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24 Cool Retro Kitchens - Fun Kitchens With Vintage Style
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by Adrienne Breaux
updated Jul 5, 2022
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One of the most common reasons homeowners renovate their kitchen is because the space feels outdated. Design details like linoleum flooring, backsplash tiles, and wall paint colors can be disappointing if they feel like they’re from a different timeline than your design style. But retro kitchens don’t have to be replaced with something ultra-modern if you like their kitschy appeal. While the word retro can refer to elements that are no longer in style, it can also mean “preloved,” or vintage with sentimental or historical value.Embracing a retro or retro-style kitchen can be especially lovely in a home if it honors the original architecture and history of the house. Depending on when your home was built, it might not make visual sense to tear out a vintage kitchen for something more modern. By accepting your kitchen’s retro roots, you can create a cohesive home that’s a blend of your personality and the house’s structure.
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Perhaps most importantly, going for a retro look in your kitchen can be an incredibly affordable option for anyone on a budget. Not taking on a pricey renovation using popular materials and fixtures saves you money, and installing pre-loved items or purchasing retro and second hand elements is a lot more affordable than buying new. The even better news is that if you’re concerned that leaning into your kitchen’s vintage roots means sacrificing style, these 24 retro and retro-inspired kitchens will prove otherwise.
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1. Rely on pastels.
Opting for pastels in an otherwise updated kitchen is a simple and beautiful way to give it a retro feel. We love how @homeofcharl utilized not only pastel paint but beautiful pastel pink tiles as well to give a touch of bygone kitsch to her adorable Anglesey, U.
K. home
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2. Bring in plant life.
Another easy-breezy way to bring retro vibes into the kitchen is by filling it with plant life and placing them in hanging macrame planters. This dreamy kitchen, designed by deVOL Kitchens in the U.K., features a balance of vintage-inspired and modern touches to create an Insta-worthy cook space.
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3. Incorporate funky tiles.
Whether you love bringing as much color to a space as possible or prefer neutrals, we love this design idea from Dear Saturdays’ Christine Han. While renovating her Brooklyn kitchen housed in a century-old building, she created a one-of-a-kind kitchen mosaic tile pattern that brings a bit of retro cool to the light-drenched space.
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4. Ditch the marble.
Marble countertops may have ruled the design world for decades now, but we’re noticing a return to formica countertops in modern and retro kitchens alike.
We’ve found the perfect example in a 1960s-inspired English cottage that rocks some cheery yellow formica countertops in the kitchen.
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5. Spring for the statement lighting.
Lighting is often the last thing we consider when renovating or simply redecorating a kitchen, but it’s an essential element to think through. We love Laura Olden’s retro-inspired fixtures that feel right at home in a 1970s home designed by Fred Blacksmith. They instantly brighten up the space and ensure that your midnight snack adventures will always be well-lit.
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6. Use bold patterns.
Nothing can transport a room into another era like bold colors and patterns with a retro spin, like the amazing retro kitchen makeover in this remodeled Alameda, California house, designed by Abigail Braden of August Interiors. The “before” of this kitchen was the very definition of outdated: old tiles, old floors, and a sad color palette.
Instead of ripping everything out to start anew, the designer and the homeowners decided to paint the existing vintage cabinets a bold blue, reupholster a vintage dinette set with a bright yellow, and install cute, retro-inspired patterns on the curtains and tiles.
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7. Embrace a retro paint color palette.
Depending on which era you’re trying to emulate with your kitchen’s design, chances are the look would be helped along by dipping into a retro-inspired color palette. Sometimes, a retro color can even be the main source of retro vibes, like in this Australian mod beach shack. The kitchen’s vintage cabinets got a precious DIY update with a pastel color palette.
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8. Incorporate retro colors in the details.
The power of a curated grouping or two of retro-inspired and vintage accessories can supplement a retro color palette, like in this mid-mod Asheville, North Carolina apartment.
Though this renter painted her kitchen’s walls pink, the idea of using retro-inspired accessories to bring retro color into your kitchen is useful for renters who can’t paint their walls.
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9. Look for specifically vintage patterns.
