A modern vintage kitchen strikes the perfect balance between old and new. It combines the charm and nostalgia of vintage style with the functionality and convenience of modern amenities. From cabinetry to appliances, every element is carefully curated to create a space that is both timeless and fresh. This style has become increasingly popular in recent years as homeowners seek out ways to add character and personality to their kitchens.
In this article, we will explore the key components that make up the anatomy of a modern vintage kitchen. We will look at how to incorporate vintage elements while still enjoying the perks of a modern kitchen. Whether you are planning a full renovation or just want to give your existing space a vintage facelift, these tips will help you design the perfect modern retro kitchen.
Cabinetry
The cabinetry sets the tone for the whole kitchen. For a modern vintage look, focus on styles that have an antique feel but still function like new. Some options include:
Painted Cabinets
Painting cabinets is an easy way to give them a fresh, vintage look. Opt for muted shades like sage green, robin’s egg blue, or even black for a more dramatic effect. Then add vintage-style hardware like bin pulls or bakelite knobs. Paint has the power to transform even very modern cabinetry into something with more retro charm.
Distressed Cabinets
Distressing is another technique that can give new cabinets an instant vintage vibe. Sand down edges and use detailing tools to add fake cracks and crevices. Stain over the distressing in a light wood tone to soften the effects. Distressed cabinets have lots of character and work perfectly in old-meets-new kitchens.
Refinished Wood Cabinets
For truly vintage cabinets, refinish genuine antique wood pieces. Look for solid wood cabinets from the 1920s to 1950s that can be restored. Simple shaker-style or farmhouse designs work best for a touch of retro without going full vintage. Refinished wood cabinets add striking authenticity in modern vintage kitchens.
Glass Front Cabinets
Glass front cabinets maintain a streamlined look while still nodding to the past. Look for styles with frosted or textured glass and metal dividers for an Art Deco vibe. Illuminated glass cabinets are great for displaying pretty vintage crockery and glassware. Just be sure to style carefully so the interiors don’t appear cluttered.
Flooring
The flooring needs to be durable and modern but still fit within the vintage aesthetic. Some good options include:
Black and White Checkerboard Tile
Black and white checkerboard tile is a vintage staple that still feels fresh today. The high contrast pattern works in both retro and modern spaces. Use real vintage tile if you can find it, or recreate the look with black and white porcelain tile. Paired with bright white grout, it can look crisp and contemporary.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring lets you get creative with vintage-style patterns, like geometric, checkerboard, or floral designs. Many companies now make luxury vinyl plank flooring that convincingly mimics the look of old linoleum or terrazzo floors. The major perk of vinyl is that it’s waterproof and extremely durable.
Hardwood Floors
For a traditional vintage foundation, opt for hardwood floors. Oak and fir woods were commonly used in old homes, so they instantly read as vintage. Refinish existing hardwood floors to restore their retro charm. For new floors, choose wider old-fashioned plank styles. Add vintage rugs on top for a layered effect.
Concrete Floors
Polished concrete floors provide an edgy, industrial backdrop to balance out vintage elements. Let some of the concrete’s natural texture show through for character. Concrete is ideal in modern spaces but still feels nostalgically utilitarian and old-fashioned.
Lighting
When it comes to lighting, you want a combination of modern functionality with loads of vintage flair.
Pendants
Pendant lights are an easy way to add eye-catching vintage style without overpowering a space. Choose enamel, glass, or metal pendants in classic shapes like globes, cylinders, or cones. Funky sculptural vintage pendants can look right at home contrasted with sleek modern elements.
Neon Signs
For fun retro pops of color, install neon signs as novelty accent lighting. Look for ones with cheeky sayings, diner motifs, or Art Deco stylings. You can customize signs to say whatever you want, like “Eat” or the family’s last name. Neon immediately evokes a vintage diner mood.
Sconces
For mood lighting, consider vintage-style swing arm, box, or scalloped edge wall sconces. Pair them with Edison bulbs for ambiance. Sconces flanking a window or lining walls provide a soft general glow.
Under Cabinet Lights
While task lighting like under cabinet lights needs to be highly functional, choose fixtures with sleek or streamlined design to match the vintage vibe. Low profile LED strip lights are perfect for illuminating countertops and work stations without disrupting the aesthetic.
Hardware
Hardware is one of the most fun ways to infuse lots of vintage personality. Vintage-style pulls, handles, and knobs are available in so many unique shapes, materials, and colors. Some options include:
- Porcelain and ceramic knobs
- Other novelty knobs like wood, glass, or lucite
- Enamel or milk glass bin pulls
- Mushroom-shaped latches
- Skeleton key pulls
- Colored glass cabinet knobs
Don’t be afraid to mix and match finishes and shapes for an eclectic look. Layer on the hardware generously on cabinets, drawers, and open shelving. This is an easy way to add interest and tie the whole vintage space together.
Kitchen Sink
For the kitchen sink itself, an authentic vintage piece adds great character. Look for:
- classic double drainboard sinks
- deep farmer’s sinks with front aprons
- retro enameled metal sinks
- corner sinks for a conversation piece
If the budget doesn’t allow for a vintage sink, choose a classic farmhouse style reproductions. Add vintage touches like fluted faucets or a retro sink skirt for a similar effect.
Kitchen Backsplash
Creativity can shine in a modern vintage kitchen backsplash. Some retro design ideas include:
Vintage Tile
If you can source real vintage tile, use it for the backsplash to infuse authenticity. Subway tile, glossy square tile, or patterned tile with Art Deco motifs are all very vintage choices. Mix and match found tile for an eclectic look.
