14 Vintage Kitchen Ideas That Make Any Space Feel Historic

DeVOL is one of my favorite interior design firms because they focus on historic details like none other. In this small, north-facing kitchen, they embraced the darkness with two rich tones that most people wouldn’t think to pair together: a dusty, dark rose and a saturated navy. I also love the styling: The shelves are perfect for antique china platters.

Any cottagecore eclectic kitchen should consider a bar of hanging pots and pans with a shelf above it. This home also has a standard kitchen table instead of an island, and the green walls coordinate with the pale green glossy subway tiles. Chef’s kiss.

Farmhouse style kitchens with vintage accents have seen sage, cream, and even yellow cabinets, but one underrated color is salmon pink. Go for a dustier tone to blend in with natural wood tones.

This design concept, reminiscent of traditional libraries and pantries, provides ample storage and a distinctive aesthetic. While practical for accessing high cabinets, the ladder enhances the overall vintage appeal.

Subway tile is the go-to option for vintage kitchens, but don’t forget the more simple checkerboard pattern that was popular during the early 20th century and through the 1940s. It feels a bit more modern and retro than some more traditional tile options.

When I wanted a drainboard sink, I had difficulty finding one new for less than several thousand dollars. Eventually, I scored one for $250 on Facebook Marketplace. If you want an old-looking sink, don’t hesitate to buy used ones. These pieces are built to last. Unfortunately, you’ll have to splurge on new faucets.

Transforming a reconfigured fireplace mantle into storage is a creative and vintage-inspired idea for your kitchen. Pair it with a small antique kitchen island that can be moved out of the way when needed.

The easiest way to determine the style of a vintage kitchen is to think about the style of your home. If you have a Craftsman Bungalow, lean into that in the kitchen with Craftsman tile backsplashes and counters.

Curtains to cover the storage under the sink used to be a functional aspect of having a standalone farmhouse sink. Now that cabinets are built around sinks, they aren’t as necessary, but more and more people are adding them back for a playful accent. You’ll also see them covering up the front of dishwashers.

All wood kitchen cabinets are making their way back into popularity, but don’t stop there. Transform your fridge into a cabinet with clever wood panels. To find a fridge that can be customized, search for “custom panel ready” designs.

Gold hardware is a classic option for old house kitchens, but take it one step further with custom gold cabinet door inserts. You get the look of leaded glass doors, but the gold mesh obscures the cabinet contents a bit more.

Incorporating a veined marble backsplash into your kitchen design is a nod to the opulence of the Victorian era, where marble was a symbol of luxury and refinement. The intricate veining adds a layer of visual interest, creating a captivating, elegant, and timeless backdrop.

Exposed brick and a Smeg fridge create a compelling mix in the kitchen. The brick’s raw texture offsets the fridge’s sleek, vintage look, offering a unique blend of old and new. It’s a simple yet effective way to add character and modern functionality to your space.

This arrangement highlights an eclectic glassware collection and introduces an element of color and character to your kitchen. The open shelving design pairs nicely with the Mid-century inspired flat panel cabinets. Depression glass, jadeite, or carnival glass would work well here.