Bathrooms from the 90s – A Blast from the Past
After my blog posts on updating 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s kitchens, I got tons of requests for the same series on bathrooms – ASK, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE! And talking about asking and receiving, on Instagram, I asked for your outdated bathrooms from previous decades and you DELIVERED – thank you! In fact, it was hard to choose which bathrooms would make the best update examples. Once I narrowed it down, I decided to start with 1990s bathrooms, as a) I’ve already done a blog post on 2000s loos, (which I will be adding more to, shortly) and b) 90s bathrooms are the ones showing up most often in my inbox.
Bathrooms built or renovated in the 90s are pretty easy to spot – think beige, oak, and lots of brass. The classic 90s bathroom is often characterized by its fussy color palette, busy tile patterns, and outdated fixtures. But don’t worry, my friends, with a few budget-friendly updates, you can easily transform your 90s bathroom into a fresh, modern oasis.
I could go on and on about the quintessential 90s bathroom, but instead, let me show you some real-life examples that will have you reaching for your ‘Rachel’ haircut and high-waisted mom jeans (which are trendy again, by the way). Check out this bad boy who’s screamin’ ’90s…
Yikes, that’s a lot of beige, oak, and brass, am I right? In my previous life as a Home Stager, I worked on a bathroom just like this one in the 2000s. Sadly, I can’t find the ‘after’ photos, but trust me, it was a major transformation. And here’s another beauty of a 90s primary (previously referred to as ‘master’) bathroom…
Ah, the quintessential 90s bathroom – all the hallmarks are there, from the ornate light fixture to the busy tile pattern. But fear not, my friends, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to help you update your 90s bathroom without breaking the bank.
Affordable Bathroom Update Ideas
Painting Your Cabinetry
One of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to update your 90s bathroom is to paint your cabinetry. The typical 1990s bathroom is a bit fussy when it comes to color pairings, so choosing the right paint color is key. Check out this next bathroom from the 90s and how it was updated on a budget, starting with the vanity…
Guess what’s STILL THERE? All of the expensive finishes, including the travertine tile, stayed put! By simply painting the vanity, this bathroom got a fresh, modern look without a complete gut job.
Speaking of travertine, let’s take a look at another 90s bathroom that embraced this classic material…
This travertine tile winks at the 2000s, but the tile size and details, light fixture, faucet, and door hardware are all quintessentially 90s. However, it’s a relatively easy update if you’re good with a ‘happy medium’. While keeping the big bones, including the vanity, linen tower, countertop, and tile floor, a few budget-friendly changes can make this bathroom look so much better.
Choosing the Right Wall Color
It’s amazing how much the right wall color can transform a 90s bathroom. This next ‘beauty’ is a prime example…
Walls, Benjamin Moore Moonshine. Vanity, Sherwin Williams Grays Harbor. Sure, there’s a new quartz countertop, but at 42″, the replacement cost is manageable compared to a full gut-job. Notice the following… the hardware, lighting, and cabinet hardware are all AWESOMELY coordinated in finish and style. From there, we chose the perfect paint color for the walls, bringing the gray of the vanity and the beige of the tile floor together. But you can’t go throwing any ole color on your 90s vanity or you’ll lose your sanity…
Whereas bathrooms built or remodeled in the 2000s often cater to warmer tones, many 90s bathrooms prefer the cooler end of the color spectrum, including blues, greens, and grays. A little color theory can go a long way in reviving your 90s bathroom.
Accessorizing with Intention
The little details can make a big difference in an outdated bathroom. This next bathroom is a little gem…
While the taupe/mauve tub, shower surround, and toilet aren’t ‘modern’, they’re well-coordinated with each other and with the tile floor. The wall color is a pretty contrast to the fixtures, however, it ‘accents’ them, which isn’t always the goal when dealing with a non-traditional fixture color. Instead, I’d be more inclined to lean into the fixtures and their undertones.
One easy update that can make a big impact? Swapping out the shower curtain rod. Whether you prefer a curved or straight rod, almost every 1990s bathroom can benefit from this simple swap.
Personally, I only use curved, hotel-style shower rods as they add style to a bathroom and extra elbow room in the shower. I also like them screwed permanently into the wall versus tension, but that’s a personal preference.
Case Studies: Updating 1990s Bathrooms
Let’s dive into a few real-life case studies to see how we can breathe new life into those quintessential 90s bathrooms…
Case Study #1: The Beadboard Beauty
This cute little bathroom has a lot of potential with its beadboard walls and charming details. But those outdated finishes and fixtures are holding it back.
