How to Update a Kitchen With Vintage Modern Style
Eventually modern trends lead back to the past. And just as in fashion, when it comes to kitchen design, "everything old is new again." Whatever the age of your current home, you can update your kitchen to reflect past eras without too much difficulty. Simple changes to the cupboards, walls, floors and decor can take you from present to past. Alternatively, if the kitchen in your dated home is in its original condition; you can maintain its style and functionality by replacing older worn-out items with new ones that simply look old. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Paint
- Kitchen pulls and cabinet knobs
- Vintage style appliances
- Retro or antique accessories
- New flooring
Instructions
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Assess the condition of your kitchen cabinets. If they are in poor condition, you may need to have them replaced. Otherwise, you can sand them down and paint them in a neutral or bright shade inspired by color palettes popular in your target decade. Spend some money and have the cabinet hardware replaced. It's easy to locate vintage pulls and knobs for your kitchen cupboards at local hardware stores or online.
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Replace worn counter-tops with butcher block or retro-style Formica. Because retro is a popular decorating style, you can find designs that are new, but appear as though they are old. If you are blending ultra-modern with vintage, consider having stainless steel or concrete counter-tops installed. You can have concrete counter-tops colored to give an aged look to your sleek counters.
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Pick out some '50s diner-style, black-and-white tile for a new kitchen floor or maybe a contrasting laminate floor. If your present kitchen has hardwood floors in the kitchen, some buffing and polishing may be all you need to do. Otherwise, breathe new life into it by having it refinished.
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Turn your attention to major appliances. There are several ways to introduce vintage appliances to your kitchen. You can have original vintage appliances restored or you can purchase rebuilt antique appliances. Some companies such as take it a step further by manufacturing brand new appliances that look exactly like those from the past.
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Many modern appliances give off vintage vibes. Stock up on small appliances from any major department store. It's easier now than ever to purchase new appliances with a sleek vintage feel to them. Coffee makers, blenders and mixers now come in not only stainless steel, but also in vintage-inspired colors like red, yellow and jadeite green.
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Scour garage and yard sales for vintage treasures. Apply finishing touches with accessories and artwork. Major stores and kitchen boutiques stock vintage-looking accessories that will add flair and personality to your vintage kitchen. However, if you would rather have the real thing, visit garage sales and antique stores. A little soap, silver polish and elbow grease works wonders for abandoned items found tucked away in someone's attic.
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Tips & Warnings
The beauty of a modern vintage kitchen is that it combines the old with the new. Make the best of both worlds by using anything you can find for your kitchen whether it is original or a modern copy.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