While you’re hunting for vintage accessories in retro colors to add a historic spin to your kitchen, be sure to look for retro patterns, too. Plenty of old and contemporary kitchen accessories like mugs, tea pots, tea towels, and more feature retro patterns that would set the tone of your space, like in this creative Australian home.
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10. Use one recognizable retro item to infuse a vintage vibe.
If you want a modern kitchen upgrade for aesthetic or functional reasons but want to respect your home’s retro roots, you can actually lean on just one very recognizable retro item. This low-key retro style Melbourne house has a great example with its minimal and modern kitchen, featuring a recognizable mid-century sunburst wall clock.
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11. Lean into multiple decades of design.
Whether you’re dealing with an older kitchen that needs new life, or you’ve made some small updates that are vintage inspired, a strong accessories game can push your kitchen’s look over the top. You can thrift for secondhand accessories on a budget or support contemporary artists with a vintage aesthetic and incorporate items that either feature older color palettes, retro-inspired patterns, or a combination of both. This Australian retro beachside home is an example of a strong accessories game.
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12. Green’s actually your best color.
This 1970s Australian house REALLY embraces its retro roots by going full retro style in every room of the home, kitchen included. But while the colors, patterns in the accessories, and even plants give it a vintage vibe, it also shows how powerful a verdant pop of green can be in a room to make it feel peaceful and inviting.
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13. Keep the design minimal to highlight old-school items.
Sometimes what a kitchen with “outdated” elements needs is a step back. By paring down what you already have, keeping accessories to a minimum, and finding colors that complement the existing vintage elements, you can turn an “outdated” kitchen into a gorgeous, respectful retro space, as shown in this beautiful cookspace by Alexa Chambers.
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14. Or, go overboard with accessories.
You could always go in the complete opposite direction. Rather than keep things minimal with just a few retro elements, go all out. Go overboard. Embrace maximalism! Like the cute couple in this Oakland apartment, you can absolutely stuff your kitchen with a collection of vintage items to achieve a fun retro look.
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15.
Consider extending the retro look beyond your kitchen’s walls.If you want to embrace a retro kitchen look to honor your home’s architecture (or because you’re on a budget and want to sell the look) consider extending vintage accessories and colors to other rooms beyond just the kitchen. It’ll help your retro kitchen feel like it belongs and your home feel more cohesive. You can see a great example of how to do this in this Melbourne townhouse.
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16. Invest in retro (or retro-inspired) furniture.
If your kitchen has room for furniture, like a small dinette set or a storage piece, choose vintage. Not only will a vintage furniture piece cement your retro design plan, they’re usually quite affordable and built to last. It’s a financial and aesthetic investment worth doing. It’ll make any existing retro furnishings look intentional, too, like in this modern Melbourne family home.
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17.
Install or embrace a checkered floor.There’s no one “correct” retro flooring type. From linoleum to tile to wood, lots of flooring types can give a vintage look to a kitchen. But there’s one show-stopping style that will always give off strong retro vibes: a black and white checkered floor! Whether you go for a vinyl checkered floor like in this Seattle Craftsman house or DIY one with paint, it’s a classic look for a vintage kitchen.
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18. Consider keeping retro appliances and fixtures (that still work, of course).
There’s no need to rush to throw out vintage appliances just because they’re old. If they’re still functional, you can embrace their retro look by complementing them with retro accessories or something like a black and white checkered floor. This small and sweet Chicago apartment’s kitchen shows how to do it.
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19.
Or, purchase new retro-style appliances.Thanks to the resurgence of vintage styles, there are thankfully a lot of brands today who are manufacturing new appliances that come with a great retro look. Splurging on one of these appliances—like a colorful retro-looking fridge—is a great way to rock your vintage look.
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20. Resist the urge to paint over wood walls and cabinets.
While a lot of wood can be overwhelming, resist the urge to paint all of that wood (at least at first). Natural wood tones in the kitchen, particular when it comes to wood cabinets, can give off subtle retro vibes. Paired with vintage hardware and simple furnishings, it’s a way to go retro without being loud or cluttered. This natural Massachusetts multi-level home shows how to do it.
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21. Woodsy accessories work too.
Though this California Craftsman has the 1970s-esque kitchen cabinets intact, it also showcases how a few woodsy accessories can be harnessed to create a retro-inspired kitchen vibe.
