The kitchen is, by nature, a very practical space. Of course you should, but adding vintage and antique items to your kitchen is an easy way to bring personality and charm to a space that's often needed.
And this doesn't mean having a completely vintage kitchen. There are ways to make antique and vintage decor work in any style of kitchen. There is currently a very strong trend of transitional spaces and merging yourself with the old, but it is because the purpose of this design approach is to transcend trends and create spaces that are completely timeless. It's more than just a trend. There is no place you want to use for as long as your kitchen. So it's no wonder the old-new look is so popular.
But how can you add vintage décor and furniture to your kitchen while still having practical space? No matter what style or particular item works best, add vintage to your kitchen. We spoke to an interior designer to find out how to integrate it.
How to incorporate vintage items into your kitchen
“It's definitely worth taking the time to source vintage pieces to spruce up your kitchen. They can make a huge difference to the finished look and always add character and character.” Creative Director at deVOL says Helen Parker.
Adding vintage finds is always effective because it breaks up the space. Kitchens are full of straight lines, smooth surfaces, and sturdy cabinetry, but it's important to break it up with something with personality. Plus, this look really leans into the growing kitchen trend of kitchens that don't feel like kitchens, adding space-related items or softening the room.
Helen is the Creative Director of deVOL, a leading kitchen design company that combines classic and contemporary. Helen has been the company's creative director since 2011 and is passionate about deVOL's signature understated approach to kitchen design.
1. Don't think of it as a “kitchen”
(Image credit: Jessica Burke)
When adding vintage items to your kitchen, take a step back from the fact that you are decorating the kitchen. Of course, you want your decisions to be based on practicality and reality, but think of it like buying a living room.
As Helen says, “When adding vintage to your kitchen, choose something that might be suitable for a living room or grandma's house.” It's about being brave and unique with color, and demonstrating Don't follow the established (but obvious) look. It's about combining the old with the new, and always trying to source things that are authentic and well-made.
“There's nothing more charming than a room with character and soul, and that comes from having something old and something new.” It doesn't have to be eclectic or bohemian (though you can be). , just that the room feels like it has evolved and been considered, rather than everything being chosen at the same time. ”
In this modern rustic kitchen by Evgenia Merson Design, buying second-hand was key to giving the room plenty of depth and character. Evgenia's advice: “Explore the charm of flea markets, where you'll find hidden treasures like unique tableware and pottery that will add personality to your kitchen.'' Vintage artwork fills the walls with memories. Transform it into a gallery and resonate the timeless elegance of the past. Vintage area rugs always add warmth and tell a story underfoot. ”
2. Create a practical decorative display
(Image courtesy of Marie Flannigan Interiors)
“Antique copper pots and pans are always a beautiful addition to a kitchen,” says Marie Flannigan, designer of this white kitchen. “I love using these storied pieces to add an extra finishing touch and a bit of patina to a space.”
Antique pots and pans are also easy to find at consignment shops and antique stores. Another architectural element that makes the kitchen feel cozy and special is the reclaimed wood beams. I've used beams like this in several projects and love the character they add to a space. ”
Design Kathy Kuo agrees that the best way to bring vintage into your kitchen is with small items that are technically kitchen items, but also function as decoration. “When incorporating heirlooms and antiques into your kitchen design, I think it makes the most sense to stick to decorative items rather than utilitarian items. Think vintage tableware and jars for tableware and vases. Please. Vintage dish towels, aprons, and pot holders are also fun!
Marie Flanigan
Marie Flanigan is an award-winning interior designer whose passion and accomplishments in design have established her as one of the nation's best interior designers. She is a classically trained and practicing architect, and her trademark style is evident through her sophisticated use of color, texture, and light. Every home she designs reflects her personal signature of timeless elegance and innovative simplicity.
3. Introduce vintage glass storage
(Image credit: deVOL)
Adding a vintage feel to your kitchen isn't just about decoration. Large pieces of furniture can be placed in the space just as comfortably. You can turn an old butcher block into a kitchen island, a bench for extra seating, or, as Helen suggested, bring in vintage kitchen cabinets to add texture among the sleek cabinetry.
“Sometimes, when you display knick-knacks and treasures in the open area of your kitchen, they can get a little dusty or oily. If you use the items every day, it's not much of an issue, but if you don't, it is.” Glass cupboards are a good solution, and old museum cabinets and vintage glass pieces, although hard to find, are a great way to display and store them in style. ” suggests Helen Parker.
Kathy Kuo is a renowned interior designer and international leading expert on home and lifestyle spaces. She has over 20 years of experience in the design industry.
4. Add vintage chairs
(Image credit: Raquel Langworthy)
Vintage chairs are another easy way to incorporate old furniture into a practical space. Additionally, you can move it around the house if needed. Vintage stools look great around the island, but you can also embrace the living-kitchen trend and create an instant coffee nook within the space by bringing in an old armchair or loveseat.
“In our kitchen designs, we have a love of integrating antique and vintage items to infuse a typically hard and shiny room with a sense of warmth and timelessness,” says designer Daniel. Chiprut explains. “Our recommendation is to start by incorporating vintage décor and hardware to introduce a timeless touch to your space. We especially recommend layering antique stools and vintage lighting to create an old-world look. I enjoy creating kitchens that evoke a sense of style and ooze character and charm.”
5. Instantly create character with vintage lighting
(Image courtesy of Vivian Johnson)
Vintage kitchen lighting is perfect for adding a little charm without overpowering the rest of the space. It's also a great option for small kitchens that don't have much space for decorations or furniture.
To inject antique or vintage charm into your kitchen, illuminate the space with vintage or vintage-inspired lighting, such as wall sconces. Incorporate wooden cabinets with an antique brass finish and make sure your design has open shelving to display antique cookware and vintage kitchenware. By mixing and matching antique items with modern conveniences, we can successfully create a balanced design that tells the story of the past while meeting today's modern needs,” says Rachel Seldin of Seldin Design Studio. suggests.
6. Choose vignettes with vintage decor.
(Image credit: deVOL)
Kitchen shelves are an ideal place to organize small vintage decorative items. You can also mix it up with more practical kitchen items like tableware and cookbooks. Vintage art is ideal and available at very affordable prices. Our advice is, if you want to add some personality to your kitchen, don't focus too much on the origin of the piece and if you like it, just get it.
“Shelves filled with French porcelain bowls, books and vintage glassware are the best way to create an atmosphere in your home that is not just stylish, but a sign of a happy and fulfilling life,” says Helen. I will explain.
She also adds that houseplants also make great displays, and vintage pots can bring even more character to your kitchen. “But to make plants part of a room, it's not enough to just pop a few plants on a windowsill. Planting them in old terracotta pots or vintage pots can make them feel even more special and cohesive. think.”
Where is the best place to buy vintage items?
The best places to buy vintage furniture and decor can be found online. Nothing beats the thrill of finding an unexpected treasure at a thrift store, and online marketplaces like 1stDibs, Chairish, Etsy, LiveAuctioneers, and Invaluable all offer great items. You can talk to the seller and ask any questions you may have.
Incorporating vintage and antique items into your kitchen is a surefire way to create a timeless space that can adapt to ever-changing interior design trends. The best way to do it always depends on your personal style and available space. But you can always start with a small decorative collection before investing in a larger piece. This is also a great way to find the right balance between old and new.
