Your kitchen is the equivalent of watching paint dry, is it? I understand these stark white cabinets and stainless steel everything are all supposed to be clean, but where is the personality to these things?
I was three years back in my cookie-cutter kitchen asking myself why I hated to cook. Then I came across vintage design and I must say? It made a difference to everything. The result is that now my kitchen seems like the warm friendly core of my house rather than some sterile laboratory.
Classic Color Schemes That Never Go Out of Style
The Iconic Red and White Combo
There is nothing that shouts classic kitchen like a bold red combined with pure white. I have stained my base cabinets cherry red and left my uppers white, the houseguests always say it feels really welcoming.
Such combination of colors is vivid since red is energizing, whereas white makes everything clean and new. Additionally, red kitchen accessories are readily available and thus it is easy to coordinate everything.
Soft Pastels for Gentle Charm
Has it ever crossed your mind how pastel kitchens are so calming? The color scheme of mint green, powder blue and butter yellow makes that good old fashioned 1950s diner look without being overpowering your room.
I painted my island sage green and it worked out to be the best background to show my vintage copper collection. The trick is to select an entry pastel as your primary color and an accent with the other pastels.
Popular vintage color combinations:
- Red and cream for bold warmth
- Mint and white for fresh serenity
- Yellow and gray for sunny sophistication
- Blue and copper for coastal vintage
Vintage-Inspired Cabinetry Solutions
Shaker-Style Cabinets with Character
Shaker cabinets do not only keep up with the trends, they are timeless. The understated simplicity and the clean lines yell quality workmanship of a long ago world.
I had exchanged my flat-panel doors with Shaker-style doors and the change was rightaway. At once my kitchen was transformed into one that you would expect to find in an adorable farm house, rather than a typical subdivision.
Glass-Front Display Cases
Why keep your beautiful dishes behind solid door? With glass-front cabinets, you are able to display your vintage collection and ensure all remains mass-free.
I modified two display cabinets both in the upper cabinet so that they were glass- front displays and now the china of my grandmother receives the fanfare that it deserves. Critical is making sure you have them in order- nobody has the interest to sight your mismatched Tupperware collection :/.
Authentic Vintage Appliance Integration
Modern Appliances with Retro Styling
You do not need to have a trade-off between functionality and style. SMEG fridges and Big Chill cookers provide you with the modern day performance in beautiful old fashioned design.
My SMEG fridge is mint green and it was expensive to the point of embarrassment but every morning when I reach to grab my creamer in the fridge I smile. At times, happiness is not free.
Small Appliance Statement Pieces
A shiny red KitchenAid mixer on your counter screams “I am serious about cooking and cooking it with flair” – These appliances turn into decorative piece of art.
| Appliance Type | Best Vintage Colors |
|---|---|
| Stand Mixers | Cherry red, mint green, buttercream |
| Toasters | Chrome, pastel blue, classic white |
Hardware That Makes a Difference
Cup Pulls and Bin Pulls
Cabinet hardware is probably a minor thing however it has a massive visual effect. I replaced all my blah brushed nickel pulls with brass cup pulls and the relief was immediate.
Vintage kitchen cup pulls and bin pulls were common additions since they are functional in that you can pick them up even when you have floury hands. Form and structure synergized.
Ceramic and Porcelain Knobs
Floral decorations on ceramic knobs are used in decor to become feminine and soften hard forms of cabinetry. I bought mine at an old shop almost nothing.
To have a realistic collected-over-time feel, blend and contrast patterns by mixing and matching inside the same color window. In the real vintage kitchen, all of the matching wasn t perfect and yours does not have to be, either.
Statement Lighting Fixtures
Schoolhouse Pendants
These glass globe chandeliers emit the most gorgeous warm light and it immediately takes you back in time to the olden times. I had three of them over my island and they were the conversation makers at every dinner party.
The secret here is picking the correct size; small enough so that they will be considered as a part of the decoration, but big enough not to engulf your room. Measures twice, hang once.
Industrial-Style Chandeliers
The vintage drama is set by a wrought iron chandelier with Edison bulbs. One of them I put over my breakfast nook and it has made a dull corner into the most snug place in the house.
These fixtures are best suited in the high ceiling kitchens where you require something massive to fill the air.
Backsplash Ideas with Vintage Appeal
Subway Tiles Done Right
Subway tiles are classic yet pattern of installation counts. I avoided normal brick pattern and opted to surround herringbone and it did not look too much.
The color of the grout also counts. Adopt a little darker grout to give an accent to the pattern and give it character. White grout is also clean looking but sterile feeling.
Hexagonal Mosaic Patterns
Retro or vintage bathroom-turned-kitchen look occurs with patterned little hexagonal tiles of white or cream color. They work in smaller backsplash expanse where you desire the texture but nothing elaborate.
Hand-Painted Ceramic Tiles
Looking to dare dosage? Hand-painted tiles with floral or graphic patterns add a lot of attitude. I used them as a focal point behind my island and they turned into my kitchen show stopper.
Flooring That Sets the Foundation
Checkered Patterns
Black and white checkered floor are archetypically retro. They are also shockingly practical-the design conceals dirt spots and scuffs more than solid colors.
Not certain of full checkered feeling too brash? Then introduce it in smaller spaces such as a breakfast nook or entry to a pantry.
Wide-Plank Hardwood
Hardwood floors that have been reclaimed are cosy and rich in character and nothing can beat that. I got mine in a junk yard, one plank equals one story.
The scratches and glitches in the texture give the piece a little to look at, so that your kitchen will not look new and model-like.
