This week we’re taking a look at a delightfully quirky kitchen remodel in Texas that blends modern styling with vintage charm. From repurposed furniture finds to pops of color, this kitchen redesign has loads of personality. Read on for an inside look at how the homeowners transformed their dated, cramped cook space into an inviting hub filled with character.
Introduction
When the owners of this 1930s Tudor-style home in the Oakwood Heights area of Austin set out to remodel their kitchen, they knew they wanted to preserve the vintage bones while giving it some modern twists. The existing kitchen was cut off from the rest of the home with a wall dividing it from the dining room. Cabinetry was original to the 1930s house and terribly dated. Appliances were failing and there was very little prep space.
The homeowners aimed to open up the kitchen to create better flow, update the functionality, and infuse it with plenty of unique style. Blending modern conveniences with vintage flair, they sought to maximize every inch to gain storage and make the kitchen more inviting and full of character. With strategic layout tweaks, custom cabinetry, and eclectic styled finishes, this quirky remodeled kitchen packs loads of rustic appeal.
Blending Vintage Style with Modern Updates
To bridge the old and new elements of this remodeled kitchen, the homeowners blended timeworn finishes with contemporary updates. The existing tile flooring was refreshed but kept to retain some of the vintage vibe. New custom cabinets took cues from original built-ins with similar detailing. Classic subway tiles got an update with an ombre gray and white color scheme.
By preserving original charming details and mixing them with more modern features, the kitchen strikes the perfect balance between old and new. The space has all the functionality of a contemporary cookspace but abundant warmth, texture, and personality thanks to the nods to original detailing. This quirky kitchen remodel beautifully brings together the best of both eras.
Preserving Vintage Architectural Details
To maintain the kitchen’s old-house charm and Tudor style, certain existing details were left intact. The original archways leading into the kitchen from the dining room and butler’s pantry were kept. Leaded glass windows filling the kitchen with natural light were also preserved. The classic hexagon tile flooring spanning the kitchen and adjacent spaces sets the tone for the vintage vibe.
Salvaged vintage lights now hang above the kitchen island, outfitted with Edison bulbs to further play up the timeworn aesthetic. Extra character was worked into the new kitchen design to continue the old-house feel, like the beadboard wainscoting trim along the walls and bottoms of the upper cabinets. The remodel honors the 1930s roots of the home while adapting the space for modern day use.
Incorporating Modern Functionality
While preserving some of the vintage details, the homeowners also wanted their new kitchen to have all the functionality that comes with an up-to-date cookspace. The existing kitchen lacked storage and workspace, so transforming it into an ergonomic cooking area was a priority.
All new cabinetry outfitted with clever storage solutions helped maximize organization potential. Custom drawers, roll-out trays, spice racks, and other inserts keep everything neatly tucked away but easily accessible. The new kitchen island provides extra surface area for meal prep and entertaining, something sorely lacking before.
Top of the line appliances were installed for optimal efficiency and performance. A specialty refrigerator optimizes cooling capabilities and organization for different food groups. The gas range and wall oven include all the latest baking and roasting tech features.
The new kitchen layout also improves traffic flow and sightlines, opening up the space. A peninsula replaced one wall to connect the kitchen to the dining room. A window over the sink and strategic placement of lighting fixtures keep the entire kitchen brightly illuminated.
Marrying vintage and contemporary elements resulted in a kitchen that celebrates the old while offering exceptional modern-day functionality. This quirky remodel blends the best of both eras.
Cleverly Repurposed Furniture Finds
In keeping with the eclectic vibe of this kitchen remodel, many of the components include repurposed or unconventional pieces blending seamlessly into the design. The homeowners’ creativity and savvy thrifting skills were on full display as they sourced unique items to transform into functional fixtures.
Vintage Library Card Catalog as Spice Drawers
One of the most unique elements of the kitchen is the set of spice drawers cleverly fashioned out of an old library card catalog. The size was perfect to fill an empty space next to the stove. The many small drawers are ideal for organizing a robust collection of herbs and spices. The unexpected piece adds vintage flair next to the modern stove.
Architectural Salvage Station as Pot Rack
Above the kitchen island, an antique architectural station recovered from a salvage warehouse gets a second life as an industrial-style pot rack. The metal frame allows pots, pans, and ladles to be suspended above the island, freeing up cabinet storage. The piece adds great visual interest and infuses more old-world appeal.
Vintage Desks as Baking Station
On the opposite side of the kitchen, a baking station was constructed from two retro oak desks. The kneehole openings provide a perfect spot for the oven and lower cabinets for cookie sheets and baking tools. This inventive use of the space gives it a built-in look. The vintage desks offer closed storage as well as open shelving for cookbooks, canisters, and oven mitts.
Repurposed China Cabinet as Spice Cabinet
Another clever vintage furnishing find is the china cabinet transformed into a spice cabinet. Some of the glass was removed and backed with chicken wire. Jars of spices are neatly displayed in the glass sections that remain. Extra storage for bulk items or lesser used seasonings is available behind the wire-backed panels and in drawers. This chic storage solution puts the spice collection on display as a focal point.
With strategic hunting through antique shops and salvage warehouses, the homeowners were able to incorporate one-of-a-kind vintage pieces that work cohesively with the new custom cabinetry. These furniture repurposing ideas elevate the kitchen with character and conserve resources by giving new life to old items.
