Vintage kitchen remodels
13 Vintage Kitchen Ideas That Prove Modern Isn't Always Better
We'll be the first to admit that it's easy to get sucked into the "newer is better" mindset—especially when home trends move a mile a minute. But there's something about a well-styled vintage kitchen that never fails to hit the spot. Sure, the floors might not always meet the walls at right angles, and the cabinet doors might creak a little—but there's really no replacement for the character that comes with age.
Of course, that doesn't mean that vintage kitchens are always the easiest to actually, y'know, *cook* in. Before the days of six-seater islands and palatial ranges, kitchens were a little more...compact. But a few clever space-saving tricks, reconfigurations and redesigns can make even the most humble galley kitchen into a glamorous place to eat and entertain—without sacrificing the retro personality and peculiarities that made it compelling in the first place.
Click through to see the vintage-style kitchens that are feeding our inspiration frenzy right now.
01 of 13
Rikki Snyder
Maximalism + retro style = an obsession-worthy kitchen we can't quit staring at. From the warm wood tones to the classic rock wall to the mint-green appliances, there's so much to love about this cozy and personality-packed space.
02 of 13
Erin Williamson
This 1950s A-frame stays true to its retro roots, showing off old-school tile, midcentury-inspired cabinet pulls, and of course, a stunning throwback-style fridge. We'd consider this to be the perfect marriage of vintage and modern.
03 of 13
Design: Brady Tolbert for EHD, Photo: Tessa Neustadt
Cramped galley kitchens can be tough to makeover, but designer Brady Tolbert's kitchen transformation is nothing short of stunning. Peel-and-stick floor tiles, swapped-out hardware, and a few thoughtful investment pieces (hello, SMEG) make the space as glamorous as it is functional—a tall order for such a limited area.
04 of 13
Black and Blooms
Rental kitchens can feel like a curse (we've all been there).
But even a multitude of outdated kitchen sins can be covered up with clever styling, as this space from Black and Blooms shows. Her favorite styling trick? Plants—and plenty of them. By the kitchen sink, overflowing from the fridge, and in any spare space, greenery helps give the dated features a freshened-up look. Warm wood tones, like this prep surface, harmonize with those all-too-common orange-y wood cabinets seen in many an early-aughts home, giving the entire space a more intentional feel.
05 of 13
Dazey Den
Ah, the transformative power of a fresh coat of paint. This Dazey Den kitchen feels on-trend and fun, but retains some vintage flair in the form of floor tiles. Even standard-issue cabinetry gets a new lease on life when it's hung against an unexpected wall color. We've said it before and we'll say it again: paint is the best transformational tool in your decorating arsenal.
06 of 13
Dreamy Whites Atelier
We'll admit it—we pretty much want to live inside Dreamy Whites Atelier's Insta feed.
The mix of French influence, perfectly-imperfect architectural details, and of course, the titular dreamy whites of every possible shade make it irresistible. We'll be incorporating some of this essentially vintage flair into our next kitchen reno, for sure.
07 of 13
Emily Everyday
Another rental kitchen renovation with style to spare, this space by Emily Everyday feels so light and sunkissed. A coat of bright white paint, some new knobs and sink hardware, and (of course) an Instagram-iconic rug breathe new life into this standard-issue space.
08 of 13
Amy Bartlam
We've never seen two-tone cabinetry look so chic. An oversized retro stained glass piece breathes new life into this stark white space (and ups its vintage-y cred, to boot). Next time we spot one of these stained glass pieces at the thrift store or flea market, we're scooping it up.
09 of 13
Royal Roulotte
A masterclass in how to achieve tons of character in a small space, this minuscule kitchen delivers functionality and a lot of flair.
The breakfast bar's unique mix of reclaimed wood grounds the space in the past, but the unexpected addition of this cool DIY-esque plywood shelving makes it feel contemporary—and, if we're honest, a little rebellious, in the best way.