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22. Consider wood in your remodel.
If you have to renovate for structural reasons and are looking to replace your old or damaged cabinetry, still consider using wood tones in the makeover. As seen in this van (of all places!), keeping cabinetry simple, sleek, and wood-colored has a sort of vintage/modern blend, perfect for a simple kitchen.
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23. Lean into retro tile.
Tile can be a huge part of a kitchen’s composition. From backsplash to flooring to even walls, it can be tempting to tear out dated tile and start fresh. But consider tolerating your older, vintage tile, whether it’s an interesting color or pattern. Used in conjunction with cute vintage accessories, it can go a long way in respecting your home’s retro past. Choose accessories in colors that will complement or contrast with your tile’s color palette for an intentional look.
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24. Utilize old-fashioned hardware.
You’ve likely noticed how updating your kitchen’s cabinet hardware can deeply affect the look. You don’t have to update that cabinetry with modern hardware, though! Find vintage hardware secondhand and install it on existing cabinet doors and drawers for a subtle retro makeover. This small 1940s studio kitchen shows the power of a set of vintage hardware handles.
Vintage kitchen ideas: 12 designs for character and charm |
(Image credit: Future)
Vintage kitchen ideas are in high-demand at the moment, and for good reason. Introducing vintage kitchen elements instantly imbues your space with a sense of personality that is impossible to replicate in off-the-shelf kitchen design.
Of course, when it comes to kitchen ideas of any kind, there are plenty of things to consider, from cabinetry and storage, flooring and countertops right through to window dressings and soft furnishings.
All of these vintage kitchen elements offer the opportunity to add a vintage flair to your kitchen.
Vintage kitchen ideas
Vintage kitchen ideas combine the beauty of the past with the practicality of the present day. There are several ways to achieve this look, from introducing reclaimed freestanding furniture alongside your built-in cabinetry, through to accessorizing your traditional kitchen ideas with open-shelving displaying fleamarket finds.
Vintage kitchen design requires a curated approach. A vital step to achieving the look ‘is realizing that style is about longevity, careful, wise choices, and time, soul and patience to see things evolving,’ says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL .
Vintage kitchen design has seen a resurgence in recent years, not only for its charming aesthetic but also as a highly sustainable way to furnish your home.
‘Buying pre-loved is crucially a more ethical way to buy, especially at a time when mass consumption is costing us the earth and driving small businesses under,’ says Period Living magazine's antiques expert Alice Roberton.
'An increased awareness of sustainability and production has fueled this decision and while people often come to vintage from a sustainable standpoint, they stay for the instantaneous burst of character that antique and reclaimed furniture and accessories bring into their home.'
Below, you'll find our favorite vintage kitchen ideas.
1. Use vintage kitchen accessories to give your space heritage flair
(Image credit: Devol)
A key tenant of vintage kitchen ideas is accessorizing. Keep the essential elements classic in style, understated Shaker cabinetry, fluted butler’s sink and aged brass hardware all work together to create an elegant backdrop against which your vintage finds can really shine. Here, a vintage cabinet, wallhanging, lace curtains and decorative details all work together to imbue this space with vintage charm.
‘Buy unusual pieces, try putting things in your kitchen that might be traditionally suited to a living room, or even your grandma’s home,’ suggests Helen Parker, ‘Mix up old with new and always try to source authentic and well-made pieces.
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2. Add floral wallpaper for a pretty hint of pattern
(Image credit: Sanderson)
While wallpaper might not seem like the natural choice for a kitchen, the right design can totally transform your space. There are plenty of country wallpaper ideas for kitchens that will give your room a splash of color and pattern.
While such a bold print, like this heritage-inspired blooming teal Hykenham wallpaper from Sanderson , might seem overwhelming on the roll, the key to success is balance. The built-in cabinetry, window and floor-to-ceiling dresser all visually divide the space, providing a pared-back and elegant foil to the floral print. At the same time, the rich tones and floral motifs bring warmth, adding personality to the minimalist design.
If wallpapering your kitchen, be sure to install an upstand attached to your countertop which will keep any spills off your walls. Marble makes for a luxurious finishing touch, though there are lots of kitchen countertop ideas that can also look great.
