Kitchen renovations can be daunting, but incorporating vintage elements into a contemporary space can create a timeless and inviting result. This week’s featured kitchen manages to strike the perfect balance between old and new for a fresh take on Scandinavian design. Join us as we explore this charming space and gather inspiration for infusing vintage flair into modern interiors.
An Overview of the Vintage-Inspired Norwegian Kitchen
This light-filled kitchen is located in a home in Oslo, Norway and masterfully blends classic and contemporary elements. The homeowners desired a space that felt connected to the home’s history while still looking fresh and current.
Key vintage features include:
- White subway tile backsplash with black grout
- Free-standing farmhouse sink
- Open wooden shelving
- Black and wood Windsor-style chairs
- Rounded archway connecting to dining room
The vintage vibe is balanced by sleek stainless steel appliances, crisp white cabinetry, a large island, and pops of greenery. Abundant natural light floods the space thanks to numerous windows and a glass door that opens to the backyard.
Despite its modest size, this kitchen packs in loads of smart storage and functionality. The result is a tranquil, welcoming space with timeless character.
The History Behind the Home
This suburban home was originally built in the late 1940s in a modest Norwegian architectural style. It has been expanded and updated over the decades, but the owners were careful to preserve original details during the kitchen renovation.
Vintage elements like the tile and shelving pay homage to the kitchen’s roots in a simpler time. The classic archway reminds us of the generations who have gathered here over 70+ years of family history.
While staying true to its heritage, the new kitchen also suits the needs of a busy modern household. The meshing of eras creates a room full of charm and functionality.
Blending Vintage Appeal into Contemporary Kitchens
The trend of blending old and new has taken hold across interior design, and kitchens are a great place to try this dichotomy. Vintage components can infuse modern spaces with warmth, personality and a connection to the past.
Here are some ideas for working vintage flair into contemporary kitchen updates:
Backsplashes
- Subway tile
- Beaded board
- Tin ceiling tiles
- Salvaged or reclaimed wood
Add pops of retro style by using materials like subway tile, beadboard or salvaged wood. Create patterns or designs for added interest.
Lighting
- Pendant lights
- Vintage bulb shapes
- Filament bulbs
- Brass fixtures
- Edison bulbs
Switch out basic overhead lights with pendant lights for an instant style boost. Seek out unique vintage-style bulbs and brass or bronze fixtures.
Flooring
- Black and white checkered tile
- Hexagonal tile
- 1950s-style vinyl tile
- Salvaged wood planks
Bold checkerboard patterns instantly evoke mid-century flair. Search for vinyl flooring made in retro styles. Distressed wood creates cottage vibes.
Cabinets/Shelves
- Open shelving
- Glass-front cabinets
- Butlers pantries
- Painted cabinets
Incorporate open shelving or glass-front cabinets for a casual, vintage feeling. Simple shelves show off glassware and dishes. Painted cabinets add softness.
Hardware
- Ceramic knobs
- Glass knobs
- Distressed metal pulls
- Vintage-style handles
Swap modern brushed nickel handles for ceramic, glass or distressed metal hardware. Seek unique pieces at salvage shops.
Sinks
- Farmhouse style
- Enameled cast iron
- Corner sinks
- Clawfoot style
Farmhouse and enameled cast iron sinks embody cottage appeal. Corner sinks maximize space. Clawfoot tubs make bold sinks.
Appliances
- 1950s-style fridges or stoves
- Vintage-look appliances
- Retro small appliances
Search for real antique appliances or modern styles with retro flair. Display vibrant small appliances like toasters and mixers.
Furniture
- Farm tables
- Windsor chairs
- Hoosier cabinets
- Kitchen hutches
- Islands on wheels
Incorporate furniture like farm tables, Windsor chairs, hoosiers and hutches. Add charm with islands on wheels for flexibility.
Wall Accents
- Framed vintage advertisements
- Antique plates or clocks
- Tin signs
- Botanical prints
- Wall mounted telephone
Decorate walls and display collections with antique tin signs, plates or prints. A classic wall-mounted telephone adds functional nostalgia.
