So you want to capture the style of bygone days by adding vintage flair to your kitchen, but what exactly is vintage style? So glad you asked! Vintage usually refers to something that is 20+ years old and represents a specific era (starting around the 1920s).
Incorporating this style into your existing kitchen doesn’t mean doing an entire remodel (although, you can if you want to!). At theRTAstore.com we’ve got everything from hardware to cabinetry to help you achieve the vintage look. If you’re unsure about where to start, here are eight elements often found in vintage kitchens:
#1 Natural wood
Wooden countertops and floors are common fixtures in vintage kitchens. Wood has a way of adding warmth to a space. Other ways to add wooden charm: go for a butcher block top on the island or trade your current dining room table for a farmhouse style one. If you need more inspiration follow theRTAstore.com on Pinterest and you’ll discover we love wooden countertops. In fact, we have an entire board dedicated to them!
#2 Beadboard
This versatile paneling can be used in so many different places in the kitchen. Try it as a backsplash, around the island, on the ceiling, and even on the inside and outside of kitchen cabinets. Go for a clean, classic appearance with white beadboard or paint it a bright color for added throwback flair!
#3 Open shelving
Not only is open shelving perfect for displaying your curated collection of vintage pyrex dishes, but it’s also great for creating a more spacious feel in the kitchen. Take off the doors and hinges of pre-existing cabinets for open shelving on a dime or purchase a few floating shelves and install them on empty walls.
#4 Vintage hardware
One of the easiest ways to change the feel of your kitchen is by adding new pulls and knobs to cabinets and drawers. These classic metal and ceramic pulls from theRTAstore.com will add a small splash of vintage style with their charming floral details, or try these simple brass pulls if florals aren’t your thing.
#5 Apron front sink
Fortunately for you apron front (or farmhouse) sinks are on trend, which means they’re a little easier to find. These vintage style sinks have an exposed front and usually consist of one deep basin. They come in a variety of materials like porcelain, stainless steel, and even copper!
#6 Old school light fixtures
And by old school, we literally mean old school. Pendants that used to light the school hallways of yesteryear are now popping up in homes. They’ll add the perfect vintage touch to your kitchen hanging over the kitchen island or sink.
#7 Simple white cabinetry
Another element often found in vintage kitchens is simple white cabinetry. At theRTAstore.com, we offer a large selection of ready-to-assemble and pre-assembled kitchen cabinets—including vintage styles! Check out The Vintage White cabinet collection featuring solid maple construction and beautiful glass-front cabinet doors. We’d also recommend the classic Aspen White Shaker cabinet collection that’ll add timeless style to your kitchen.
#8 Flea market finds
Shopping flea markets and antique malls are two more great ways to find vintage accessories for your kitchen. Look for small vintage appliances, old signs and cookware to really drive home that vintage feel.
