Today’s vintage-style solid wood kitchens pair a perfect blend of traditional units and retro accessories to create a look that harmonises the old and the new. Whether you are looking to buy a whole new kitchen or simply fancy an update, we have a splendid selection of kitchen components in our collection, and plenty of suggestions for creating the vintage look yourself.
WORKTOPS
Although it may not be immediately obvious, worktops and the type of timber chosen can have a significant impact on a kitchen. For a vintage kitchen look, we would certainly recommend traditional oak kitchen worktops as your timber of choice! With undeniable character and a wealth of charm, oak is the go-to worktop for this style of kitchen. Oak is a popular and versatile choice, but if you are looking for something a little more quirky, we might suggest our lovely solid walnut worktops instead, which team dark heartwood with light sapwood to create a wonderful patchwork effect.
Old style kitchen cabinets
Our Traditional kitchen cabinet doors are perfect for vintage-inspired kitchens, and – although we are biased – we think solid oak cabinets are the best choice for a more classical look. The cabinet carcasses we make are constructed from extremely durable and hard-wearing oak, making them the perfect foundation for any kitchen. We are able to supply our cabinet doors in a sanded or lacquered finished, or painted in a choice of colours from our favoured paint manufacturer: Farrow & Ball. For a retro kitchen, painted cupboard doors in the Traditional style are a prime pick, in white, muted neutral tones, gentle blue or pale green.
HANDLES & KNOBS
Your choice of handles for kitchen cabinets can really impact your kitchen’s style. To create a vintage country kitchen look, a traditional oak knob is ideal, and also matches oak worktops. Alternatively, a ceramic Edison knob is both clean and bright, and is a charming cabinet accessory. A rustic Lamont pewter handle is full of traditional British charm and is perfect for drawers, with matching knobs also available for cabinet doors.
CABINET ACCESSORIES
If you are looking for the finest-quality finishing touch for cabinetry, our wooden display plinths create an immaculate and uniform finish when painted to match wooden frontals.
Simple and traditional pilasters are useful both for ornamentation and for creating a small gap between cabinets if required. If you would like pilasters in your vintage kitchen, we recommend avoiding any that are highly detailed, in order to remain in keeping with your retro aesthetic.
For the final flourish to cabinets, you may wish to add solid oak kitchen cornices and pelmets, which are a splendid feature for creating retro-inspired kitchens, and are a favoured choice for completing the appearance of vintage kitchen cabinets.
WALLS
Timeless subway tiles are on-trend and a fantastic choice for modern retro kitchens, especially in a clean, fresh white. They are perfect for protecting walls, as well as conveying the old-fashioned look you may desire. Read our blog on ‘Subway Tiles for Oak Kitchens’ to find out more!
Alternatively, you may prefer to adorn your kitchen in vintage-inspired wallpapers. Exclusive and rare wallpaper patterns add a blend of personality and individuality to make your kitchen totally unique. There is a wide variety available to buy online, making it easy for you to find the perfect paper to match your chosen colour scheme. For a modern interpretation of a vintage kitchen, we recommend using busy prints carefully, so as not to be overwhelming; focus on one feature wall, chimney breast or alcove. Small sections and remnants can also be cut down to make pretty drawer liners!
Image courtesy of House & Garden
Image courtesy of Vintage Wallpapers
Image courtesy of John Lewis
FINISHING TOUCHES
Reproduction canisters and tins are practical for storing dry goods, but also work beautifully as ornamental features on open shelving. They can even be used as a quirky alternative to traditional plant pots.
The list of retailers supplying retro-inspired kitchenware is positively endless, so you will have no trouble kitting out your cupboards. From mixing bowls to measuring cups, it’s easy to find these culinary accessories at most major department stores and supermarkets.
We love the charm of vintage-style kitchens, which make for a quirky and cosy cooking and dining area, and pay tribute to the fine attributes of kitchens from times past. If you have a retro kitchen that you are especially proud of, we would be delighted if you would share pictures with us via Facebook and Twitter. If you are feeling inspired and would like to order any of our kitchen samples, please do not hesitate to contact us.
If you are looking for more inspiration for a vintage look kitchen, you may find the following blogs and guides of interest:
Please note: This guide was originally published on the 22nd April 2016 and has been updated on the 22nd November to include additional information.