Design Elements to Spotlight the Vintage Style
Several strategic design choices help highlight the vintage aspects of this Scandinavian kitchen. The crisp white cabinetry, island and walls create a light, airy backdrop, allowing the classic features to shine.
Color Scheme – A neutral white, wood and black color palette gives the kitchen a light, relaxed feel. Pops of black in the window frames, hardware and subway tiles contrast the white for vintage flair.
Window Treatments – Sheer white curtains soften the abundant natural light. Their breezy, informal style pairs nicely with the farmhouse sink and open shelving.
Textures & Materials – The tile, wood and metal textures add visual appeal while reflecting the kitchen’s vintage personality. Salvaged wood stools at the island incorporate organic warmth.
Styling & Accessories – Carefully chosen accessories like the exposed Edison bulbs, black Windsor chairs and plants give vintage style. Open shelving displays glassware, books and plants.
Layout & Storage – The efficient galley layout maximizes function and flow. Open shelves lined with ceramics keep items visible but neat. Glass-front cabinets showcase dishware.
Architectural Details – The rounded archway and moldings connect the kitchen to the home’s original architecture and craftsmanship.
Lighting – Pendant lights hang low over the island lending a casual, welcoming glow. Abundant windows and skylights add natural brightness.
Hardware – Black metal pulls on the cabinets and drawers have a traditional, timeworn look. Their Unique shapes add interest and reflect the era.
Floor Plan – Though compact, the galley floorplan features multiple work zones: cleaning, cooking, prepping and dining. This creates an efficient workspace.
The Charm of a Vintage Farmhouse Sink
One of the most distinctive vintage features is the free-standing farmhouse sink. This classic style dates back over a century and adds antique country charm.
Farmhouse sinks are made of materials like enameled cast iron or fireclay. This deep, wide sink has an exposed apron front and legs. It can be paired with a wall-mounted or standalone faucet.
Benefits of farmhouse sinks include:
- Unique, built-in style from a bygone era. Provides old-fashioned character that defines the space.
- Offers a large single basin for washing large pots and pans. More functional than smaller double basins.
- Visible appeal becomes a statement piece in the kitchen versus undermount sink.
- Cast iron retains heat well for hot pans and provides a smooth surface.
- Enamel coat is fade resistant. Many options feature chips to expose the iron below for a rustic look.
- Compatible with a variety of kitchen aesthetics from modern to traditional. Provides a versatile focal point.
This Norwegian kitchen uses a fireclay farmhouse sink in a clean white hue. The visible sink shows off its vintage style while matching the brightness of the contemporary cabinetry. It’s both stylish and highly functional.
Creating an Inviting Vintage Kitchen Island
Another area where this kitchen incorporates vintage influence is in the kitchen island. Islands provide additional counter space and storage while defining the kitchen’s footprint. Vintage-inspired islands impart cozy character.
This kitchen island features:
- White base cabinets matching other cabinetry
- Black wrought iron accents and stretcher connecting the legs
- Open lower shelves for displaying cookbooks and ceramic pieces
- Wheels on front legs to move for flexible workspace
- Salvaged oak wood counter surface creates warmth
- Farmhouse-style ceramic sink for prep work
- Wine rack underneath adds specialized storage
- Stools with wood seats and black metal frames that echo the island
By pairing the farmhouse sink, wine rack and salvaged oak with the crisp cabinetry, this island strikes the ideal vintage-modern balance. It adds functionality through expanded work zones and storage while acting as a decorative focal point.
Islands provide an opportunity to highlight personal style. This combination of white cabinets, industrial iron accents and reclaimed wood reflects the homeowners’ tastes. The wheels add unique character and customization.
The Retro Charm of a Black & White Checkered Floor
Amping up the vintage style is a black and white checkered vinyl floor. This retro pattern immediately infuses the sleek space with bold mid-century flair.