Faux Tile
Can’t find real vintage tile? Faux tile panels offer limitless vintage style possibilities for backsplashes. Choose black and white patterns, bright retro colors, or floral designs. Manufactured vintage tile alternatives install seamlessly for a polished look.
Tin Backsplashes
For an antiqued industrial vibe, install a backsplash using vintage tin ceiling tiles or tin ceiling reproductions. Tin instantly brings to mind old-fashioned utilitarian kitchens. It pairs perfectly with industrial elements and creates a unique textured look.
Beadboard
Beadboard backsplashes add great cottage character in modern retro kitchens. Paint it a light vintage color like seafoam green, robin’s egg blue, or pale yellow. Installing the beadboard horizontally elongates the space. Accentuate with basic trim.
Countertops
Countertops need to be functional for everyday cooking and cleaning but can still fit the vintage aesthetic. Options like:
- Butcherblock
- Stainless steel
- Soapstone
- Poured concrete
All provide durable workhorse surfaces that age well over time. Their utilitarian appearances complement most vintage styles. For more authenticity, source a real vintage worktable or soapstone sink top.
Appliances
Modern kitchens need appliances that can handle the demands of contemporary cooking and cleaning. Appliances don’t have to be actual antiques to look the vintage part. Some ways to get the vintage look:
Retro Styling
Buy appliances designed with retro styling in mind. Many manufacturers like Smeg now make refrigerators, stoves, and other appliances that mimic mid-century styles with curvy retro shapes and colors. Vintage-style appliances blend seamlessly.
Panel Fronts
For a more unified look, install custom cabinetry panels on the front of appliances. This allows appliances to essentially “disappear” behind panels matching the rest of the cabinetry. Only the handles and controls will show for a clean integrated appearance.
Statement Pieces
While most appliances need to be functional, you can make some vintage “statement” appliance choices as well. Display a colorful vintage fridge or enamel stove just for show. Then keep modern workhouse appliances concealed behind panels.
Hidden Locations
Tuck small or specialty appliances like microwaves into enclosed spaces to keep the vintage vibe going. Built-in cabinetry or appliance garages can hide unsightly appliances without sacrificing convenience. Free up counterspace by mounting things like mixers on the wall.
Final Touches
A few finishing touches go a long way in perfecting the modern vintage kitchen aesthetic:
- Open shelving or glass front cabinets to display collections of vintage crockery and cookware.
- Vintage-style rugs with geometric or floral patterns. They instantly add warmth and coziness to spaces.
- Gallery walls filled with art, mirrors, windows, and photographs. Include a combination of vintage finds, reproduction prints, and contemporary pieces.
- Greenery such as hanging ferns or potted herbs on windowsills. Plants give any kitchen a lively homegrown feel.
- Vintage books, cookbooks, and decorative objects like canisters. Ensure they tie into the overall color story and style.
With careful curation and the right blend of eras, a modern vintage kitchen strikes the perfect balance. It feels completely fresh yet still holds onto enduring retro charm. The choices are almost endless, allowing you to take the style in whatever vintage direction suits your taste. With so many ways to infuse nostalgia into a contemporary space, a modern retro kitchen is truly timeless.
Frequently Asked Questions About Modern Vintage Kitchens
Modern vintage kitchens beautifully blend old and new for a timeless look. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about achieving this popular style:
What are the main elements of a modern vintage kitchen?
Some key ingredients of the look include: vintage-inspired cabinetry, classic subway tile, farmhouse sinks, retro appliances, pendant lighting, and antique hardware touches. Distressed, refinished, or colorful painted cabinets give a fresh vintage feel.
What colors work well in modern vintage kitchens?
Soft pastel hues like sage green, robin’s egg blue, and dusky rose pink work wonderfully to evoke vintage charm. Bold retro colors like sunny yellow, orange, turquoise, and red can also look great. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
How do you give new kitchen cabinets a vintage look?
Painting, distressing, or adding vintage hardware are easy DIY ways to make new cabinets look old. For a more authentic retro look, have a carpenter add molding or trim details to mimic true vintage cabinetry.
What types of floors work best for this vintage style?
Hardwood has enduring retro appeal. Classic black and white checkerboard tile is another vintage favorite. For a modern twist, opt for dark-stained concrete floors or durable luxury vinyl plank in a retro geometric print.
How can you incorporate vintage lighting fixtures?
Pendant lights are a great way to hang vintage flair over islands and sinks. For overall lighting, use Edison bulbs in cage sconces or scalloped edge fixtures. Let neon signs and marquee letters add pops of retro color.
Should all appliances be vintage for an authentic look?
While a few statement vintage appliances can be fun, most appliances should be contemporary. Keeping them discreetly hidden behind cabinet panels allows for modern function while maintaining the vintage style.
What are quick ways to give a kitchen vintage flair?
Swapping out knobs and handles for antique-style hardware makes a big impact. Displaying vintage cookware and kitchenware adds instant character. Hanging retro-patterned curtains and laying down a vintage rug also help achieve the look quickly.
Conclusion
A thoughtfully designed modern vintage kitchen blends classic and contemporary elements for a nostalgic yet fresh look. From cabinetry to flooring and beyond, the options for infusing vintage style are almost limitless. With strategic juxtapositions of old and new, this charming style creates kitchens brimming with both functionality and personality. The next time your kitchen needs an upgrade, consider incorporating some vintage spirit for a space with lasting timeless appeal. With the right balance of creativity and careful curation, your modern retro kitchen will tell a unique story and provide enjoyment for years to come.