Pops of Color Add Whimsical Personality
Against the backdrop of crisp white cabinetry, warm wood tones, and stainless steel, the homeowners brought in pops of color to inject the space with playfulness and personality. Vibrant turquoise and sunny yellow accents liven up the kitchen.
Cheerful yellow window frames provide sunny contrast to the white cabinetry. The hue appears again on the retro fridge, adorned with flower magnets and triumphant school sports ribbons proudly displayed.
Punches of turquoise are found on the beadboard paneling inside open shelves and on the vent hood above the stove. The vibrant shade enlivens the all-white cooking zone. More turquoise shows up in the antique glassware displayed in the converted hutch.
Touches of red and orange join the palette in the retro canisters on the baking station and ceramic chicken decor. This bit of kitsch injects more fun.
While the kitchen has a clear vintage vibe, the spurts of color and whimsical accessories keep it from feeling like a stodgy period piece. The hues inject youthful character into the thoughtfully designed cookspace.
Clever Storage Solutions Maximize Utility
For the homeowners, gaining more organized storage in the kitchen remodel was a top priority. The original 1930s kitchen was severely lacking in space to tuck away cooking tools, pantry items, and serving ware. With some ingenious custom cabinetry and clever solutions, they were able to maximize every inch to accommodate their extensive collection.
Deep Drawers for Pots and Pans
The kitchen island provides most of the main storage for pots, pans, and other cooking tools. Deep drawers were incorporated into the base cabinetry so large stockpots and pans could be stacked vertically and easily accessible. Custom dividers keep everything organized. The deep drawers eliminate the need for a hard-to-reach pot rack crammed under the island counter.
Spice Drawer Organization
The refurbished card catalog turned spice station has over 20 small drawers for neatly arranging spices, extracts, oils and other flavoring agents. The slim drawers make labels easy to scan so the right spice can be found quickly. Bulk sizes and lesser used spices are stored out of sight behind the drawer bank.
Tray Storage Roll-Outs
Adjustable roll-out trays in the base cabinets and pantry keep baking sheets, cooling racks, muffin tins, and cutting boards organized and swiftly accessible. The custom trays allow bulky items to be stacked vertically instead of taking up entire shelves.
Specialty Storage for Plates and Platters
Upper cabinets flanking the vent hood were designed with extra deep shelves to accommodate the homeowners’ large platter and serving bowl collection. Plate racks also allow dining sets to be stored neatly and beautifully on display.
Pots and Lid Organization
A vertical rack attached inside the pantry cabinet door provides a place to hang pots and lids together. This frees up space on shelves while keeping lids neatly paired with their pots.
With customized storage inserts and specialty solutions in the new cabinetry design, even the most avid cooks with extensive kitchen tool collections can stay organized. This quirky kitchen redesign truly makes the most of every cubic inch for smarter storage.
FAQs
What style would you categorize this kitchen remodel?
This kitchen remodel combines elements of vintage, farmhouse, and industrial style for an eclectic and quirky aesthetic. It embraces the 1930s Tudor architecture of the home while infusing modern and rustic accents.
What unique antique or vintage items were incorporated?
- Library card catalog transformed into spice drawers
- Salvaged metal architectural fragment used as pot rack
- Retro oak desks repurposed as baking station
- Antique hutch converted to spice cabinet
How were the existing kitchen details preserved?
Original details like the leaded glass windows, archways, and hexagon tile floors were kept. New cabinetry also mimicked the original built-ins. This maintained the old house charm.
How was the kitchen opened up?
The wall dividing the kitchen from the dining room was replaced with a peninsula. This improved the connection between the spaces and enabled better traffic flow.
What colors are used in the space?
The kitchen uses a primarily white and wood tone palette. Pops of vibrant turquoise and sunny yellow add personality. Touches of red and orange inject playful flair.
What special storage solutions are featured?
Deep drawers for pots/pans, custom spice drawer bank, roll outs for trays, extra deep shelves for platters, vertical pot/lid storage rack, and adjustable inserts.
How were the appliances incorporated?
Top of the line appliances like the specialty fridge, gas range, and electric oven were installed for optimal function. The retro fridge provides character.
Conclusion
This quirky kitchen redesign in an Austin area home demonstrates how vintage charm can beautifully meld with contemporary functionality. Strategic layout changes, such as removing walls and adding a peninsula, improved flow and opened up sightlines. Timeworn architectural details were thoughtfully preserved, from leaded glass to hex tile floors.
Clever repurposing of salvaged furniture pieces injected unique character as functional fixtures. Customized cabinetry packing storage solutions helps keep the active cooks organized. Pops of happy color and playful accessories lend an energetic vibe. Rustic farmhouse meets industrial edge in this wonderfully livable, personality-filled heart of the home.
This Texas kitchen remodel offers inspirational ideas for creatively blending old and new elements into a space brimming with style and function. From the way repurposed antiques mingle seamlessly with fresh contemporary cabinetry to the unique color accents, this charming redesign reminds us that a kitchen should ultimately reflect the homeowners’ tastes. When personalized with vintage treasures and infused with colors, textures, and materials that capture your unique style, the kitchen can become the true jewel of your home.