Checkered floors peaked in popularity in the 1950s/60s but trace back centuries through classic Italian and Spanish tilework. The graphic black and white motif has a striking, almost surreal effect.
Benefits of a checkered kitchen floor include:
- Makes a dramatic visual statement that anchors the vintage design scheme
- Pattern appears clean, lively and fun against crisp cabinetry
- Black and white palette matches appliances for a cohesive look
- Vinyl material is budget friendly and durable
- Retro motif recalls diners, soda shops and sockhops
- Tile pattern is easy to install and maintain
To balance the eye-catching floor, the homeowners kept the cabinets, walls and ceilings neutral. This allows the black and white tile to take center stage. Contrast is key in vintage design, and this floor alongside the bright finishes creates liveliness.
The Warmth of Open Wood Shelving & Cabinets
No vintage kitchen is complete without the inclusion of wood elements to impart organic warmth. The homeowners used wood in creative ways throughout the space.
Open shelving along one wall provides a place to artfully display glassware, cookbooks and accent pieces. The casual shelves pair nicely with the checkered floor and farmhouse sink.
- Wood grain adds natural texture and softness to contrast the sleek finishes
- Shelves stray from typical wall cabinets for a more curated, rustic look
- Displays glassware collections and beloved cookbooks
- Airy design feels less boxy than wall cabinets
- Provides quick access to frequently used items
- Lower shelf holds bread box and canisters for a cottage look
The island also incorporates reclaimed oak boards on the countertop. This echoes the shelving and gives the island an antique farm table vibe. Using the same salvaged oak unifies the look.
Wood lends vintage appeal through:
- Distressed, imperfect planks or reclaimed barn wood
- Natural unpainted finish that exposes grain
- Warmer than stone, stainless or laminate
- Can be whitewashed or pickled for a worn look
- Works for shelves, counters, tables, backsplashes
Finally, glass-front upper cabinets reveal the homeowners’ vintage dish collections. The wood frames contrast the pristine interiors and glass fronts.
Wood shelving and cabinets add timeless, organic texture. The imperfections and grains help new spaces feel like they have history. It’s a classic, unforced way to achieve vintage style.
Infusing Vintage Character Into Modern Norwegian Interiors
Norway has an enduring affinity for mid-century style, particularly Scandinavian retro. The 1950s and 60s sparked interest in stripping away frills and focusing on functionality and minimal shapes.
Yet Norwegians also appreciate craftsmanship and heritage. Thus many are drawn to blending new and old in that quintessential hygge sweet spot between cozy and sleek.
Ways to marry vintage and contemporary in Norwegian homes include:
Lighting – Use vintage bulbs and fixtures as accent lighting. Combine with track lighting or recessed lights to blend eras.
Furniture – Incorporate family heirlooms or flea market finds into fresh rooms. Refinish pieces to modernize.
Textiles – Layer antique rugs or quilts with new textiles and patterns for eclectic charm.
Ar t& Accessories – Display collections of old clocks, radios, cameras or ironstone. Create gallery walls mixing antique prints with contemporary pieces.
Materials – Build on clean Scandinavian spaces by adding reclaimed wood beams, salvaged brick backsplashes, and distressed metal accents.
Architecture – Accentuate unique existing details like arched doorways, built-ins, fireplaces or moldings.
Florals – Add vintage appeal by displaying bouquets in enamelware or milk glass vases for softness.
Texture – Incorporate woven baskets, galvanized metal buckets, weathered surfaces. Use white linen curtains for an effortless vintage impression.
By thoughtfully combining elements old and new, Norwegians can honor their roots while still looking forward. Vintage flair adds soul that only time can impart.
Achieving a Cohesive Blend of Vintage & Modern
With so many opportunities to add vintage flair, it can be tempting to overdo it. Too many disparate elements can feel cluttered and disjointed. The key is exercising intentionality and restraint.
Here are tips for a cohesive blend:
- Edit out excess. Include just a few thoughtfully chosen vintage pieces to anchor the look. Too many fight for attention.
