8 Design Makeover Ideas for Your 90s Kitchen
At Che Bella Interiors, we understand that the kitchen is the heart of your home. Not only does it give you the space to prepare meals for your family, but it is also where everyone gathers for homework, arts and crafts, games and entertaining.
It’s probably the room that usually needs a little tender loving care every decade or so. In fact, as interior designers in Minneapolis, we often hear from clients in the Twin Cities who want to get rid of their outdated 90s aesthetic and go for something a little sleeker and more modern.
If you’re in a similar situation and looking for kitchen remodeling ideas, here are our favorite design makeover ideas for your dated kitchen design.
1. Consider Cabinets and Countertops
Kitchens in the 90s all seemed to fit the same pattern. Most had some sort of oak cabinetry paired with laminate countertops. And that’s why most people start here when it comes to bringing this type of space into the modern era.
If your cabinets are in good condition, you might be able to save costs by painting them, adding new doors and hardware.
Adding new countertops can be a big hit on a tight budget, but it does give the space new life. There are many options to choose from for a more timeless look from sleek quartz to butcher block to natural stone.
2. Update Appliances
Appliances really give a kitchen a dated look. Most of today’s styles are either stainless steel, black or hidden by cabinetry. Some even have touchscreens or connect to smart home devices. A new stove or range, dishwasher, and refrigerator can make all the difference in adding modern appeal. Plus, today’s varieties of appliances are highly energy-efficient, too.
3. Think About Use of Space
Another problem with kitchens built in the 90s is that they are often a little cramped. Some even have weird little alcoves or cutouts. One common request we see when assisting with home remodeling in Minneapolis is a rework of the space to create a more open, airy floor plan.
Sometimes this requires removing up a wall or moving a pantry closet. Other times, all that is necessary is just moving a few cabinets or eliminating a breakfast bar. The key here is to really think about your space and what it would take to create a more open feel.
==>Learn all the details behind this Eden Prairie, MN kitchen remodel
4. Don’t Be Afraid of Color
Our next tip for updating your 90s kitchen is to not be afraid of color. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary aesthetic or just love the modern farmhouse style, the key is to use strategically placed splashes of vibrant hues to give life to the room.
Need an example? Consider white cabinets paired with a navy-blue island. Or a backsplash with pops of teal and green. And these color additions don’t have to be permanent, either. Even an accessory or appliance with a bright hue is a good choice.
5. Take Cabinets to the Ceiling
Another super simple way to give your outdated kitchen new life is to consider adding cabinets above your current stack. In the 90s, most builders stopped a few inches to a foot above the ceiling to add an area to display knickknacks and other items.
Today, it’s all about sleek storage. Adding a few extra cabinets to your current stack gives you extra flexibility for those items that you love to have in your kitchen, but don’t use all the time. As a bonus tip, if you can’t find doors to match your existing ones, consider adding new ones across the whole kitchen. This way your cabinets will look like they’ve always been one unit.
==> This Prior Lake, MN kitchen update turned a U-shaped kitchen into an open concept layout
6. Add a New Backsplash
Large ceramic tiles in some cases can feel outdated. Today’s mosaics and subway tiles come in numerous different designs and colors. Plus, most are incredibly easy to install.
A new backsplash is also a great way to add that pop of color we talked about earlier. Even hand-painted tiles available today are a great way to add a custom look to any kitchen with very little effort.
7. Update Flooring
Flooring is one of the easiest ways to upgrade the look of your 90s kitchen. Whether you have the budget for hardwood or simply opt for luxury vinyl tile, there are so many choices today to meet every homeowner’s needs.
Plus, most options are designed to hold up to heavy traffic from kids, pets, and other scenarios. That means you’ll be looking back 20 years from now wondering how they still look so good!
8. Anchor the Space with an Island
If you have the room, adding an island to your kitchen is a fantastic idea. Not only does it give you more room to work, but it also often doubles as a place for the kids to do homework, enjoying a casual meal or entertaining guests.
In fact, many homeowners have found that extending the kitchen area to what was once a breakfast nook and adding barstools often eliminates the need for a separate kitchen table.
==> Looking to make a statement? Consider a waterfall edge countertop for your kitchen island, as we did in this Edina, MN kitchen project
Updating an Outdated Kitchen with Che Bella Interiors
Updating your 90s kitchen to a fresher, more contemporary look is often easier than most homeowners realize. However, if you’re still unsure of where to begin, our team at Che Bella Interiors is here to help you create a kitchen space that is uniquely and beautifully yours. Our team of expert designers and contractors is skilled in modernizing outdated spaces to ones that impress and inspire.
