Vintage Kitchen: How to Play Up a Retro Decor

By Cynthia Pigeon

Updated on November 8, 2023

For some people, the prospect of living in a house that is a genuine time capsule is something of a reality. Perhaps you’re one of the many who’ve decided to keep the original retro design going since you’re drawn to its history. However, after a while, your home may need a little tweak here and there.

Among the many areas that could benefit from a little love and labour, it’s usually the kitchen, since it's probably the most used, therefore frequently damaged area. However, if this is a concern for you, you can renovate and embellish your kitchen while still maintaining its vintage vibe, thus simply adding value to it.   

Vintage Kitchen: How to Play Up a Retro Decor

Add Colour and Patterns Using Unique Ceramics Tiles

To highlight the already featured rustic decor of your kitchen, adding a tiled floor with a unique colour or pattern is bound to spruce up the area and make it stand out from the rest of your home. Think Italian or Portuguese vintage tiles: white, blue, or any vibrant colour. Match your floor tile to a small section of your backsplash. By doing so, you'll create a bold, striking look. 

retro kitchen ceramic tile pattern_Vintage Kitchen: How to Play Up a Retro Decor

Source: feasthome

Add More Textures With Wallpaper

An alternative to ceramic tiles, and a cheaper option at that, is to apply wallpaper to one or more walls of your kitchen. This option is perfect to match older, wood cabinets and enhance their value, rather than changing them. To learn more about it, check out these articles:

retro glam kitchen_Vintage Kitchen: How to Play Up a Retro Decor

Source: pmqfortwo

Floating Shelves for an Enhanced Rustic Feel

If, however, your cabinets are lacking in the beauty department and they’re getting worse by the minute, floating shelves can definitely add some flair and elegance to your kitchen while also giving it a sleeker look. It perfectly fits in with a tiled or wallpapered wall!

floating shelves retro kitchen_Vintage Kitchen: How to Play Up a Retro Decor

Source: planète-déco

Embrace the Retro Look to its Fullest!

Your kitchen is already vintage-esque, and you love it, so why not jazz it up a bit with some classic vintage items? By emphasizing the retro decor, but with a modern twist, you can create a perfect fusion that'll impress any guest. 

retro accessories_Vintage Kitchen: How to Play Up a Retro Decor

Source: Countryliving

Mix and Match Your Appliances with the Decor

To fully embrace your vintage kitchen, buying retro-style appliances will bring the rest of the decor together. Step out of your comfort zone and pick an original colour that’ll set the tone. 

mint retro appliances_Vintage Kitchen: How to Play Up a Retro Decor

Source: Big chill appliances

Live Colourfully

As mentioned above, retro is all about colours and shapes, so adding various colourful touches here and there will enhance the feel of the space. Cupboards, furniture, cabinets, you name it, the possibilities are endless. If you're interested in learning more about painting, here are some articles you might like: 

mint retro kitchen_Vintage Kitchen: How to Play Up a Retro Decor

Source: Apartment Therapy

We also recommend consulting our kitchen renovation guide, which is a very thorough article that includes a document you can use to follow along with the progress of the work. 

Get 3 quotes for your kitchen renovation project

RenoQuotes.com can help you find a trustworthy contractor for your kitchen renovation project. By submitting your project to us, we’ll be able to put you in contact with the best companies in our network. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes).

Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives.


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