A Classic Look: Best Vintage Kitchen Designs

When it comes to remodeling, many homeowners want to modernize their kitchens. Others go in the opposite direction and opt for vintage kitchen designs. 

It may feel like a daunting assignment to design your kitchen around a specific era. Yet, there are plenty of ways to unite retro accents with modern amenities. 

If you are looking so some inspiring ideas for vintage kitchen designs, we are here to help. These are our favorite kitchen design ideas that you can mix and match when planning a new kitchen. 

Open Storage

Adding open storage is one of the easiest ways to give your kitchen a vintage makeover. You may already have open shelving or glass-front cabinets in your kitchen. If not, you can mount a few in an area with free wall space. 

Then, display whatever vintage items you already have. These can be cups, teapots, plates, mason jars, or anything else that is eye-catching. If you don’t have these items, collect them at thrift shops, auctions, garage sales, or antique stores. 

Cheerful Pastel Paints 

If you are going for a completely vintage look, you should have a color scheme in mind. An easy way to find a vintage-inspired color scheme is by looking at vintage linens, such as towels and tablecloths. Classic combinations often include blues and reds or pastels. 

You don’t have to paint your kitchen or wallpaper it to add these colors into your kitchen. By incorporating pops of color with towels, tins, cookbooks, or dishes, you can add warmth to your kitchen. 

Vintage Appliances

Do you want a quick kitchen makeover? If so, splurge on some vintage-inspired appliances, such as those made by Smeg. 

You can purchase them in a wide variety of colors and styles, many of which are bright and cheery. Everyone who enters your kitchen will feel like they have stepped back into the 1950s. 

Farmhouse or Apron Front Sink

A farmhouse sink doesn’t just look good in a country-style kitchen. It is the perfect way to add a vintage element to your modern kitchen. It has a deep sink basin, so it’s practical for dishwashing and cooking. 

Although pristine white porcelain is often the material used to make a farmhouse sink, there are other options, such as stainless steel. It won’t chip or stain as porcelain does. 

Butcher Block Island

Butcher block is beautiful, but it can also increase your productivity in the kitchen. They make the perfect surface for baking and meal preparation. If you choose an end-grain style butcher block, you can even chop and cut directly on the surface of the island. 

Vintage Wallpaper

Whether it’s polka-dots from the 1950s or bold prints from the 1960s, wallpaper can add character to old-style kitchens. It’s an effortless way to add vintage charm to your space without spending a lot of money or time in the process. 

Stained Glass Window

A stained glass window is a classic way to add some style and art to your kitchen. When matched with the other elements in the room, it will look sophisticated and charming. If you want a specific image or colors in your stained glass window, you can even have one specially made! 

Vintage Tile Accents

If you want to create a beautiful backsplash that oozes vintage appeal, go for some vintage-inspired tiles. You can incorporate real vintage tiles into the design, such as French earthenware or ceramic pieces. 

Checkerboard Floors

Checkerboard floors were an essential element of kitchens in the 1950s. Add this design to your home, and it will make a statement. Of course, it doesn’t have to be black and white. You can use any colors that you would like, even pastels to match your cheery color scheme. 

Pull-Out Board

Many times, people assume that these pull-out boards are for cutting. However, they were initially called “breadboards,” and people used them to knead bread. Of course, as time moved on and people stopped making their own homemade bread, they started using these boards for other purposes. 

If you add one to your kitchen, you will have a tiny countertop extension perfect for chopping, cutting, slicing, kneading, or practically any other prep work. Just remember not to chop directly on the wood so as not to damage it. 

Breadbox

These days, people store their bread in all sorts of places- in a cabinet, drawer, or even the microwave! However, vintage kitchens usually had a breadbox to store delicious baked goods. 

Breakfast Nook

Frequently, classic kitchens had breakfast nooks, tiny dining areas carved into a corner of the kitchen. This cozy space is the perfect area to read the morning news while drinking your coffee or plan out your meals. 

Fireplace

Early American kitchens had fireplaces in them for cooking. While you probably won’t find yourself cooking over the open flame, a fireplace is a lovely detail to add to your classic home. 

Bar and Swivel Stools

Do you remember seeing pictures of those old fashioned soda shops? With some vintage swivel stools and a bar, you can bring this design to your very own kitchen. 

Vintage Hut

Your grandmother likely had a hut where she kept her china and dish collections. Sometimes kitchens didn’t have built-in cabinets, so freestanding furniture was the only option. 

These days, lovely hutches with cabinets and drawers make perfect additions to kitchens and dining rooms. You may even find one at a second-hand furniture store. 

To take full advantage of the space, you can store the appliances you don’t use daily. It is also the perfect spot to display your favorite vintage pieces.

Kitchen Designs Made Easy

With these tips for kitchen design, you can start planning your new space. If you are overwhelmed or have trouble coming up with the perfect layout, kitchen design software can help! Our kitchen planner is easy to use and will help you create a 3D kitchen design in a matter of minutes. 

Are you ready to design your own kitchen online? Click here to get started!