From Outdated to Upscale: Breathe New Life into Your Home
When my husband and I first moved into our Aberdeen home, I was ecstatic. The property itself was everything we had dreamed of – but the outdated 90s decor, not so much. From the sponge-painted walls to the gold-plated fixtures, every room practically screamed “time capsule.”
As a self-proclaimed design enthusiast, I knew I had my work cut out for me. But I was determined to transform this dated dwelling into the modern, cohesive oasis of my dreams. And you know what they say – where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Over the next few years, I tackled room after room, meticulously updating hardware, fixtures, and finishes to breathe new life into our home. It wasn’t always easy – there were certainly blood, sweat, and (happy) tears involved. But the end result was more than worth it. Our once-tired abode is now a showpiece that reflects our personal style to a T.
If you’re in a similar situation, wondering how to bid farewell to those outdated 90s vibes, I’m here to share my hard-won wisdom. From kitchen cabinetry to bathroom vanities, let’s explore the top ways to give your home a modern facelift – no demolition required.
Revamp Your Kitchen with Classic Flair
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s no surprise this was the first space I wanted to tackle. Although the existing cabinetry was better than the builder-grade oak so popular in the 90s, I longed for a classic white kitchen.
After doing my research, I decided to replace the cabinetry with semi-custom inset doors, using cabinets of varying depths to create a visually interesting design. If you have good-quality cabinets but don’t have the budget to replace them, painting them is a fantastic (and budget-friendly) option.
Next, I turned my attention to the countertops. Goodbye, dated speckled granite – hello, sleek Carrara marble! While marble requires a bit more maintenance, the timeless elegance it brings to a kitchen is unparalleled. And as I’ve learned, it’s held up beautifully to our family of five.
Of course, no kitchen facelift is complete without updated fixtures and hardware. Out with the brushed nickel, in with the brass and polished nickel! Mixing metal finishes adds depth and visual interest, preventing the space from feeling too “matchy-matchy.”
The final touch? Swapping out that dated subway tile for a lighter grout color, which instantly gave our kitchen a more casual, farmhouse-inspired aesthetic. The transformation was nothing short of astounding – proof that a few strategic updates can make all the difference.
Breathe New Life into Outdated Bathrooms
If there’s one room that epitomized the 90s aesthetic in our home, it was the bathroom. From the boring builder-grade vanities to the massive, rarely-used jetted tub, every inch screamed “time capsule.”
But with a little creativity (and elbow grease), I was able to breathe new life into this tired space. First up, the vanity. Just like with kitchen cabinets, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. I gave ours a modern white finish and swapped out the hardware for an instant facelift.
As for that hulking jetted tub? It had to go. We opted to remove it altogether, moving the shower to that spot and repurposing the extra space to expand our adjoining closet. Using the IKEA PAX system, I was able to design a custom, functional closet that was both beautiful and practical.
The final touch? Swapping out that dated rectangular mirror for a more stylish, statement-making option. Combined with the other updates, it completely transformed the look and feel of the space – no demolition required.
Revitalize Tired Furniture and Finishes
While the kitchen and bathrooms were the biggest projects, no room in our home was left untouched. From the living room to the home office, I was on a mission to bid farewell to all things 90s.
In the living room, the fireplace wall was pretty but basic – just a simple white mantel and red brick surround. I decided to amp up the visual interest by installing marble tiles over the brick and building my own DIY shelves and cabinets. This not only added storage and display space, but also integrated the room seamlessly with the adjoining kitchen.
Similarly, in my home office, I created custom built-in shelving and cabinetry – but with a twist. Instead of solid doors, I opted for metal mesh inserts, which gave the space a vintage-inspired vibe. Paired with a statement-making glass bubble light fixture and sleek, contemporary window treatments, the end result was a perfect blend of old and new.
And let’s not forget the bedroom! While we eventually made structural changes like removing the dated carpet and installing hardwood floors, many of the updates were purely decorative. Swapping out those tired valances for interior shutters and gorgeous draperies made a world of difference, instantly elevating the space.
A Modern Facelift for the ABC-Home Website
As you can see, transforming a 90s-era home into a modern, cohesive space doesn’t have to mean a complete gut renovation. With some strategic updates to hardware, fixtures, and finishes, you can breathe new life into your home – no jackhammer required.
If you’re ready to take on your own home transformation, be sure to check out ABC-Home’s website for all the inspiration and resources you’ll need. From design ideas to renovation tips, they’ve got everything you need to create the home of your dreams. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to say goodbye to the 90s and hello to a fabulous, modern facelift!