10 of 13
Reena Sotropa
Would you believe that this home is brand new? We would've expected to find a setup like this in a sprawling French chateau, but it's actually a new build designed to look vintage (talk about a trompe l'oeil). The stunning range and grey-washed cabinetry are swoon-worthy, and we like the contrast created by the sleek brass light fixtures.
11 of 13
Rikki Snyder
Color us obsessed with this charming two-tone kitchen. A simple coat of paint—black on the lowers; white on the uppers—inserts a graphic element into an otherwise unassuming space, while white beadboard and an eclectic mix of black storage pieces dial up the contrast. We also love how this space showcases a smart way to make small kitchens more functional.
12 of 13
Studio McGee
Landing a house with its own brick oven has to be one of the greatest feelings of all time. (Imagine the incredible pizzas you could make.) This stunning kitchen designed by The Fox Group provides a gorgeous backdrop for McGee & Co's internationally sourced artisan line, which makes perfect sense considering the space itself is a deft mix of materials from different sources.
13 of 13
Jersey Ice Cream Co
Don't overthink it—this simple cottage kitchen has everything it needs, and it's a minimalist's dream with a decidedly vintage vibe. The colorblocked walls add a modern touch that unites the space but also adds a lot of visual interest (there's wall paint being an MVP again). Warm butcher-block countertops and a hardy standalone sink lend a rustic feeling that's cozy and inviting. We can just imagine whipping up a batch of pancakes on a snowy morning here.
24 Cool Retro Kitchens - Fun Kitchens With Vintage Style
Tours
Kitchen
Kitchen Projects
by Adrienne Breaux
updated Jul 5, 2022
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
For more content like this follow
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.
See More Images
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
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
See More Images
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.
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
See More Images
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.
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
See More Images
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.
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
See More Images
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.
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
See More Images
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.
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
See More Images
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.
SavePin ItSee More Images
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.
designer combines classic and modern in her parents' house
Designer Beth Light Lane remodeled an old kitchen in her parents' house. They wanted to update the renovation and combine modern style with classics. In the article we will tell and show what came of it.
Beth's parents moved into a new house in California. They wanted to make repairs for themselves. We started in the kitchen. They set the main task for their designer daughter as follows: to preserve the classic image of the kitchen and refresh it with modern elements and solutions. Therefore, vintage furniture has been preserved in the renovated interior - a dining table and chairs.
Mother Beth prefers classic styles, and her favorite color combination is black + white. Therefore, the kitchen decided to design it in this range.
Kitchen before
Before the renovation, the kitchen was simply inconvenient to cook. Lacked a proper storage system.
Because of this, dishes and small household appliances often occupied the work surface, and chaos reigned in the cabinets - they were filled to capacity. A large area made it possible to more clearly define the working triangle: highlight and optimize the cooking, washing and refrigerator areas. They also added new cabinets and shelves and thus solved the storage problem.
Initially there was no apron, the room was not finished with tiles either. That is, only the narrow edge of the countertop protected the walls from dirt and moisture. In everyday life, such a solution is completely impractical - it is difficult to wash the wall, and it is almost impossible to remove greasy stains.
The kitchen features a sink by the window. Many owners of houses and apartments dream of such a layout. However, the previous owners moved the mixer to the right - this created a visual imbalance. In addition, part of the space was "eaten up" by a suspended ceiling, it was located above the cooking zone.
The refrigerator stood separately, next to it was a small pedestal with a tabletop. However, this work surface was modest in size and was practically not used during cooking. This area turned out to be the most difficult to remake.
Getting Started
The first step was to get rid of the false ceiling. The dismantling made it possible to unload the space and organize new lighting scenarios. There is room for a hanging lamp. Its black base is in harmony with the new faucet. Dark elements added graphics to the interior and brought contrast. An additional light source - a sconce in a similar color scheme - was installed above the shelf, on the wall with a window.
Then they replaced the old window and moved on to the washing area. The sink and faucet were moved to the center of the window. So it was possible to restore symmetry in space. The sink was built into a new white countertop, and black faucets were selected. Thus, the designer realized the color preferences of the parents.
