Vintage kitchens ideas


20 Vintage Kitchen Decorating Ideas

Checkerboard floors, farmhouse sinks, and scalloped accents. Yep, we're rounding up the best of vintage kitchens—as modeled on modern renditions.

1

Vintage Appliances

Courtesy of West Elm

Why buy any old appliance when you can get one with decorative charm, like this '50s-style Smeg fridge? Bonus: They take up less space!

2

Farmhouse or Apron-Front Sink

David A. Land

With or without the curtain underneath.

3

Checkerboard Floor

Photo: Mark Lohman; Design: Alison Kandler

These floors are fit for a '50s diner.

4

Vintage Wallpaper

niinanunelmia. blogspot.fi

One easy way to throw it back? Throw up some wallpaper, whether the polka dot backsplash of the '50s or the bold, busy prints from the '60s.

Via niinanunelmia.blogspot.fi

5

Scalloped Accents

Victoria Pearson

A fun, fresh touch.

6

Vintage Tile

Keith Scott Morton

We love the look of vintage-inspired backsplashes, like this green glass tile.

7

Statement Floors & Beadboard Paneling

Max Kim-Bee

Encaustic tiles like the ones shown here have been around since medieval times, but they're making a major comeback in modern kitchens—and we can see why! On the back wall, beadboard brings barely-there texture (and vintage appeal) to this bright-white space.

8

Pastel Paint Colors

Zach Desart

Like this pretty, retro palette.

9

Plate Rack

Max Kim-Bee

Odds are your mom or grandma had one of these hanging in her kitchen. Now, they can be found built in to the sides of islands.

10

Corbels

Lucas Allen

This one was salvaged from the Victorian era for extra elegance.

11

Vintage Dish Collections

Brian Woodcock

Back in the day, glassware like wedding china or this gorgeous jadeite collection (popular during World War II) was proudly displayed.

12

Stained Glass Windows

It seems no detail was spared in old kitchens like this one.  

13

Breadbox

Mark Lohan

Even if it now holds silverware instead of baked goods, this old breadbox completes the rustic farmhouse look.

14

Icebox

Bjorn Wallander

Sure, it's bulky, but so cool—and you could use it for extra storage!

15

Vintage Hutch

Susan Heeger

Instead of built-in cabinets, vintage kitchens were filled with freestanding furniture, like this lovely little hutch.

16

Breakfast Nook

Keith Scott Morton

What could be cozier than a little dining area carved into the corner window space?

17

Pull-Out Cutting Board

This Mamas Dance

A good idea, regardless of the era.

Via This Mamas Dance

18

Fireplace & Swivel Stools

Paul Costello

Early American kitchens had fireplaces for cooking. Electric ovens have now taken their place, but we'd kill for this quaint, historic detail in our modern homes. In the forefront, sweet little stools are reminiscent of an old fashioned soda shoppe.

19

Butcher Block

Philip Ficks

Kitchen islands didn't used to be quite as substantial as they are these days. Here, a humble butcher block does the trick.

20

Butler's Pantry

David Dashiell, Flickr

Extra storage and space for prepping dishes with entertaining? Count us in!

Taysha Murtaugh Lifestyle Editor Taysha Murtaugh was the Lifestyle Editor at CountryLiving. com.

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.

kitchen in the old style - 77 photos of topics for modern options

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The most popular old kitchen styles are:

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French Provence is a very calm and cozy style. The main color schemes for this style are white and milky shades.

In order to dilute pastel colors and add positive notes, it is recommended to use bright color elements. Bright inserts can be a picture, or large, rare patterns on the wall.

Window frames, doorways and doors of French Provence must match the general room, that is, have a white or milky color. Characteristic is the use of wooden windows and doors, instead of plastic ones.

Provence style kitchen decoration includes significant features. For example, for this style it is recommended not to level the walls to perfect smoothness, this is necessary in order to create the impression of antiquity. nine0005

As finishing materials, it is preferable to choose moisture-resistant paints, all types of decorative plasters, as well as wallpapers with a clear textured pattern. For the ceiling, it is possible to use any modern materials, the main condition is white.

Finishing for flooring, using artificially worn tiles or any coating imitating natural stone.

Kitchen lighting can be traditional, it is recommended to use large, voluminous chandeliers. nine0005

Furniture for the French Provence style should be:

Not hidden from the eyes can only be a hood over the stove.

