Everyone wants a modern kitchen that is spacious and offers plenty of space for cooking. Throw in some stainless steel appliances and you have a clean and minimalistic kitchen. But to some people, a modern kitchen can feel cold and sterile. This is especially true if you opt for neutral color palettes or all-white cabinets.
It’s perhaps the reason why modern kitchens with vintage touches are becoming more popular. Why not pair industrial appliances with soft and cozy decor items? Brighten up any modern kitchen with a pop of color throughout. You can incorporate vintage elements in unexpected places. Fortunately, many of these vintage additions are also functional.
Combining modern lines and vintage-inspired decor can give you a very eclectic cooking space. Here’s how you can bring in some old-world charm to any modern kitchen:
Use Natural Materials
Many modern kitchens are all about metal surfaces. Stainless steel appliances are sprinkled throughout the space. Even smaller kitchen tools like knives and toasters are all metal. How can you add a vintage touch here? By bringing in some natural materials for a cozy feel.
A stone wall behind the stove or natural plants near the windows can soften the harsh surfaces. Break up the clean lines with mismatched decor or a splash of color. What better place to bring nature inside than the place where you cook for your family?
Combine Multiple Textures
Don’t just stick to one texture or material in the kitchen. Mix and match contrasting textures for a striking look. Pair shiny chrome faucets with natural stone countertops. Or use an old farmhouse style sink with cool white cabinets. It’s all about contrasts and differences in a modern meets vintage kitchen!
Use light wood cabinets (or any other natural-looking color) throughout the kitchen. Alternatively, you could pair dark wood cabinets and shelves with light paint and backsplash.
Vintage Elements
Vintage elements can mean a lot of things. Consider repurposing furniture pieces not meant for the kitchen originally. For instance, a living room table can easily do double duty as a countertop and offer space to store large appliances underneath. Cabinets that look like fine furniture can bring a vintage feel to any space, let alone a modern kitchen.
A vintage hood or built-in shelves can also bring in some additional warmth. Some pieces like old gilded artwork can also serve as decor items. Use a large picture on one wall to draw attention in the room.
Lighting
Lights are a great way to add a cozy, retro touch to the kitchen. Lantern style pendant lights or rustic metal chandeliers are good examples. Some kitchens feature a large and heavy light as a centerpiece as well. Opt for scone-type fixtures instead of more modern ones. Light fixtures in black metal or rustic iron can pair well with modern cooking spaces.
Colorful Appliances
Who said stainless steel is here to stay? For the longest time, stainless steel appliances were the hottest trend in kitchens. But like every other trend, this one is also slowing down. In fact, more and more people are opting for vintage-style appliances in a bold array of colors. As a bonus, many of these appliances are also much smaller than the usual behemoths. This makes them ideal for smaller kitchens in older homes or cozy cottages.
Patterns
If there’s anything that screams modern it is the use of clean lines, cool colors, and no patterns. On the other hand, the vintage look is all about color, texture and pattern. So don’t be afraid to experiment to your heart’s content.
Step out of the box with bold patterns on the floor or backsplash. Use some patterned tiles for decor. Handpainted items, mismatched jugs, and oddly shaped cutlery are all up for grabs in a retro kitchen. Exchange the neutral colors for bold and bright tones.
Bring in Some Clutter
Yes, you heard that right. Modern kitchens are all about minimalism and clean countertops. But is clutter really all that bad? For some homeowners, a cluttered kitchen is a well-loved and used kitchen.
So bust out your pots, pan, and ladles. Line them up on a wall or even hang them from the ceiling. Keep them off the countertops but this way, they also serve as decor! Add some antiques, old shop signs, and some hand-me-down items to complete the vintage atmosphere.
Use Antique Crockery
Nothing says vintage like some collectible china. If you don’t have any, that’s what garage sales and thrift stores are for! You can find all sorts of jugs, pots, and kitchen bowls to add to your kitchen. You can also use them to hold pretty flowers throughout the kitchen. Repurpose an old planter or vintage box to grow a herb garden. The possibilities really are endless!
