The Dated '90s Design Trend That Won't Be Making A Comeback Anytime Soon

There's no doubt about it, the 1990s have had a lot of impact on today's culture — enter grunge fashion and the emergence of tech etiquette. Contemporary interior design also owes a lot to the cozy yet bold trends of the era. Take, for example, the resurgence of eclectic decor and chunky-yet-cozy bouclé fabric, or the shabby chic style that's making its way back into the trend cycle. In the same vein, there are specific trends and details that give designers pause — and some that can make your home look like it's frozen in the past. One of the '90s decor trends making your home look outdated is the infamous sponge-painted finish that embellished the walls of the Net Generation. Whether you've been thinking about adding this paint texture to a room or are looking for reasons to switch up an existing sponge-spotted accent wall, consider this a sign.

While there are ways to revive an old trend tastefully without dating your home, this mottled wall texture is definitely not found among the retro design trends that are making a comeback. Beyond being an overwhelming detail that's sure to stand out (though not in a good way), a sponge-painted accent wall is an expired fad that you'll want to avoid if you plan to sell your home at some point. However, if you're determined to bring a sense of nostalgia in your home's interior or preserve the concept without sacrificing to the cycle of ever-changing design trends, there are ways to do so — no sponge necessary.

There are plenty of reasons that sponge painting your wall should be left in the '90s. For starters, the playful sponge pattern reads unsophisticated. You might also blame a shift in design trends. Homeowners today opt for subtle, muted, or moody palettes (which are considered timeless shades, by the way), and the contrasting colors of a sponge paint effect no longer look natural in a home. Instead, the sponge-speckled look is too busy, causing a room to feel visually overwhelming. And because it's a dated detail, the texture doesn't fit easily into contemporary styles; use it, and you risk boxing yourself in when it comes to your home's overall aesthetic.

Sure, making a bold statement is often encouraged in interior design, but finicky finishes like sponge-painted walls aren't exactly cooperative. It's hard to complement or contrast anything with the splotchy sponge texture. The textured pattern is shocking, yes, but maybe not in the way you envisioned for an accent wall. Instead, it competes with the other details and colors in a space; it can be challenging to blend it with your existing interior style. What you thought of as a nostalgic detail has turned into a messy, dated effect that may even impact your home's resale value. After all, few new homeowners will be thrilled at the prospect of paying a significant sum to remove or disguise sponge painted walls.

While spongey paint texture has had its time in the sun, you can still incorporate bits of nostalgia without creating a space that looks outdated. Color washing, where you apply translucent paint over a base coat, is a stunning Tuscan-esque (yes, the interior design style that was also popular in late '90s) alternative to standard sponge-painted walls. It has a subtle layered effect that adds visual appeal, texture, and dimension to any space, whether its an eclectic interior full of personality or a lived-in aesthetic like rustic or farmhouse.

Similarly, limewash can be a great option if you like the sponge pattern but want something more sophisticated. This centuries-old technique, which uses paint made from lime and pigment and has ties to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, has proved timeless in interior design. The slightly raised, matte finish creates a stunning subtle shadow. Plus, the inherent earthiness is versatile, fitting with almost any interior aesthetic — from minimalist to Mediterranean to coastal chic. Alternatively, consider using Venetian plaster on walls. The marble effect, created with lime putty, is more polished. This wall paint texture, while costlier than limewash, better complements elegant interiors. Use it in contemporary, sophisticated, or traditional-style homes.