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Vintage décor and kitchens are a match made in heaven. If you’re a lover of all things quirky and classic, a vintage kitchen is right up your alley. Whether you prefer a Mid-century, retro look, or a rustic farmhouse vibe, there are tons of different vintage period to choose from. Vintage décor is all about taking the best elements from the past, and incorporating them into a modern, functional space. Appreciate the artistry of a bygone era and incorporate it into a communal area like your kitchen. A cooking space is the heart of your home, so give it special attention when it comes to adding décor with character. Our experts have put together the ultimate guide to vintage-inspired wall art and décor ideas for your kitchen. Let’s get started!
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Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas
Tips & Tricks Beyond Kitchen Décor
Vintage Décor: A Summary
Vintage décor requires putting quality over quantity. Cheap finishes and lack of ornate detail will give away a space as current-day. One of the easiest ways to add a vintage twist is to create a statement piece. A focal point will distract from any unwanted modernism, and also add a luxurious touch. You don’t have to go overboard with décor as long as you focus on a few key details. Add high-end elements like leather bar stools, porcelain jars, and vintage vases.
White Kitchen Décor Ideas
Rather than picking a pop of color, your color palette should be consistent throughout your space. Go with predominantly warmer tones with a white or ivory base. Cool colors like silver finishes and grey details tend to look more modern. Rust reds and woody browns will give your space a vintage look, while providing a stunning contrast to a clean, white backdrop.
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Small Vintage Kitchen Ideas
Small kitchens are ideal for vintage décor. Older homes tend to be built without an open floor plan, and vintage kitchens were often on the smaller side. It’s all about using your space efficiently, and showcasing handpicked antiques. Use pastel shades and organic tones to create the effect of an open, welcoming space. Dried flowers and herbs are a great way to add a classic touch without taking up much surface area. Wall art is another small-space décor hack. Décor on the walls can add visual dimension without stealing valuable counter space.
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Retro Kitchen Décor Ideas
For a quirky take on vintage décor, look to a more recent period in design history. The Mid-century was full of playful kitchen décor that would look adorable mixed with a modern space. Mid-century décor is a great way to bridge the gap between the past and the present. Use retro shades like mint green, coral pink, and yellow for a brightly-colored kitchen. The lines and shapes in your space should be fairly simple. Let the colors and pops of playful décor be the focus of your kitchen. Hang a retro poster that is reminiscent of the 1960s. Invest in some iconic Mid-century dish-ware for a truly authentic look.
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Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas
For an ultra-cozy look, you can’t beat vintage farmhouse décor. This rustic style is ideal for designers obsessed with the countryside aesthetic and cottagecore vibes. The beauty of this style lies in the imperfect details. Raw wood and unfinished surfaces are key. Hang a piece of wall art with a shabby-chic look to tie your space together. Fresh-cut flowers and delicate elements are key to achieving the rustic, relaxed energy. Place your spices and seasoning in mason jars for a charming, casual appearance. The beauty of this style is you don’t have to worry about keeping your space pristinely clean. A little mess here and there will add to the character of your kitchen. Vintage posters and farm-inspired advertisements are the perfect finishing touch.
Farmhouse Color Palettes
ElephantStock's interior design expert Elimar Lobo Sáenz shares her tips for building a farmhouse-friendly color palette in your cooking space:
“The best modern farmhouse colors are soft and neutral in tone, so that they work well in a variety of spaces. In general, modern farmhouse paint colors look very natural and typically include earthy tones. In terms of the best colors in this category, look to neutral colors in the greige, soft white and earthy green family. Soft, rosy pinks are also great for a more feminine touch.”
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Kitchen Décor Essentials
Whether you decide to go full vintage, or you just want to give your space a classic twist, there are a few essential details. Good lighting is imperative in any well-decorated kitchen. You want your cooking space to look warm and welcoming, which means you should maximize both natural and artificial light. Proper storage is also a must-have so that you can display only the pieces you want seen. If you want to incorporate a classic concept that has made a comeback in recent years, a deep sink like a farmhouse sink is both trendy and timeless. Finally, a piece of wall art that exemplifies the vintage era you want to execute is key.
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Tips & Tricks Beyond Kitchen Décor
A classic cooking space is stunning, but you can easily take vintage décor beyond your kitchen. For vintage patterns that will work for any room, check out our article on the top trending vibrant vintage prints. Looking for an overall summary on vintage décor? View our article on the classic trends that are coming back in 2022. If you’re not sure which era or decade best suits your style, we also have a guide dedicated to helping you find your ideal décor time period.
See our top picks for vintage kitchen wall art >>
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