12 Ways to Update Your 90’s Home

So, you’ve found yourself the not so proud owner of a home straight out of the 90s, complete with the quintessential floral wallpapers, brass fixtures, and oh-so-plush carpeting. Fear not! As an interior designer with a penchant for reviving outdated spaces, I’m here to share some tips and tricks on how to bring your home into the 21st century without losing its charm.

At the moment we have three clients who were in that exact predicament, one in Monson, one in Wilbraham and one in South Hadley. All three would like their homes brought into this decade. And we’re happy to do it.

First things first, let’s bid adieu to those wallpaper borders and fluorescent lights, shall we? Embrace the magic of paint! A fresh coat can work wonders in modernizing a space. Opt for neutral tones like soft greiges (no more cold gray!) or warm whites to create a timeless backdrop that allows your furnishings to shine. If you’re looking for an on trend color for 2024 go bold with Benjamin Moore Peale Green like we plan to do in this dining room!

Now, let’s talk about flooring. Goodbye wall-to-wall carpeting, hello hardwood floors (or luxury vinyl if you’re on a budget)! Rip up that old carpet and reveal the hidden potential beneath. Hardwood floors not only add a touch of sophistication but also make the space feel larger and more cohesive. Plus, they’re a breeze to clean compared to carpet! And if you’re contemplating resale value hardwood floors are a great way to up the value in your home. That said, if you’re on a budget update your wall to wall carpet in a neutral color!

Yes, that’s the same room, during install day!

Next up, let’s address the elephant in the room – the kitchen. If you’re still rocking laminate countertops and oak cabinets, it’s time for an upgrade. Consider swapping out those dated materials for sleek quartz countertops and painted cabinets in a fresh, modern hue like navy blue or sage green, or even a warm wood tone like we chose for this South Hadley kitchen below. Don’t forget to update the hardware too – polished nickel or matte black handles and knobs can instantly elevate the look.

As for the living room, say goodbye to bulky entertainment centers and hello to sleek, minimalist media consoles. While you’re at it PLEASE have your cords and cables hidden in the wall like we did below. Opt for furnishings with clean lines and neutral fabrics to create a contemporary vibe. Add pops of color and texture with throw pillows, area rugs, and statement art pieces to infuse personality into the space. And don’t forget to add something personal. We’re not saying remove ALL of the old. Your sentimental items are what make it your home!

And let’s not forget about lighting! Replace those brass chandeliers and sconces with sleek, modern fixtures in polished nickel or matte black finishes. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles to add visual interest and create layers of light throughout the room. Think outside the box with bronze and ornate fixtures, like this refresh below. After all lighting is the jewelry in your space! Would you get dressed and add some earrings from the 90’s? Probably not.

Last but not least, don’t underestimate the power of accessories. As we said above, you need some personal items. But you also need to swap out those dated knick-knacks for curated collections of books, vases and decorative objects that reflect your personal style. Incorporate plants and greenery to bring life into the space and add a touch of freshness.

So there you have it – a crash course in updating your home from the 90s, courtesy of yours truly. You’ll be surprised by the impact that just updating paint, lighting and accessories can make! Remember, the key is to balance nostalgia with modernity, creating a space that feels both timeless and current. Happy decorating!

You can see all of our transformations and read about the process right in our interior design Portfolio!