Some homeowners want to modernize the kitchen, but maybe you’d like to give yours the charm and character of bygone days. If you’re ready to swap mass-produced, matchy-matchy items for a unique and eclectic look that’s all your own, read on. We’ll go over a variety of ways you can use both old and new items to give your kitchen a vintage makeover.
Kitchens of the past did not have matching built in cabinets. Rather, they were outfitted with assorted free-standing cabinets and wall shelves. You probably want to keep most of your cabinets intact, but tearing out a few top cabinets is an effective way to give your kitchen a unique and more personal style. In the place vacated by the cabinets, you could have frosted glass shelves installed on old-fashioned metal brackets for handy storage of frequently used items.
Does your kitchen have any bare wall space or empty corners? If so, this is your chance to create an authentically vintage vibe. Source an antique hutch, baker’s cabinet, island, or similar piece of furniture to adorn this part of the room. As a bonus, you’ll get more storage and/or work space in your kitchen.
However, even if you have to work with your existing cabinets, you can bring them more in line with old styles by replacing some of the wooden door fronts with cabinet glass. Choose a pattern that makes the glass look old and store something like antique glassware or heirloom pottery behind it.
Having everything matching and coordinated is definitely a more modern approach. Use more than one metallic tone in your kitchen by purchasing some antique copperware, swapping out the door knobs and drawer pulls, or bringing in a new finish on lights or other installations.
This brings us to one of the most fun parts of the makeover: shopping flea markets, thrift stores, antique markets, and yard sales for genuine vintage pieces. Possibilities include:
A well-designed kitchen should have task lighting as well as overhead lighting. The overhead lighting should also do double duty as a décor element. Keep task lighting discreet, installed in areas like the bottoms of cabinets or above the toe-kick. Make a statement with the main ceiling light and maybe an additional hanging light over an island. If your budget allows, you can order genuine antique lights online, but there are also plenty of vintage style items that cost less!
Nature based décor is trending today, but it’s been around forever. Include these looks in your vintage makeover to be both trendy and timeless:
Another fun trick for giving your kitchen authentic vintage flair is paying attention to details. Buy (or ask Grandma for) kitchen accessories from the past. Possibilities include:
While you’re thrifting, also keep an eye out for antique wall hangings that would look awesome in your kitchen. You can even create a custom wall hanging by purchasing a vintage frame and having a piece of antique style mirror custom cut to fit in it.
Whether you want to follow this advice for giving your kitchen a vintage glow-up or you’d prefer to modernize it, ABC Glass & Mirror can help. Along with custom shelves, cabinet glass, and mirrors, we also offer glass table tops, grid style partitions, and more. Give our team a call to schedule a free in-home consult and quote – (703)257-7150!