3. Repurpose antique furniture to create vintage kitchen cabinets
(Image credit: British Standard by Plain English)
The beauty of creating a vintage kitchen is that you are not restricted by the parameters of contemporary kitchen design. In this kitchen, a vintage shop counter serves as additional workspace, bringing creativity and charm in equal measure, and is perfectly complemented by the cream and wooden tones of the British Standard by Plain English cabinetry.
The lived-in aesthetic is further enhanced by the generous farmhouse table and chairs, a mainstay of any vintage kitchen design as it doubles as both a dining space and preparation area – acting in the same way kitchen islands do in modern kitchens.
4. Illuminate your vintage kitchen with reclaimed lighting
(Image credit: Lexi Ribar/Design Midland Architecture)
Kitchen lighting ideas are a key factor when designing a vintage kitchen.
A blend of wall lights that offer downward task lighting, and pretty pendants that provide broader illumination is the most efficient way to achieve this.
T
here are lots of different vintage lighting designs available that will imbue your home with a heritage feel, however, if buying an antique, be sure to do so from a reputable company that restores reclaimed lights to modern day safety requirements. Skinflint , who provided the vintage Czech pendant light above the sink in this Midland Architecture kitchen design, is one such company.
5. Mix freestanding furniture with modern cabinetry to for a sophisticated vintage look
(Image credit: Neptune)
When curating your vintage kitchen, think about the tonality of materials. With solid floors and lots of cabinetry, the kitchen can feel quite cold, the antithesis of the welcoming ambience that a vintage scheme seeks to provide – which is where freestanding kitchens come in.
‘Matching dark antique woods with light cabinetry is a great way to add depth to your kitchen color scheme, whereby those warm, richer accents contrast against cool neutral tones,’ advises George Miller, home designer at Neptune ‘A great example would be including an old vintage dresser or larder cabinet in a modern kitchen.
This will create a stylish contemporary feel that draws on traditional country kitchen ideas.'
6. Use heritage-inspired fabric to bring warmth and character to your space
(Image credit: Future/David Brittain)
Vintage kitchen ideas go hand in hand with cottage kitchen ideas and it's not surprise; both styles seek to embrace historical designs and evoke a cozy and welcoming ambience.
Chintzy florals are one of the defining features of both looks, however, they must be used wisely. Here, this neat roman blind offers a stylish take on the tradition adding rustic charm and color to this scheme. Coupled with a pared-back linen ticking curtain on the cupboard underneath, it works to give the kitchen a softer look than a block-patterned blind and traditional cabinetry doors would achieve.
7. Opt for a soothing sage palette to add a relaxing touch to other vintage kitchen ideas
(Image credit: Sandberg)
Creating a modern vintage look is all about balancing vintage kitchen ideas with newer details.
Sleek, sage green cabinetry with a marble splash-back and chrome hardware wouldn't look out of place in a more contemporary setting, however, when combined with a reclaimed wooden workspaces, along with the shiplap ceiling and aged wooden floor, they take on a more vintage look.
‘An easy way to add vintage flair to your kitchen is adding an old butcher’s block,’ advise Jen and Mar, co-founders of Interior Fox , ‘Pair this with walls or shelves painted in a sage green or dusty champagne color which look lovely against wooden bowls or ceramic dishes. Display fresh herbs, greenery, mis-matched dishes and plant pots to help add a vintage charm to your kitchen'.
8. Add warmth to your vintage kitchen ideas with a terracotta floor
(Image credit: Floors of Stone)
Kitchen flooring ideas for vintage kitchens need to have a touch of pre-loved heritage about them. Having been used as a floor covering for centuries, terracotta brings with it a rich color and warmth that is the perfect complement to other vintage kitchen ideas.
Evoking old-world Mediterranean style, these tiles are crafted from clay and full of unique character. Opt for pieces that have hand finished edges as this will give them a slightly aged appearance.
It's worth noting, however, that unfinished terracotta is very porous meaning it is vital that it is sealed before use in the kitchen. Select pre-sealed tiles or protect with an impregnating seal to ensure a hardwearing finish that is resistant to the inevitable staining and spills.
