This post will inspire you to turn your modern kitchen into a vintage one.
Are you tired of your modern, millennial grey kitchen that doesn’t have any character or color? Do you feel like your kitchen is basic, maybe boring sometimes. Then why not incorporate the vintage style into your kitchen and bring your kitchen to life.
Vintage is all about nostalgia, a style that reminds us of a past where life was about living. A life not surrounded by work and technology.
So read on and we’ll show you 21 vintage kitchen ideas you’ll want in your own kitchen.
1.Farmhouse Sink
credit @grantcottage_1924
Let’s kick things off with an item that will really bring the vintage element into your kitchen, a farmhouse sink.
A farmhouse sink is perfect if you’re looking for that old country farmhouse look in your kitchen.
If you have plenty of space then we highly recommend a wall mounted farmhouse sink such as Stacey, who has installed it in her own kitchen.
2.Rustic Kitchen Island
credit @lifehasrepurpose
Instead of the modern built-in kitchen island, why not swap it out for a wooden rustic kitchen island.
We love Jeanette’s kitchen island, not only is it convenient for storage but it fits is well in a vintage inspired kitchen.
The rustic green paired with the antique shell cup handles create this period like atmosphere in the kitchen.
3.Wallpaper,Wallpaper,Wallpaper
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If you want a more vintage looking kitchen then swapping out your tiles and splash- back for wallpaper is a must.
We find that floral print wallpaper is by far the best pattern to incorporate into your vintage kitchen makeover. Pink, green and yellow are the most popular colors of choice.
Florals in the kitchen are usually found in a cottage/grandma core inspired kitchen. Which also has an element of vintage in their respective genres.
Click through here for our take on the Grandmacore and Cottagecore style.
4.Tiles,Tiles,Tiles
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When it comes to tiles in a vintage inspired kitchen, Victorian tiles are ideal. They are a very popular style to this day for both kitchens and bathrooms.
Traditional Victorian tiles are either very detailed or simple, either choice is great for the kitchen. We recommend sticking to black and white for that authentic Victorian look.
5.Everything On Display
credit @heaven_on_earth_toutou
Modern kitchens look to clean, pristine and put together.
A kitchen should look like it’s being used all the time, it should look busy. Use your everyday kitchen items as decor and bring your kitchen to life.
For that vintage feel you can easily thrift some antique kitchen items and incorporate them into your display.
6.China Cabinet
credit @heaven_on_earth_toutou
Speaking of displays another way of bringing the vintage style to your kitchen is with a china cabinet.
Grandmas, moms and aunts always have the most beautiful china pieces on show. It’s a staple feature you need in your home if you want a vintage look.
The kitchen is a fantastic place to display china. All you need is a used, antique glass cabinet and all kinds of crockery, china and dishware.
7.Mix & Match
credit @elle_the_home_bird
A vintage kitchen means building character, and character is built by layering and styling.
What we mean by character is combining different elements, styles and materials in your kitchen through decor.
Elle Hervin has combined a vintage, country farmhouse style with elements of art and nature, using materials such as brass, wood, ceramics and copper.
8.Vintage Yellow
credit @steph_since_1979
Yellow is the perfect color for your vintage kitchen, a popular trend in the 1950s and 1960s.
Stick to a pale or pastel yellow and wooden cabinets. High gloss cabinets are too modern.
It’s important to keep walls a neutral tone such as white or beige. And when it comes to flooring stick to wood or stone.
9.Curtains,Curtains,Curtains
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There’s just something about curtains in the kitchen that reminds us of a time when phones didn’t exist.
Whether it’s cafe curtains for you windows or under-counter curtains to hide your dishwasher. You need to incorporate them into your kitchen for that period feel.
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When it comes to styles we personally find, florals, stripes and lace work very well for a vintage style. Use natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or silk.
10.Antiques
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Antique items from dishware to paintings should be displayed throughout your kitchen.
Antique items are the epitome of vintage. You can easily find some amazing antiques from thrift stores, antique shops or at flea markets.
Why not dedicate a space in your kitchen to all your antiques. Play around and style your china alongside some beautiful art work.
11.Primary Colors
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Blue, red and yellow. Bring retro vibes to the kitchen by combining these colors.
Primary colors were a popular choice in the 1950s and 1960s. Yellow works well with either blue or red.
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The key is to incorporate the colors in odd places, such as windows, doors and radiators. Don’t just stick to the cupboards when it comes to color.
12.Table Kitchen island
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If a rustic green island isn’t your vibe, then why not go for a vintage, kitchen table island.
Kitchen islands originated in the 1800s, which back then were known as worktables, used to prepare food and do other tasks.
What can be more vintage than having a kitchen island in its original form.
13.SMEG
credit @betterlifeuae
SMEG is an awesome brand inspired by the 1950s.
SMEG has a range of fridge freezers, toasters, coffee machines etc… , and not to mention a variety of colors.
If your willing to look past the price tag, and want modern products in a vintage style, then SMEG is the brand to invest in.
14.Brass Features
credit @eastandlane
Brass is an amazing material to incorporate into a vintage style kitchen.
Brass is timeless, elegant and works beautifully as an accent in the kitchen.
Use brass for your cabinet handles, knobs and lighting. Don’t forget a gorgeous brass faucet for your sink.
15.Historic Kitchen
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For the ultimate vintage kitchen why not design it to be a historic one.
Stone is an important material used in old, vintage kitchens for walls, floors and stone ovens.
Installing stone flooring combined with a stone oven will look as if your kitchen came straight out of a period drama.
16.Open Pantry
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Why not get rid of all your top cabinets and create an open pantry in your kitchen.
Ceramic and glass jars should be used for storing food items. Chopping blocks, rolling pins, books etc, use kitchen items as decor and arrange them on shelves.
You can be surprised how open and inviting your kitchen will feel without all those top cabinets.
17.Pots & Pans
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Stainless steel and copper pots and pans are staple in a classic, vintage style kitchen.
Use them as a decorative piece and hang them on your splashback space or above your stove.
18.Paintings
credit @paul_massey
Paintings are making their way into kitchens more so than ever.
Whether you hang them on your walls or just place them on shelves, they are vital.
The painting or print can be in any style of any form of art, but the frame has to be antique for a vintage look.
19.Checkered Floors
credit @gregpremru
Going back to the victorian era, checkered flooring was a popular choice for kitchens, and still is to this day.
Checkered flooring has an expensive, english country look to it.
We love how beautifully it contrasts with neutral colors, brass accents and Georgian windows.
20.Range Cooker
credit @tomwindeknecht
For a vintage look in a kitchen, built ins should be avoided as much as possible, which includes ovens.
If you want to move away from modern day appliances, which built ins most definitely are, then vintage range cookers are what you need.
Not only are they are aesthetically appealing, you can find different designs and colors available online.
21.Penny Chairs
credit @littlehomebigliving
Bring some Victorian charm to the table with some penny chairs from the 1800s. Mass produced furniture is out and handmade, timeless pieces of furniture are in.
We love the grains and different tones found in wooden chairs, they bring a natural, cozy element. The perfect addition to a breakfast table in your vintage styled kitchen.
