

Interior designer Dawn Hearn is done with the colorful plastic furniture and decor that rose in popularity during the early 2000s for a few different reasons. “It often felt inexpensive, artificial, and lacked warmth,” she says.

Moreover, this style simply doesn’t fit in with her—and most people’s—current aesthetic. “The bright and tech-influenced accents may have been playful at the time,” Hearn says. “But they clash with today’s desire for comfort, natural materials, and timeless interiors.”

Matching Furniture Sets

Speaking of furniture trends, matching furniture sets are so over, notes Marie Cloud, the founder of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio, who describes this look as “stale.” After all, she says, “Great design thrives on layering, contrast, and character.”

Glass Blocks

If you grew up in the 1990s or early 2000s, you probably remember the Art Deco glass blocks in many bathrooms during that time period. They started resurfacing in the ’80s and didn’t peter out until well after the early aughts.

“While they may serve a functional purpose, they instantly date the space and cheapen the overall aesthetic,” says JoAnna Baum, who still comes across these today and is tired of seeing them.

Wall Decals and Quote Art

Did you have a “live, laugh, love” sign in your home or dorm room during the Y2K era? If so, you definitely were not alone, but by no means do designers anticipate these types of pieces returning to the mainstream.

“We’ve graduated from slapping inspiration on walls to curating spaces that feel inspiring without having to say it aloud,” Cloud says. “Design should speak through emotion, not instructions.”