9. Create a vintage inspired backsplash with handmade tiles
(Image credit: deVOL)
Backsplash ideas for kitchens present the opportunity to add a subtle hint of character into your kitchen. While you may dream about decorating your kitchen with authentic antique tiles, the reality is that sourcing them is often time-consuming and costly. Thankfully, there are lots of nostalgic designs that are sure to give your kitchen a hint of history.
These tiles from deVOL are made using its antique press, the clay forms are imprinted using vintage lace remnants and garments to unveil gorgeous reliefs of repeating patterns and trims.
Available in three colors – Vintage Teal, Rose and Sepia – the tiles have been finished to replicate the delicately worn look of antique designs.
10. Create a welcoming heart to your home with a round table and lots of chairs
(Image credit: Susie Watson Designs)
Vintage kitchen ideas all aim to create a space that is warm and welcoming. A large table with plenty of chairs dressed with cushions is a great way to achieve this.
‘You want to create the impression that a room has evolved over time by mixing and matching fabrics, furnishings and tableware. This gives the impression of a collection built up over time rather than instantly created,’ suggests Rachel Rose, head of interior design at Susie Watson Designs . ‘Also take into consideration the paint color chosen, a light shade with undertones of green is a great backdrop to compliment lots of pattern in the fabrics, it's neutral but warmer than any shade of white.’
11. No vintage kitchens are complete without a range
(Image credit: Future/Polly Eltes)
A range cooker is an essential part of any vintage kitchen ideas and therefore must harmonise with the rest of the design.
For the most part, vintage appliances are best avoided as they will be inefficient and potentially dangerous. Instead, you have two choices.
First, consider a restored cooker, that has a vintage exterior but with modern electrics and safety certifications. These are likely to be cheaper than buying new and will imbue your home with that signature vintage look.
The other option is to purchase a new design that has a heritage inspired design. There are lots of range cookers available that have the signature enamelled exterior and covered hot-plates and are undeniably vintage.
(Image credit: Future/Kasia Fiszer)
Once a mainstay of traditional kitchen design, pantries fell out of favor in the 1960s following the invention of the refrigerator/freezer and the desire for spacious kitchens. However, there has been a recent resurgence in pantry ideas being reintroduced into kitchens, particularly as a vintage kitchen idea. There are several vintage kitchen ideas for incorporating a pantry depending on your tastes and the amount of space you have available.
A walk-in pantry is the dream. Build wall to wall shelves and dress with vintage tins, baskets and other retro finds. Why not add a printed curtain to add to the homely aesthetic while disguising the more practical tins and packages?
Alternatively, a generous free-standing dresser can serve the same purpose. Open-shelving at the top offers a space to display vintage treasures, while the cupboards beneath offer practical storage solutions.
Whichever option you choose, be sure to research pantry organization ideas to keep your space looking sophisticated and channeling the vintage aesthetic.
What is vintage style kitchen?
A vintage style kitchen is one that combines the modern with the traditional. Think repurposed wooden furniture, floral fabrics and warming color palettes paired with classic, timeless cabinetry, brass hardware and butler's sink. If chosen correctly, vintage kitchen ideas are timeless and work in a wide variety of homes.
‘When designing a vintage kitchen, it's okay to embrace a little bit of kitsch but overall you want to keep it classically vintage.
I advise my clients to not lean into the 'theme' of vintage but rather do a nod to vintage style.’ Jade Joyner, co-founder of interior's brand Metal + Petal .
How can I make my kitchen look vintage?
You can make your kitchen look vintage by incorporating antique pieces of furniture, fabric and chinaware into your kitchen design. Vintage style is characterised by evolution; celebrating the traditional against the backdrop of the present day.
'One of the easiest ways to give your kitchen a vintage look is accessorizing your space with fun vintage finds such as old recycled glass bottles, vintage bread boards, and grain sack kitchen linens,' advises Jennifer Markowitz of JNR Designs , 'Also consider changing your cabinet hardware to a more traditional style, swapping in modern counter stools or chairs for vintage-inspired ones, changing any pendant light fixtures to antique ones you find at a salvage shop or that mimic the look of antique light fixtures.'
Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title.