- Match finishes. Unify through consistent finishes like black, white or natural wood. Metallics like brass and bronze also pair well.
- Repetition. Repeat textures and materials like subway tile and reclaimed wood to tie the look together.
- Select a color palette. Black, white and wood automatically create a vintage vibe. Charcoal, cream and terracotta also work.
- Rhythm. Bounce back and forth between sleek and textural. If cabinets are modern, add an antique rug or farmhouse table. Create visual harmony.
- Scale. Make sure fixtures and furniture are appropriately sized for the space. Small rooms demand smaller scale elements to maintain balance.
- Layer lighting. Use a mix of fixture styles from different eras – pendant lights, sconces, Edison bulbs, recessed lighting.
- Ask what, not what. View each piece individually instead of worrying if they match. If they’re special, include them.
Stay intentional when blending any design styles. Curate the look carefully to highlight the vintage elements while achieving overall cohesion.
Infusing Personality Through Styling & Accessories
Styling a kitchen comes down to displaying decor that reflects the homeowners’ tastes and personality. Accessories with vintage flair allow self-expression alongside function.
Warm personal touches in this Norwegian kitchen include:
Cookbooks
A colllection of brightly covered cookbooks fills the open shelving. These reflect the owners’ passion for cooking and trying new recipes. The books add color and encourage use.
Terrariums
Glass terrariums of trailing ivy, ferns and tropical plants sit above the cabinets. These low-maintenance greens thrive indoors and tie to the exterior views.
Fruit Bowl
A casual white stoneware bowl is always stocked with fresh fruit for easy snacking. The homey accent adds function and connects to the overall cottage vibe.
Ceramics
An assortment of glossy ceramic canisters, planters and dishes provides vintage flair. The colors and sheen contrast the matte wood and tile textures.
Wine Rack
Built into the kitchen island is rack storage for wine bottles. This reflects the homeowners’ interests while keeping items accessible but tidy.
Baskets
Woven baskets stacked on the open shelves corral items. They lend organic texture and feel both vintage and Scandinavian.
Signs
A trio of metal & wood signs decorated with nostalgic Norwegian phrases create a focal point over the cooktop. This personalizes the heart of the kitchen.
Plants
From leafy potted plants to fresh flowers and herbs, greenery infuses life and freshness. Plants always enhance a kitchen’s warmth and vibrancy.
Include personal touches that spark joy and express your style. Vintage-inspired accessories showcase collections and welcome guests.
Answering Common Questions About Achieving Vintage Style
Infusing a contemporary kitchen with vintage flair can be done beautifully, but also raises common questions:
How much should I budget for a vintage kitchen?
Budgets can vary greatly. Key is being flexible and creative:
- Search thrift shops and online for antique pieces and vintage-look appliances.
- Use reproduction tile, lighting and hardware to get the look for less.
- Salvage materials from homes under renovation when possible.
- Mix high end countertops with inexpensive decorative accents.
- Save on cabinets through refinishing, repainting or styling open shelves.
- Prioritize splurges like sinks, faucets and lighting. Add DIY touches.
How do I make a new kitchen look old?
Achieve a lived-in look through these techniques:
- Use lighting and plumbing fixtures that appear antique. Oil-rubbed bronze finishes add patina.
- Incorporate salvaged or recycled wood beams, flooring, shelving and counters. Distress, paint or whitewash.
- Add texture through subway tile, beadboard paneling or vintage wallpaper. Use natural materials.
- Install a deep farmhouse sink and exposed pipework. Use vintage-style taps and faucets.
- Style open shelves with antique dishware, books, baskets and ceramic canisters.
- Purchase reproduction appliances or apply vintage hardware if affordable options aren’t available.
Should I avoid patterns and colors in a vintage kitchen?
Beware going too muted. Vintage kitchens can still be bold through:
- Cheery retro color schemes like turquoise, cherry red and sunny yellow
- Checkered, geometric or herringbone backsplashes or floors