Relocating the sink entailed rearranging the dishwasher. She occupied the extreme right corner. Its former place was given to the sink itself and the garbage closet.
The window was decorated with a beige Roman blind to look like natural linen. It complements the wooden elements of the kitchen. The gray countertop was replaced with a white one with a marble pattern.
After that we moved on to finishing the walls. They were laid with white tiles in the classic "metro" style. The seams are black. A note of modern design was made by the non-standard dimensions of the tile itself, it has an oblong shape 4 × 16.
Functional changes
The white suite from the old kitchen has been moved to the new one. In order for it to fully meet the given style, the designer had to replace the standard handles with black metal ones. Beth used an interesting trick: she complemented the vertical cabinets with vertical handles, and the horizontal cabinets with horizontal ones.
Opposite lines brought dynamics to the interior.
The kitchen peninsula at the edge of the dining area has been expanded to accommodate storage drawers. The table top has also been raised. This made it possible to use the peninsula as a breakfast area - just put a couple of chairs.
For family feasts we provided a vintage wooden dining group. Beth's parents asked to keep the table in its original form. The laconic white interior of the new kitchen made it possible to organically fit rare furniture. The dining group echoes the new open shelves. Wooden textures added rustic coziness to the kitchen and diversified the black and white palette.
The most difficult thing was to fit in the technique and at the same time not force the entire space. The problem was solved thanks to an additional kitchen block on the opposite wall. New cabinets were installed there - together with a refrigerator, microwave and oven, they formed a single system.
There was a place for dishes, small household appliances and other kitchen utensils. A small cabinet with a working area was removed - it only occupied space, but was almost never used for its intended purpose.
The new kitchen is bright, spacious and ergonomic. Beth was able to fulfill the wishes of her parents: she combined classic style and rare furniture with modern design elements, and also made the kitchen more practical and comfortable. The family was engaged in repairs on their own, so the alteration did not require large financial investments.
Photo & Design: Beth Light Lane
2020 Trends: Vintage Kitchen
TipsRooms
The kitchen is where we spend most of our time. Therefore, in addition to its functionality, this space should be attractive. There are many ways to make your kitchen stylish: it can be a bright backsplash or shiny fronts, or, in our case, the style of the 1950s and 1960s, which has been at the peak of popularity for the past few years.
We have prepared for you some ideas and tips that will help you easily and without global alterations to give your kitchen a trendy retro sound.
Apartment in Moscow. Designed by Alena Skovorodnikova.
Pastel or simple bright colors
Pastel or bright but uncomplicated colors are a characteristic feature of a vintage style kitchen. A simple solution to repaint kitchen facades will allow you to quickly and inexpensively update the interior.
Apartment of designer Sarah Lavoine in Paris.
Apartment of photographer Charlotte Howell and her husband Patrick Engstrom in Stockholm.
Checkered floor tiles
Black and white tiles are another typical feature of the vintage style. The chess pattern on the floor is a timeless classic that will never go out of style!
Home of the Swedish illustrator Henrietta Nyvang.
Stylist and model Ursula Vengader's apartment.
White tile
Square white tile 10×10 or 15×15 is a classic interior of Soviet apartments and public institutions.
That is why such tiles are still associated by many with a difficult Soviet past and communal life. But in the West, such a kitchen design is gaining more and more popularity - especially among adherents of retro style. If you want to create an interior in the style of 19 in your kitchen50s - 1960s, you simply cannot do without white tiles on the wall.
Design by Zhenya Zhdanova.
Designed by architect Olga Davydova.
Undecorated kitchen fronts
For 1950s-1960s style kitchen furniture. simplicity is characteristic in everything: in the design of facades, the shape of handles, materials, the almost complete absence of decor. The simpler the furniture looks, the better. The only assumption is small panels on the doors.
Home of stylist Sophia Wood.
Open shelves
Open wooden shelves are another must-have for a vintage kitchen. All the dishes are in plain sight, just like in the good old days. On the shelves you can beautifully arrange not only family porcelain, but also decorate them with photographs, vases or paintings.
