Old houses often possess a unique charm, however, when it comes to making the right kitchen design choices for these architectural styles, you can be weighed down with an array of confusing options. You'll want to honor the traditional look of your home, but also create a modern kitchen that can accommodate your lifestyle and sense of aesthetics. To help you create a timeless kitchen that you'll love for many years to come, here are our top 10 kitchen design ideas for old houses. When working with an old house, the best approach is often to preserve and enhance its original features. Original wood floors, cabinets, and fixtures can add a timeless element to your kitchen. To tie the look together, consider adding period lighting fixtures and hardware. In addition, wood surfaces can be stained to bring out a richer hue, or given a gentle distressing or glazing. To bring old-world charm to your home, look for traditionally-styled cabinetry with raised panel doors and elegant archways that you can pull together with antique-inspired decorative hardware. Choose from warm wood stains and antique-style taps that offer a period-authentic look. Pendant lighting fixtures are a great way to bring a hint of classic style. In addition to traditional materials, antique-style tiles can be used to bring a tasteful touch of vintage style to your kitchen. These can be used as flooring or the backsplash to create an eye-catching focal area for your kitchen design. Or go for an aged copper-clad stove for a stunning AE Milian style touch. For an extra touch of brillance, consider using ornate metal framing for your cabinets or pantry doors. This classic decorative addition can really help your kitchen stand out from the crowd. Another element to bring a little touch of history to your kitchen design is a wrought-iron range hood. Not only does it provide a classic aesthetic charm, but also effective air ventilation. Finally, if you're looking to create a truly timeless atmosphere in your kitchen, consider enhancing the walls with a classic wood mantel and heavy cornice. A statement piece like this will help the kitchen design appear more polished and elegant.Top 10 Kitchen Design Ideas for Old Houses
If you want to create a modern, youthful atmosphere in your old house kitchen, a college-style design might be right for you. This style is both fun and vibrant, and it perfectly captures the spirit of youth and freedom. A college-style room is the perfect place to display your personality, with bright colors and fun patterns at the heart of this design trend. To get the look, mix and match colors, patterns, and textures. Start with a neutral backdrop, and add in bright, vivid colors and fun patterns. Flooring is another key part of creating a college-style look. Consider terrazzo tile for a vintage feel, or opt for vinyl tiles in bright hues and fun prints. For the walls, consider tile patterns with a retro touch. And don't forget about wallpaper, which is always a great way to introduce color and texture. When it comes to selecting cabinetry, modular types are often ideal for a college-style kitchen. Choose colors that complement your overall theme, and don't be afraid to mix and match pieces from different sets. Finally, don't forget about accessories to complete your kitchen design. Desk lamps, neon signs, and vintage-style wall art can all help personalize your college-style kitchen and make it truly unique. College-Style Room Designs for Old Houses
Nothing can quite capture the look and feel of a traditional kitchen like an old house. These charming properties often come with plenty of unique architectural features and history that can be embraced and celebrated through a tastefully-designed kitchen. For a truly timeless design, consider a traditional palette of light to medium tones with wood features. Wooden cabinetry is ideal for this style, and can offer the perfect backdrop for timeless accessories such as brass hinges, drawer pulls, lighting fixtures, and more. For more of a country kitchen, wooden beams and furniture can really bring the room together. If you have a brick or stone wall in your kitchen, adding a classic wood mantel to the top can really bring the look together. When it comes to flooring, wood is always a great choice. Alternatively, materials like slate or heavy duty vinyl can capture an aged yet elegant feel. Finally, consider adding classic touches such as a farmhouse-style sink or an antique-style stove. Repurposed furniture or decor is also a great way to bring a little character and charm to your traditional old house kitchen. Time Warp - Creating a Traditional Look in an Old House Kitchen
Preserving and restoring the character of an old house kitchen can be an exciting and rewarding process. With a little creative care and attention, you can bring your kitchen back to its former glory in no time. The first step is to assess the amount of work that needs to be done and create a plan to restore the kitchen to its best condition. Check the existing plumbing, electrical wiring, and make sure everything is in working order. If necessary, hire a qualified professional to address any safety concerns. Next, decide which areas need to be repaired or replaced. Consider replacing existing fixtures with newer models, or investing in some energy-efficient appliances. If you don’t mind a little extra work, refinishing cabinets can add a wonderful vintage look. Additionally, consider adding subtle decorative touches to enhance the original features of the kitchen. For example, framing the countertops, adding wainscoting, or surrounding a sink with marble tile can really make your kitchen sparkle. Finally, think about any safety and accessibility measures that need to be taken. If your kitchen is on an upper floor, consider adding a staircase railing for ease of use. Restoring an Old House Kitchen: What's the Best Approach?
