6 Early 2000s Design Trends Making a Comeback

Millennials, we’re going to hold your hand when we say this: The early 2000s are coming back en vogue. It may be hard to believe, but 25 years have passed since Y2K, when inflatable couches, lava lamps, orange kitchen cabinetry, and other relics of the early aughts were considered stylish. But, like with all trends, we’re seeing a return to some of the era’s most iconic designs, in a fresh and new way that ensures they feel very current.

“The early 2000s is an era that is unfortunately not remembered fondly for its design aesthetic,” says designer Kate Figler. “There was a fondness for bold, statement-making selections that often overpowered a home’s natural beauty, hence why, these days, we spend much of our time removing them.” However, we can still take inspiration from some of those trends and make them work in modern applications.

Below, some of our favorite design pros are sharing the early 2000s trends that are making a comeback—only this time, they have staying power.

Shabby Chic Turns Classic

The phrase “shabby chic” gained a bad rep during the early 2000s, likely due to its association with all things frills, florals, and potpourri. Still, the ethos behind combining comfortable furniture with vintage-inspired finds stands today as a favorite of designers and homeowners looking to cultivate a warm and welcoming atmosphere. “The ‘shabby chic’ trend of the early 2000s that favored casual, oversized furniture mixed with vintage pieces has been modernized by today’s embracing of traditional design elements, like skirted furniture, chintz fabrics, and classic silhouettes,” says Figler. “The result is a timeless aesthetic rather than a room that feels lost in a particular decade.”

Textured Walls, Done Right

If you don’t get immediate chills when you hear the phrase “popcorn ceilings” or “textured plaster walls,” are you even a millennial? Here’s the good news: Methods of texturing walls have become much more refined over the years, and are now considered a thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing way to bring visual texture to your space. “I love seeing the resurgence of some of the 2000s home decor trends,” says designer Amanda Jacobs. “One in particular that I’ve embraced is using paint to create wall texture. Limewash has become mainstream in the design world, but it remains a timeless choice, reminiscent of frescos and the old-world style that has endured for centuries. When done tastefully, it adds warmth and depth to a space. Though it might bring back memories of the faux-finish walls from Olive Garden in the early 2000s, I’m excited to see this technique making a comeback in a more refined way.”

Art Class, With a Twist

Sponge painting, stencils, and splatter, oh my! If decorating in the early 2000s felt a bit like elementary school art class, you’re not alone. Nowadays, certain DIY-friendly finishes are back in the spotlight, this time with more a refined, elevated feel. “One thing that comes to mind from the early 2000s is stenciling,” says designer Jenna Buck Gross of Colordrunk Designs. “I think its modern iteration, filled with more geometric designs, is a fresh look to the floral stencils we saw decades earlier. I even see people using this technique on floors for a fun pop pattern instead of a carpet or tile.”

Comfort Colors Come Back

Walk around any early 2000s home and it’s almost as if every owner has chosen their wall colors from the same five paint chips (tan, gray, and yellow, we’re looking at you). While every color can work if you use it the right way, modern design relies on utilizing color in a more balanced way, with refined shades and a fearless approach. “I’m a big believer that a paint story in a home sets the tone,” says designer Sherry Shirah. “Lately, I’ve noticed buttery yellows emerging more in decor and fashion, which are similar to shades we saw in the early 2000s, only with a more elevated look. If a client were to go for the buttery yellow paint shade in a room, I would fully saturate or drench all walls, ceiling, and moldings. Pinpointing the right paint shade is everything and drenching the entire space feels very current and always a winner.”

Wood Cabinetry, Minus the Orange Tint

Perhaps the most notorious culprit of a 2000s scheme comes in the form of what’s often referred to as the “orange kitchen.” With honeyed cabinetry and lots (and lots) of wood, it’s a scene that brings both comfort and a bit of cringe to anyone who grew up in a similar space. “We’re seeing stained cabinetry come back in a big way over the past few years,” says designer Kelly Neely. “The difference now is that the cabinets themselves are much less ornate in style and the stains are typically lighter. White oak is more common in new construction cabinets as opposed to cherry or mahogany, so we’re able to showcase the warmth of the wood and stain without a red or orange undertone.”

Red, Reinvigorated and Reimagined

Red has always been a sophisticated-yet-polarizing hue, whether you’re designing a home in the 1800s, 2000s, or 2020s. While pros are very game to revisit this fiery shade, they’ve learned from the mistakes of the past, now preferring to use the hue in a more thoughtful way. “I’m loving the growing popularity of red walls again,” says Jacobs. “I think red got a bad reputation because it was often used too boldly and without balance, making some spaces feel stark or even overwhelming. But when used thoughtfully, red is a powerful color that brings warmth, depth, and intensity in a truly beautiful way. I’m all for this revival and excited to see more designers and homeowners embrace the boldness.”