The 2000s Home Decor Trend We Don’t Want To See Again

While some ’90s and 2000s trends are making a welcome return, others are better left in the past. One that designers overwhelmingly agree should stay there? Tuscan-inspired style. You know exactly the look we’re referring to—baby boomers and Gen X embraced it, while millennials and Gen Z grew up around it. “Specifically, I’m talking about the faux finishes, heavy red and gold tones, and those sponge-painted walls trying their best to look like a rustic Italian villa, even though they’re in the South,” explains Cathleen Gruver, Lead Interior Designer at Gruver Cooley in Northern Virginia.

At the time, Tuscan-style homes vastly differed from what was popular in the 80s and early 90s. They felt romantic and sophisticated, bringing European charm stateside for those with wanderlust. Today, with more access to design expertise than ever, we know there are ways to take inspiration from a period or place without forcing a theme. (And those ways tend to be far more chic.)

Why Tuscan Style Should Stay In The Past

To put it simply, Tuscan-inspired design lacks subtlety. It’s not enough to feel like you’re sampling Italian—the aesthetic demands to be instantly understood. “Everything has to be ‘Old World’ to the extreme,” describes Gruver. “The faux textures often make spaces feel dated and cluttered instead of warm and inviting.” They tend to cheapen the look of the home, even if you’ve invested significant time and money trying to accomplish the opposite.

Gruver also calls the typical palette, incorporating red, brown, gold, and beige shades “dark and muddy.” This results in a space that appears overdone and heavy, regardless of how the colors are paired together, especially when you incorporate opulent fabrics and ornate furniture. Describing all of these features may make you feel all kinds of nostalgic, but do fuzzy feelings necessitate revival? We agree with Gruver: the answer is no. You can still accomplish an Italian vibe without leaning too literal.

What To Do Instead

“I hope people lean into more timeless, natural textures like limewash, actual stone, or aged wood accents,” Gruver says. After all, no matter your preferred aesthetic, “living” materials (unlacquered brass and marble are a part of this category) will always outlast anything manufactured. It’s about quality just as much as it’s about style. Think about it: Instead of deteriorating, they evolve—and, some would say, only improve with time.

Gruver recommends incorporating layered lighting, rich textiles, and handmade pieces to create coziness. Instead of buying brand-new decor, consider thrifted pieces for even more character. In short? “Let the design feel collected and authentic, not theatrical,” she advises. This method takes time, but chances are, you’ll love the thrill of the hunt, and it’s worth it either way for the final results. Plus, by doing this, your belongings also become more versatile, so that as the trends change (like they so quickly do), so can your style.