Open Shelving and Storage Solutions
Floating Shelves with Brackets
Brackets made of wrought iron under reclaimed wood shelves form an ideal display area of which you can put on display your vintage. I use mine to display colourful Fiestaware and vintage cookbooks.
It’s over crowding them is the trick. Don’t overcrowd items – provide space between for each piece to take center stage.
Vintage-Style Pantry Organization
The vintage canister and Mason jars make your pantry look beautiful. I switched all my dry goods to matching glass containers and suddendly my pantry looks Pinterest-worthy.
Window Treatments with Period Charm
Gingham and Floral Patterns
Gingham cafe curtains or Roman shades in vintage-inspired fabrics contains an edge to what would be hard and tacks on color. I opted for a subtle floral print which picks up on my colors without detracting.
Patterns are to be kept small-scale in the kitchens; big florals are too intense in small kitchens.
Valances and Cafe Curtains
The use of cafe curtains that are only halfway up in windows ensures that the natural elements are allowed into the rooms but with some privacy. These are ideal in kitchens that you may want to give that little cottage ambiance.
Vintage Seating Options
Diner-Style Bar Stools
Bright colored bar stools made of chrome and vinyl immediately give that retro flavor to the place. I got my in a restaurant supply store – occasionally the best things are the things you least expect to find them.
Find stools that have swivel and footrests. Your visitors will really enjoy spending time there and talk.
Banquette Seating
A corner banquette covered with vinyl fabric is utilized to provide maximum seating, and form an intimate dining nook. It is also very convenient when one is with children.
Opt for colours that can get daily wear use – dark tones cover stains better than light pastels.
Decorative Accessories That Tell a Story
Vintage Collectibles Display
Mixing bowls, cake stands, and copper molds have the dual purpose of storing and making the table beautiful. I made my collection stand on open shelves, and they resemble museum objects.
Go to hit estate sales and antique shops to get genuine items. Part of the fun is the hunt and you will discover things you never knew you needed.
Wall Art and Signage
Blank walls are accentuated with tin signs, old posters and old clocks. I posted up an assortment of old fruit crate/box labels and they provide the perfect amount of quirks.
Collect similar pieces to achieve that wow moment but don’t overdo’ it – space helps items have space to exhale.
Functional Vintage Elements
Farmhouse Sinks
White porcelain or fireclay apron-front sink makes a beautiful statement piece and does it all too well. I have replaced my undermount sink and I ask myself why I did not do it sooner.
These sinks are deep enough for large stuck-in pots and pans to be easier to clean around the kitchen. Beauty and brains – you can’t have it all!
Vintage-Style Faucets
A vintage appearance is achieved with a bridge-type faucet having cross handles. I addressed this by doing polished brass to coordinate with my cabinet fittings and it coordinates everything beautifully.
Creating Cozy Conversation Areas
Breakfast Nook Setup
The sight of small table and olden times chairs makes an ideal place to have morning coffee or light snacks. I painted dissimilar chairs in the same color and they appear to represent a matched set.
It is here that the magic takes place close chats and coffee, children doing homework and spontaneous game nights. Make it pleasant.
Kitchen Island Social Hub
Your island must not only serve as a prep area, but also as a social come together space. Place some comfortable stools and pendant lighting to develop a naturalplace of conversation.
Mine is designed with overhang on two sides to be able to sit & chat with me while I cook. It’s now the most used of all rooms in my house.
Plants and Natural Elements
Herb Gardens in Vintage Containers
Mason jars filled with fresh herbs, or old fashioned planters will fill your house with life and functional merits. I have basil, rosemary and thyme on my windowsill- cooking with fresh herbs you have grown yourself is so nice.
Select containers that will complement the color scheme of your kitchen for a matching appearance.
Fresh Flowers in Vintage Vases
Keep it natural Keep it casual by bringing nature inside a vintage milk glass vase or mason jar bouquet softens all those hard surfaces. I switch mine weekly- its a tiny luxury that changes a tons.
The trick to getting vintage kitchen right is the layering of vintage touches that combine harmoniously. You do not have to mimic a museum you just have somewhere that is warm, welcoming, and truly lived in.
FYI the best vintage kitchens are not acquired as a set! It all starts with one or two things that you can relate to and build on that. Your kitchen must be your story not a model of someone.
In my opinion, it is magic to cook in the place where the past is respected and your current needs are provided. And well, why not live in that old world attractiveness, and turn your kitchen into a place that would make any meal a big one 🙂
Your Vintage Kitchen Journey Starts Now
This is where vintage kitchen design is concerned, it is not about perfection. It is about designing environs that you would want to take your morning coffee and talk to your friends as you prepare a meal and not just use your kitchen as a chore and actually enjoy using it.
Three years ago when I was standing in my drab white kitchen, and asking myself what happened to all the charm? I now get out of bed eager to prepare breakfast in my colorful personality filled space. This change did not occur in the span of just a few nights and it does not require the desire to break the bank.
Select one of the ideas where you thought to yourself yes, that is exactly what my kitchen should have. Perhaps it is those cabinets which are glass fronted and ideal to display those dishes of your grandmother, or that mint green refrigerator that has been beckoning to you. Start there.
It is your own kitchen and it should be a reflection of you, not what the magazines are saying is cool this year. The vintage design has managed to remain in fashion decades after decades since it aims at warmth, functionality, and classic beauty. Those attributes are ones that will never become obsolete.
Hold onto your coffee, go antique shopping and get working on making your kitchen a place where your story is in evidence. Believe me, in six months, you will regret that it took you so long to introduce some old time magic into your house.