Opt for Retro Appliances
Vintage-style appliances like a farmhouse sink, retro fridge or stove can anchor the look. Brands like Smeg, Big Chill and Viking offer appliances modeled after mid-century styles. You can also find charming antique appliances at vintage stores or online auctions. Refinishing old stoves or fridges in retro colors like turquoise, yellow or pink also adds flair.
Use Vintage Kitchenware
Displaying antique kitchen tools like enamelware pots, vintage Pyrex containers or antique stand mixers provides an easy vintage accent. Search flea markets, antique malls and estate sales to find authentic pieces. Or opt for vintage-inspired new items like checks and floral tea towels.
Add an Apothecary Cabinet
Apothecary-style cabinets with small drawers and glass doors lend an old-world pharmacy feel. They are great for storing spices, dishes and knickknacks. Paint or stain a cabinet in a light tone for a cottage vibe. Opt for darker wood for an elegant farmhouse style. Glass canisters in the cabinets keep items visible.
Open Shelving
The simple, rustic look of open shelving fits well in vintage kitchens. Stagger mismatched shelves at varying heights on the wall for an eclectic look. Display pretty dishware, cookbooks and plants. Just be sure to keep things organized so open shelves don’t get messy.
Use Vintage Signage
Look for antique tin advertisement signs featuring food, soda and beer brands for retro appeal. Or make your own custom signs inspired by old-fashioned lettering. Framed botanical prints, calendars or even wood blocks with food names can also decorate walls and shelves.
Select Checkered Flooring
Vintage-style vinyl flooring with bold black-and-white or red-and-white checkered patterns instantly provide that diner feel. Or opt for classic black-and-white checkerboard tile flooring. Just take care that heavily patterned floors don’t make a small kitchen feel busy.
Choose Farmhouse Sinks
Deep, wide farmhouse or apron-front sinks are a popular vintage choice. The large size allows for washing larger pots and pitchers. Opt for a classic white porcelain sink or add color with retro styles in blue, green or pink hues. Exposed pipework under the sink adds industrial charm.
Use Distressed Furnishings
Tables and chairs showing their age naturally fit into a vintage space. Seek out flea market finds, antique pieces, or new furniture intentionally distressed. Paint worn dressers and cupboards in chippy pastel hues. Display collections of vintage pottery or food tins on open shelves.
Add Cafe Curtains
Short curtains hanging in windows over the sink provide both style and function, shielding from splashes and sun. Choose vintage-inspired fabrics like gingham, floral or polka-dot. For full farmhouse appeal, opt for a ruffled valence at the top. Or hang checked cafe panels from a rod.
Incorporate Wallpaper
From funky retro patterns to floral prints, wallpaper can instantly vintage up walls. Use sparingly on a baking nook, bar area or small section of wall as a focal point. Otherwise busy wallpaper can overwhelm a tiny kitchen. Stick to solid paint colors paired with wallpaper accents.
Create a Backsplash From Old Tins
An easy DIY idea is to embellish walls with a collage of antique tin lids, cut from food tins or cigar boxes. Or arrange colorful enamelware mugs and pots in a neat design. This adds pops of retro color and allows you to display your vintage finds.
Vintage kitchens have timeless appeal, with the cozy and charming feel of an old-fashioned country cottage or 1950s diner. Decorating with authentic antiques or vintage repros allows you to highlight your unique style. With the right mix of accessories, flooring, furniture and colors you can give your kitchen a nostalgic style that looks smart and stylish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vintage Kitchen Decorating Ideas
What are some key elements of vintage kitchen design?
Some key elements that create a vintage look in the kitchen include farmhouse sinks, retro appliances, open shelving, antique kitchenware, checkered flooring, cafe curtains, distressed paint finishes, and wallpaper accents. Vintage kitchens blend old-fashioned charm with cottage coziness.
What color schemes work well for vintage kitchens?
Soft pastel hues like mint green, baby blue, sunshine yellow and antique white all pair nicely with vintage kitchen decor. Accent walls in deeper shades of blue, green or pink also complement the look. Black and white checkerboard patterns or gingham prints add retro flair.
Where can I find vintage items for my kitchen?
Search local flea markets, antique stores, estate sales and secondhand shops for genuine vintage kitchen items like enamelware, Pyrex, tin signs and antique furniture. Etsy and eBay also offer a nice selection of authentic vintage wares mixed with retro reproductions.
How do I give new items a vintage look?
Painting furniture in chippy antique finishes, light distressing or whimsical cottage colors adds vintage charm to modern kitchen items. You can also display collections of repurposed tins, jars and bottles. Mix in vintage-inspired fabrics like checks, floral and farmhouse motifs.
How can I achieve a vintage look on a budget?
Opt for smaller accents like vintage-style tea towels, apothecary jars and retro-inspired accessories as easy ways to infuse vintage character without a high price tag. Check secondhand stores for budget-friendly finds. Upcycle existing furnishings and cabinetry with paint techniques like sponging, dry-brushing and faux crackle effects.
How do I avoid a cluttered look with lots of decorative items?
Too many knickknacks or busy patterns can overwhelm a small space. Stick to just a few anchor pieces like an antique fridge or farm sink. Keep counters and walls minimalist to balance out shelves of collectibles. Organize items in glass-front cabinets or neatly on open shelving for a clean finish.
Should I use vinyl or tile for a checkerboard floor?
Self-adhesive vinyl flooring offers an affordable and easy checkerboard floor option, available in bold retro colors. Classic black-and-white tile achieves a more authentic diner look but comes at a higher cost for materials and installation. Weigh options based on your budget and preferences.
A touch of vintage charm can give your kitchen a welcoming, homey appeal. With some key decor elements, you can achieve a nostalgic style that looks smart and stylish. Add as many throwback accents as you like for a retro diner feel or just a few accents for understated appeal. The possibilities are endless for infusing vintage personality.
