Whether we’re taking inspiration from 60’s retro kitchens or the vintage kitchens found in quaint English cottages, the vintage aesthetic is everywhere. It’s a world that feels personal, reminding us of simpler times. But how can we design a vintage kitchen without it being kitsch, and without losing out on our precious modern comforts?
If you're looking for inspiration, here are some of our ideas for creating retro kitchens that are unique, contemporary and, above all, aesthetically pleasing.
White and wood vintage kitchens: understated charm
Often associated with the Scandinavian style, the marriage of white and wood also brings to mind the more traditional kitchens you might find in holiday homes. We're thinking of the villas in the Hamptons, or the pretty houses on the coast of Biarritz. It’s a style that feels natural whilst remaining modern.
Sometimes, simply redecorating kitchen units with natural wood is enough to give a completely new feeling to the space. This sideboard is a great example of that: a vintage-inspired creation from Santos in shades of white and beige.
Bright retro kitchens: all about the lighting
We can’t say it enough: bright colours are always a win. We love them as they attract natural light and do all the hard work for us. Integration of retro kitchen cabinets with moulding, such as the MARCO Santos doors, are a perfect match to brighter colours, and give a unique character to the kitchen. How could we not fall for the charm of such a sophisticated, timeless setting?
Grey vintage kitchens: simply iconic
Grey might just be the most iconic colour for vintage kitchens. Lighter shades of grey, sometimes closer to beige, take us right back to the mid-century modern kitchens that have never really gone out of fashion.
Darker shades of grey - often anthracite - evoke feelings of grand, classical kitchens. The EPOCA kitchen model from Santos, available in every colour in the RAL colour chart, would be a good option for this style. Great accessorised with some more traditional elements, like a range cooker or an antique vase, there’s something for the whole family to love.
Wooden vintage kitchens: minimalism, Scandi-style
There’s no denying it: our Scandi neighbours are the reference point for minimalist, cosy interiors. A 'vintage' trend all about wood, simple forms and an understated Hygge (pronounced 'hoo-ga'), it’s a style that everybody loves. The secret to its success is its foundation in both the natural and the practical. Only add absolutely necessary furniture to the kitchen (with preference for well-made items, of course) and put emphasis on high-quality, warm materials like light-toned woods which invite in even the darkest of winter light.
That concludes our round-up of the best vintage kitchen trends. If you’re looking for help choosing a fitted kitchen to suit your lifestyle, our eba advisors are on hand to answer all of your questions. Specialists in unique, top-of-the-range kitchens, together we’ll help you build a sophisticated interior that suits you. Contact us here to start your bespoke kitchen project.
