Choose vintage-inspired appliances
Look for vintage elements to incorporate into your kitchen design, such as an antique chandelier, vintage wallpaper, or a farmhouse sink. These elements will add character and charm to your kitchen and help create a vintage feel.
Retro-style refrigerator: Retro-style refrigerators, like those offered by Smeg and Big Chill, feature curved edges, pastel colors, and chrome details reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s.
Vintage-style range: Vintage-style ranges from brands like Elmira Stove Works feature retro designs with enamel finishes, chrome accents, and classic knobs and handles.
Antique-style dishwasher: Antique-style dishwashers from brands like Elmira Stove Works offer a vintage look with modern features, like multiple wash cycles and energy-efficient operation.
Vintage-inspired microwave: Some brands, like Nostalgia Electrics, offer vintage-inspired microwaves that feature retro design elements like chrome accents and vintage logos.
Classic stand mixer: Brands like KitchenAid offer stand mixers with retro designs and pastel colors, adding a touch of vintage charm to your countertop.
Incorporate vintage elements
Look for vintage elements to incorporate into your kitchen design, such as an antique chandelier, vintage wallpaper, or a farmhouse sink. These elements will add character and charm to your kitchen and help create a vintage feel.
Vintage table and chairs: Add a vintage table and chairs to your kitchen to create a cozy and inviting dining space. Look for antique pieces at flea markets, estate sales, or online marketplaces.
Vintage kitchenware: Display vintage kitchenware, such as old glass jars, enamelware, or antique copper pots and pans on open shelves or a vintage-style hutch.
Vintage signs: Incorporate vintage signs into your kitchen decor, such as old food advertisements or metal signs with nostalgic slogans.
Vintage textiles: Use vintage-inspired textiles like vintage tablecloths, aprons, tea towels, and curtains to add a touch of retro charm to your kitchen.
Vintage lighting: Choose vintage lighting fixtures like a chandelier, pendant lights, or a vintage-style table lamp to create an old-world charm in your kitchen.
Vintage wallpaper: Use vintage wallpaper designs for your kitchen walls, such as floral or geometric patterns that were popular in the 1950s and 1960s.
Vintage accessories: Incorporate vintage accessories like antique clocks, radios, or telephones to add a unique touch to your kitchen decor.
Use vintage-inspired materials
Use materials that were popular during the vintage era, such as subway tiles, butcher block countertops, or linoleum flooring. These materials are durable, affordable, and can be easily incorporated into any kitchen design.
Subway tiles: Subway tiles have a classic, timeless look that was popular in the early 1900s. They’re a great option for a vintage-inspired backsplash.
Butcher block countertops: Butcher block countertops are a durable and practical option for a vintage-style kitchen. They were popular in the 1920s and 1930s and can add warmth and character to your kitchen.
Beadboard: Beadboard is a classic wall paneling option that was popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It adds texture and depth to your kitchen and can be painted to match your color scheme.
Vintage-inspired flooring: Linoleum flooring with a vintage-inspired pattern is a great option for a retro-style kitchen. It’s durable, easy to clean, and can add a pop of color and pattern to your space.
Choose vintage-inspired hardware
Look for vintage-inspired hardware, such as antique drawer pulls or vintage-inspired faucets. These small details can make a big impact on the overall look of your kitchen.
Glass knobs: Glass knobs were popular in the early 20th century and are a great option for vintage-inspired cabinets and drawers. They come in a variety of colors and shapes to match your decor.
Cup pulls: Cup pulls are a classic option for vintage-style cabinets and drawers. They have a curved shape and are available in a variety of finishes, including oil-rubbed bronze, brass, and nickel.
Bin pulls: Bin pulls have a vintage look and feel and were commonly used in the early 1900s. They have a rectangular shape and come in a variety of finishes, including brass and nickel.
Label holders: Label holders are a unique option for vintage-inspired cabinets and drawers. They can be used to label the contents of your drawers and come in a variety of finishes, including brass and bronze.
Mix and match
Don’t be afraid to mix and match vintage elements with modern elements to create a unique and personalized look. For example, you could pair a vintage stove with modern cabinets or a vintage chandelier with modern pendant lights.
Choose a color scheme: Decide on a color scheme for your kitchen and choose vintage elements that match or complement it. For example, if you have a blue and white color scheme, look for vintage blue and white dishes or a vintage blue and white tile backsplash.
Balance vintage and modern elements: To avoid making your kitchen look too dated, balance vintage elements with modern ones. For example, pair a vintage table and chairs with modern pendant lighting or a vintage backsplash with modern appliances.
Use different eras: Don’t be afraid to mix vintage elements from different eras. For example, pair a 1950s table with 1920s-inspired lighting or mix mid-century modern chairs with a vintage hutch.
Use different textures: Mix and match vintage elements with different textures to add depth and interest to your kitchen. For example, pair a vintage butcher block countertop with a subway tile backsplash or vintage glassware with a modern metal shelf.
Add personal touches: Incorporate personal touches to your vintage kitchen, such as family heirlooms or flea market finds, to make it truly unique and reflective of your personal style.