If you’re like us, you’ve been loving the sleek lines, simplistic finishes, and calming tones of modern kitchens. However, change can be wonderfully refreshing. Do you know the phrase “everything old can be made new again?”. The vintage home aesthetic is proving this true as more people are reviving these classic accessories into their kitchens again with fantastic results.
Read our guide below to discover why vintage styles are returning to our kitchen spaces and how the right balance will create a unique and inviting living space in your home.
The best place to start is to explore images of kitchens already done, and then you can get those creative juices flowing and begin visualising what you’d like in yours. There are many magazines and books you can explore, but the easiest way is to explore online resources such as Pinterest or Instagram, where many examples of luxurious vintage kitchens are posted.
Speaking of Instagram, another excellent place you can find a lot of inspiration is our interior design Instagram page. Here, you’ll see great examples of the potential of a kitchen space when our team applies fantastic design, and we hope it helps you get inspired for your vintage kitchen.
A fun stage is to look for the practical items your kitchen needs that do or do not fit with your research and see if you want to choose the vintage alternatives. We recommend starting by exploring antique shops, charity shops, furniture restoration businesses and, in extreme cases, even online sites like eBay or Etsy. These places often have a fantastic selection of early 20th-century and even 19th-century gems that have lasted decades.
If you want to guarantee you’re getting genuine antiques, check for signs of age, such as patina, handcrafted details, and traditional joinery methods. Some people provide faux antique items, which may appeal to you more as they are new but look vintage.
Remember, condition is key—make sure the items are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. For example, a beautifully worn wooden cabinet might be ideal, but make sure it’s sturdy and free from any major damage that could affect its usability.
There are many ways to integrate vintage items into your kitchen space, but you’ll have to explore them yourself to find the best option. The practical demands of busy kitchen space and your way of using it will make this a deeply personal exploration. However, we have some general ideas on how to incorporate items like this in a usable but practical manner.
When remodelling a kitchen with a period style, choosing the right paint and wallpaper colour schemes can truly enhance the vintage charm and bring together the items you’ve collected. You may be surprised to learn there are multiple choices to consider.
For example, for a classic early 20th-century look, consider soft, muted hues like sage green, dusky rose, or buttery yellow—these colours evoke the gentle, nostalgic tones of the era. If you're aiming for a Victorian-inspired space, rich, deep shades like burgundy, forest green, or navy blue can create an elegant and cosy atmosphere.
Floral or damask wallpaper patterns are also a lovely nod to the past, bringing in intricate details that reflect historical aesthetics. To balance these period-specific colours and patterns, incorporate neutral tones for the larger surfaces, such as cream or soft grey, to keep the space feeling light and airy while still celebrating its vintage roots.
We recommend going back to the first step and looking at your inspiration to decide what cohesive decorations will bring all these pieces together. Mixing these colours with either paints or papers in a planned way will help you achieve a harmonious and timeless kitchen that beautifully honours its period style.
While we are heavily promoting a vintage style, we want to make it clear that you don’t have to commit to one completely. Both modern and vintage designs have their ups and downs for you, so why not mix and match them to suit your home needs?
With one being luxurious, high-end finishes and the other consisting of classical charm, it may seem like they are impossible to blend due to their contradictions, but that’s not the case. The key is the 80/20 rule.
The 80/20 rule that exists in interior design is a great tool for improving spaces by creating a visual balance that works well on the eye, and it works well when balancing modern with vintage. You should dedicate 80% of your space to the main style you want, in this case, vintage aesthetics. The other 20% is then used to provide contrasting details such as bright colours or, in this case, modern ideas.
Practical examples of this idea could be as straightforward as keeping your modern silver or chrome oven on show, surrounded by vintage drawers or a more subtle blend of taking a vintage distressed leather and installing it in clean, simple lines. Adding a small percentage of varied elements creates visual interest and depth, making the room feel more dynamic and engaging.
Transform your kitchen into a stunning vintage masterpiece with the help of our expert kitchen designers. At Panararmer, we specialise in creating bespoke kitchens in Cumbria and Lancaster that not only meet your needs but also evoke the charm and elegance of a bygone era. Our designers will work with you to craft a kitchen that is both functional and beautifully vintage, making cooking a delightful and seamless experience.
Visit our showroom to explore a fantastic variety of varied kitchen designs. Let us assist you in bringing your dream vintage kitchen to life. Come see us today and take the first step towards creating a kitchen that is uniquely yours.