Looking at the space, I’d start by focusing on the vanity area. Knowing I want to create a warm, earthy color palette, I’d look at black or antique brass for any hardware or metal finishes. As for style, with the beadboard being a bit more homey, a faucet with a bit of styling is nice versus a modern, uber-clean-lined piece.
For the lighting, I’d choose a fixture that picks up on the lines and styling of the faucet, creating a cohesive look. Something like this Exmouth light fixture would be perfect.
From there, I’d consider painting the beadboard and all the trim in a lovely earthy green hue like Sherwin Williams Cast Iron. This will complement the beige tile floor and countertop beautifully. And instead of painting the vanity, I might actually leave it in its current wood tone to create a nice contrast with the painted walls.
The final touch would be swapping out the straight shower curtain rod for a curved one and adding a shower curtain in varying shades of taupe to tie everything together.
Case Study #2: The 90s Classic
This bathroom is about as 90s as it gets, with its busy tile pattern, brass fixtures, and dated vanity. But with a few strategic updates, we can bring it into the 21st century.
First up, I’d take a look at the vanity. Since the tile and countertop are staying put, I’d consider painting the vanity in a modern off-white or light beige shade. This will instantly brighten up the space and provide a nice neutral backdrop for the other updates.
Next, I’d swap out the dated brass fixtures for something more on-trend, like oil-rubbed bronze or matte black. This includes the faucet, towel bars, and light fixtures. I’d also consider upgrading the mirror, perhaps opting for a more vertical, rectangular shape to balance the horizontal lines of the vanity.
To tie everything together, I’d choose a soothing wall color, like Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray, that complements the existing tile and countertop. And of course, a curved shower rod and fresh shower curtain would be the final touch.
Case Study #3: The Tile Lover’s Dream
This 90s bathroom is an ode to travertine tile, and while it’s a classic material, the busy pattern and dated fixtures make it feel a bit tired. But with a few strategic updates, we can give it new life.
Since the tile and countertop are staying put, I’d focus my efforts on the vanity and hardware. Painting the vanity in a warm, earthy tone like Sherwin Williams Anew Gray would give it a more modern feel. And by swapping out the brass fixtures for something in a matte black or oil-rubbed bronze finish, we can create a cohesive, stylish look.
For the lighting, I’d choose a fixture with clean lines and a bit of industrial flair to balance the more traditional feel of the vanity and tile. And of course, a curved shower rod and fresh shower curtain would be the perfect finishing touch.
The key with this bathroom, and really any 90s bathroom, is to work with what you’ve got. By focusing on the small details and making strategic updates, you can create a fresh, modern space without breaking the bank.
Wrapping it Up
Well, as you can see, there’s a lot of potential in those 90s bathrooms, even if they’re a bit stuck in the past. By painting, accessorizing, and making a few thoughtful updates, you can transform your outdated bathroom into a modern oasis without spending a fortune.
Remember, these ideas are all about saving money by using what you have while adding some visual value where you can. So, grab your ‘Rachel’ haircut, slip into those high-waisted mom jeans, and let’s get to work on updating your 90s bathroom!
References
[1] Kylie M. Interiors. (n.d.). Affordable Ideas to Update Your Outdated 1990s Bathroom. Retrieved from https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/affordable-ideas-to-update-your-outdated-1990s-bathroom/
[2] We’re the Joneses. (n.d.). Beautiful Master Bathroom Refresh on a Budget. Retrieved from https://werethejoneses.com/beautiful-master-bathroom-refresh-on-a-budget/
[3] Stefan Asilber. (n.d.). Basement Bathroom Design. Retrieved from https://stefanasilber.com/basement-bathroom-design/
[4] Maria Killam. (n.d.). The Dos and Don’ts of Vinyl Plank Floors in the Bathroom. Retrieved from https://mariakillam.com/dos-donts-vinyl-plank-floors-bathroom/
[5] Designer Trapped. (n.d.). DIY Countertops: The Ultimate Guide. Retrieved from https://designertrapped.com/diy-countertops/
[6] The Decor Formula. (n.d.). Ideas for Covering Up Tile Floors Without Removing It. Retrieved from https://www.thedecorformula.com/home/2018/4/15/ideas-for-covering-up-tile-floors-without-removing-it
[7] Jenna Sue Design. (n.d.). A Guide to Updating Your Doors and Hardware. Retrieved from https://www.jennasuedesign.com/a-guide-to-updating-your-doors-and-hardware/
[8] Welsh Design Studio. (n.d.). How to Update a Dated Home Without Remodeling. Retrieved from https://welshdesignstudio.com/how-to-update-a-dated-home-without-remodeling/