Transforming My 90s Home One Room at a Time
From the day we moved into our Aberdeen home, I started dreaming about all the ways I could make it my own. The property was amazing, and the home had everything we were looking for – except for those pesky 90s home decor elements. It didn’t happen overnight, but each project was worth the blood, sweat, and tears. Come along with me as I share how I transformed my home, room by room.
Saying Goodbye to 90s Window Treatments
The 90s were a questionable decade for both fashion and interior design trends. Acid-wash jeans and sponge-painted walls were all the rage, and window treatments were no exception. From heavy drapes to ornate valances, the 90s left its mark on homes across the UK.
When we first moved in, the outdated window treatments were one of the first things I wanted to tackle. They made the space feel dated and closed off, completely at odds with the modern, open-concept look I was going for. I knew that updating the windows would have a huge impact on the overall feel of the home.
Embracing a Minimalist Approach
My design aesthetic leans heavily towards minimalism, so I knew I wanted to steer clear of the busy, ornate window treatments that were so popular in the 90s. Instead, I opted for clean, simple lines and natural materials that would let the architecture of the house shine.
One of the first changes I made was to remove the heavy drapes and ornate valances. Hanging window treatments properly can make a huge difference, and I wanted the views from our large windows to take center stage.
I also swapped out the dated blinds for a set of modern Roman shades. These provided the perfect balance of privacy and light control, without overwhelming the space. And when it came to dressing up the windows, I chose a set of simple linen panels that I hung high and wide to create the illusion of larger windows.
Mixing Textures and Finishes
While I wanted to keep the overall look clean and minimal, I didn’t want the space to feel sterile or one-dimensional. So, I made sure to incorporate a mix of textures and finishes to add depth and interest.
For example, in the living room, I paired the linen drapery panels with a set of woven Roman shades. The contrast between the soft, flowing fabric and the structured, natural material creates a dynamic and visually appealing look.
In the dining room, I went with a beaded chandelier that adds a touch of glamour, while the linen curtains keep the space feeling light and airy. And in the office, I used a combination of solid drapery panels and patterned Roman shades to layer the window treatments and add visual interest.
Updating Hardware for a Modern Twist
No window treatment overhaul is complete without addressing the hardware. Those ubiquitous 90s brass finishes just wouldn’t do in my minimalist-inspired space.
Instead, I opted for sleek, modern hardware in a range of finishes – from matte black to brushed nickel to polished chrome. Mixing metal finishes is a great way to add depth and personality to a space, and it’s a trend I’ve embraced throughout my home.
In the kitchen, for example, I paired brushed nickel cabinet hardware with a polished chrome faucet and light fixtures. And in the bedrooms, I used matte black curtain rods to complement the modern farmhouse vibe.
Bringing it All Together
When it comes to updating your window treatments for a modern look, the key is to strike a balance between form and function. You want your window treatments to be both visually appealing and practical, enhancing the overall design of the space.
For me, that meant starting with a minimalist foundation and then layering in different textures, finishes, and hardware to create a cohesive, yet dynamic look. And of course, I couldn’t resist sprinkling in a few personal touches – like the patterned Roman shades in my home office – to make the space truly my own.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to your dated 90s window treatments and embrace a more modern aesthetic, I’d encourage you to visit ABC Home, our local building and renovation company here in Aberdeen. Their team of experts can help you explore all the latest window treatment trends and find the perfect solution for your space.
Happy decorating!