American Country is a rather intricate and slightly rough style. There are no strict color frames in this style, it all depends on your taste. Country style suggests the presence of a fireplace or its imitation. nine0005

The finishing material for the fireplace is stone. Windows and doors of the room are recommended to be made with the same material as the fireplace, it is possible to use artificial tiles with the effect of antiquity.

It is recommended to install natural wood materials such as battens or beams for the ceiling. The floor covering should be natural stone or its artificial equivalent.

Kitchen lighting should be low-hanging fixtures made of brass or bronze. Furniture for American country style should be:


Kitchen appliances in this style should be built-in and hidden, it is possible to use special modern appliances with an antique effect.

Russian old style carries exactly what comes to mind first, namely an old Russian hut. This style uses the characteristic features inherent in the houses of the last century.

The main finishing material in this style is, of course, wood. For walls, a natural wood lath or panels imitating logs are used. For the ceiling, it is possible to use wooden beams or eurolining. nine0005

It is preferable to choose natural wood for flooring, it is possible to use parquet with artificial wear. Windows and doors in the room must be wooden.

Traditional Russian lighting, lamps, lamps with lampshades. Furniture for the old Russian style must be chosen based on the basic requirements:

Kitchen appliances in the Russian style, just like other ancient styles, require the presence of built-in appliances.

As an article?

Antique kitchens - design, photo, video

Man has always tried to preserve his history, and some designers try to embody its echoes and elements in everyday life. The kitchen in this sense is no exception: despite the variety of styles in interior design, many today choose antique kitchens. The rustic or castle style and Slavic motifs in the interior of this room create an association with family comfort, home and heartfelt conversations. nine0005

Materials

There are many options for antique kitchen interiors, but they all involve the use of the same materials: stone, natural wood, copper, as well as various matte surfaces and often rough processing. All this makes the antique kitchen interior incredibly cozy, warm and truly homely.

Antique style sets made of solid wood. The main condition for the appearance of the kitchen in this design is the effect of aging. The interior direction of the country is most often characterized by rough processing of wooden surfaces and the preservation of natural lines, curves and patterns on wood. Such a kitchen set looks rough, which creates the right mood. Complete the design with animal skins, textiles made from natural coarse linen and logs - and you will accurately recreate the village life of past centuries. nine0005

Antique kitchen furniture

Antique style kitchen furniture available in several styles.

An obligatory element of an antique-styled kitchen is natural stone. It is used to make countertops. You can choose a classic style, in which there will be nothing superfluous, only a flat surface and smoothed corners. Raw stone and deliberate roughness of processing will perfectly fit into the castle style. In this case, its surface is polished, but the ends remain intact. nine0005

Wood is most often used for the floor, while the ceiling can be decorated with decorative beams. The tiles will look great on the walls: white or with patterns. You can also choose wallpaper with an imitation of a wooden surface.

Design Techniques

In order to emphasize the elements of antiquity in the kitchen, experts advise using details used in the past. They can be easily made by hand. For example, the use of curtains instead of cabinet doors and wall cabinets is a great solution to complement the interior design. It is desirable that the material be rough, and the pattern and color can be anything. nine0005

Another way to create an original kitchen setting is to imitate a hearth. To do this, the stove and hood zone is decorated with an arch made of wood, metal or natural stone. If you complement such an interior with glazed tiles and patterns in the theme, your kitchen will turn into an example of an original and unique design.

For a castle style, use appropriate accessories, such as copper kitchen utensils that can be hung in the work area. Do not forget about forged elements: a chandelier, candlesticks, a fireplace set, chairs. Antique lanterns, forged lamps, stylized kerosene lamps will complement the design. Torches and candelabra complete the overall idea of ​​an antique kitchen. nine0005

Choose appliances that are similar in color to all other interior elements. For example, black matte metal will perfectly emphasize the beauty of wood. DIY wicker baskets, as well as wooden bowls and plates filled with wild flowers, will serve as a great addition to all other decor elements.

To enhance the antique atmosphere, many designers recommend using furniture patination technique. It is quite difficult to perform, but it is quite possible to master it, so that you can then create pieces of furniture with your own hands as if from the past. To learn the basics and subtleties of patination, you can watch instructional videos and master classes with step-by-step photos.


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