Transforming Outdated 1990s Homes
Continuing our 1990s Home Updates series were answering a common 90s-era homeowner question: How to create an open concept in a 1990s home.
90s Home Vibes vs. Today’s Open Concept Homes
The 90s was a decade of many things: Neon clothes, Rachel haircuts, and closed off home layouts. These compartmentalized home layouts tended to be darker and more cramped. Even worse, they make it difficult to entertain guests or keep an eye on little ones.
In today’s home, having an open space that feels connected – from the kitchen to the living and dining rooms – is much preferred over separate rooms. Open concept living give the illusion of more space, it makes entertaining a breeze. If you’ve got a layout in need of an overhaul, you’re not alone.
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The Gather Around Kitchen
The existing kitchen in this home had a few fairly functional amenities (bar seating and an adjoining dinette space). It felt cramped and too closed off from the rest of the spaces. The wall to the left of the sink blocked the view to the great room. The corner pantry lacked efficient use of space leaving only a small and narrow hallway to get to the nearby dining room.
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Spacious Curved Island
First, we removed the wall between the kitchen and great room keeping general layout of the space. This allowed us to revamp the peninsula into a huge, curved island that could accommodate our clients’ growing extended family. The original small kitchen island was removed as well, which instantly made the space feel larger and less cluttered. A large, curved island allowed for easy flow throughout the kitchen.
Coffee and Wine Nook
We replaced the original pantry with a much more user-friendly setup. The new design included a new coffee and wine nook (my favorite feature)! Great for every day, and entertaining! This allowed for a seamless transition into the dining room. Keeping to the grey and white palette, we paired grey quartz countertops with creamy white cabinets. To finish this stunning transformation, we painted a couple of coats of Sherwin Williams’ Dovetail, SW-7018.
BEFORE
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AFTER
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By opening up the previously-closed off pantry space, we were able to provide essential daily function, storage, and a more spacious entrance to the dining room.
We were able to keep the header in place in a visually appealing way by creating a soffit detail and make it appear as an intentional architectural element.
Additionally, the mechanical chase was strategically hidden by the slight bump out in the corner of the coffee nook between both cabinets.
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The Jordan Remodel
As you may have seen from our recent Jordan Project Reveal series, this home was firmly rooted in 1990s-era style. Individually partitioned and separated rooms, cherry trim and cabinets, and heavy built-ins were throughout the space. While the house itself was quite spacious, it didn’t feel that way. Closed off spaces caused a lack of flow between the kitchen and dining room.
An awkward 2-tier kitchen island lacks functionality and further closes off the space. Our clients were looking for more space for meal prep as well.
The living room, too, felt far too small, enclosed by angled walls, heavy arches, and wood columns. What the space needed was to be opened up dramatically to really take advantage of what it had to offer.
Creating an Open Concept Floor Plan
We made several drastic improvements to create an open concept. The entire space was opened up by removing the walls between the kitchen and adjoining spaces. The main floor instantly felt enormous by compared to its previous arrangement. Natural light was able to flow into every nook.
The kitchen, too, received a major upgrade with a spacious kitchen island that comfortably seats six. The new patio door creates a smooth transition from the newly-remodeled kitchen to the airy back screened-in porch. The resulting effect was a welcoming and bright space.
BEFORE
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AFTER
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BEFORE
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AFTER
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If you’re looking to update your space, you may want to consider opening up your home’s layout. By knocking down some walls, you can entertain guests more easily, and enjoy a more spacious and light-filled home. If you’re ready for a change, consider opening up your 1990s layout. You’ll be glad you did!
For more 90s-era home updates and inspiration, click HERE.
9 Responses
The before and after are especially thrilling. What talent! The difference is phenomenal and how you can envision that from what you have in front of you is amazing. Great job!!!
Wow beautiful open and airy transformation!
Thank you, Suzi!
Great updates to these two homes – what a difference in both looks AND function!
Thank you, Janet! Our clients are really enjoying their new spaces.
Carla, what a beautiful transformation! I think the way you opened up the space is absolutely brilliant.
These spaces are absolutely beautiful. I may be weird, but I like my separate spaces.
Wow! Gorgeous transformation. What a difference in both looks and function!
Oh wow! I am blown away. What a night and day difference. Your clients must be over the moon!