This Popular '90s Feature Brightens A Kitchen With Natural Lighting

There are several '90s design elements making a comeback in today's kitchens. However, there's one kitchen feature of the decade that may have been forgotten, and it could be a fantastic way to invite natural light into your space. The solarium, a grandiose glass structure climbing up the outer wall and curving above your head, was a notable element of many '90s venues. The inclusion of solariums in dining areas may have started with fast food restaurants, with the Wendy's sunroom becoming one of the most memorable in the '80s and '90s. However, as fast food establishments began to modernize, the sunrooms in these dining halls became nearly obsolete. Still, before their disappearance from the restaurant scene, solariums, atriums, conservatories, and sunrooms continued to enter residential spaces. Journalist and urban design author, Philip Langdon, told Mel Magazine that there was a "general trend at the time which also saw atriums being put on people's homes, particularly the kitchen area."

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the various types of sunrooms. For example, a solarium differs from a classic sunroom through its curved eaves and glass roof. If you want to invest in a sunroom for your home, it can be beneficial to understand the types of sunrooms so you know which one is right for you. In the '90s, while many variants of sunrooms were popular, the Wendy's solarium became somewhat iconic. And as homeowners began to mimic corporate architectural details, the solarium has evolved into a stunning feature reminiscent of a nostalgic past.

The solarium is one kitchen design that marries outdoor beauty to an indoor space, which is one reason homeowners adore them. They welcome in plenty of natural light and introduce a touch of biophilic design to the space, via the large windows. Additionally, solariums create an opportunity for more informal seating beyond the traditional dining area, such as creating a breakfast nook. However, one reason these solariums went out of style in fast food establishments is that they are not very energy efficient. It can be costly to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Further, solariums can be difficult to maintain, as the glass will need regular cleaning, and it requires using furniture that can withstand high temperatures and prolonged sun exposure.

However, those who adore solariums could still find homes with these '90s features built-in. And if you like the look, but don't have a solarium on your property, you could invest in a custom build. Although the average price of a new solarium installation is around $30,000 to $75,000. If a kitchen solarium is not in your budget, there are a few clever hacks to make a sunroom in a home that doesn't have one. But, for the lucky few who live in a place with a '90s solarium in their kitchen or dining area, many folks encourage that you keep it, rather than replace it, as the feature is pretty iconic.