Crafting a traditional kitchen in an old house can be a challenge, but also incredibly rewarding. To make the most of the charm and distinct style of these homes, there are certain design elements that should not be overlooked. Here are 10 traditional kitchen design elements to bring old-world charm to your home. Vintage Cabinet Knobs: Adding decorative and distinctive knobs to your kitchen cabinets is an easy way to make a statement. Look for pieces in brass, bronze, and other classic metals to bring a timeless feel to your kitchen. Antique Faucets: For a rustic touch, choose antique-style tapware. These come in a range of different finishes to match the look of your home. Glass-Front Cabinets: Glass-front cabinets are great for showcasing dishes and dinnerware, while also creating a more spacious atmosphere in the kitchen. Subway Tiles: These classic tiles are a popular choice for traditional kitchens. They come in a range of colors and finishes, and look especially good when fitted in a brick pattern. Stained Wood Cabinets: Stained wood cabinets can bring a warm and inviting atmosphere to the kitchen. Consider adding a custom touch by creating a unique storage solution, such as a built-in nook or shelf. Tile Floors: Tile floors are ideal for busy kitchens and can be a great way to add a vintage touch. Choose from a range of colors and patterns to create the desired effect. Farmhouse Sink: Adding a rustic apron-front or farmhouse-style sink can really bring a traditional kitchen to life. Choose from different finishes and styles to suit your taste. A Hood Over the Stove: A hood above the stove is a classic design feature that can make a huge impact. Consider a traditional wrought iron design for a timeless touch. Open Shelving: Open shelving can be a great way to add extra storage to your kitchen without compromising the traditional style of the space. Look for antique-style shelves that can be hung on the wall. Vintage Lighting: Installing a stylish vintage lighting fixture is one of the simplest ways to elevate a traditional kitchen. Antique-style pendants, rope lights, and wall sconces can all help you achieve the desired effect.10 Traditional Kitchen Design Elements to Bring Old-World Charm to Your Home
If you have an old house with a vintage-style kitchen, you may be looking for a makeover. Applying a few design tricks to your style can give your kitchen a more updated, yet classically-appropriate, look. With some thought and a little elbow grease, here are seven steps to a vintage kitchen makeover in an old house. Start with Cleanliness: Cleaning the kitchen can often make a huge difference in the overall look. Make sure to wash down cabinets, wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth, and scrub any stained areas. Update Cabinets & Hardware: Old cabinets and hardware can make the kitchen feel outdated. Invest in some fresh hardware or consider repainting or refinishing your existing cabinets for a more modern look. Install a New Sink: Replace an old, weathered sink with a fresh new one and watch your kitchen come to life! Choose from classic farmhouse styles for an instant vintage appeal. Update the Flooring: Consider replacing old, worn-out flooring with new tile or hardwood. For a softer look, opt for a vintage-style area rug or an antique runner. Think About Veneering: If you want to create a custom look without the hassle of tearing down walls, consider veneering over the existing walls. This can be used to create brick, tile, or even wood effects. Create a Focal Point: Install a striking centerpiece with an antique-style range hood, a mantel, or a vintage-style pot rack. These will help draw attention to the room and make it feel more luxurious. Add Finishing Touches: Finally, finish off the look with some fun finishing touches. Consider hanging paintings or vintage wall art to tie together the design or displaying antique, one-of-a-kind items to make your kitchen truly unique.7 Steps to a Vintage Kitchen Makeover in an Old House
Creating a cozy old house kitchen is all about accentuating the unique features of the room and making it warm and inviting. Mixing go-with-everything neutrals with tactile textures and luxurious details can create an atmosphere that feels truly special and full of character. Start with an inviting palette. Neutral shades such as whites, creams, beige, and gray are perfect for creating a traditional look that won’t overpower the other design elements in the room. To instantly bring a cozy feeling, look for heavyweight materials. Luxurious materials like marble, granite, or wood are perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, while also adding a touch of style to the kitchen. When it comes to cabinetry, look for boxy shapes that are reminiscent of vintage kitchens. Traditional wooden cabinets are a great choice, or you could opt for freestanding, furniture-style pieces to add extra character to the room. Add a few accessories to complete the look. Consider hanging patterned curtains, displaying antique decor pieces, or installing a wrought iron lantern light to bring added texture and dimension to the space.Creating a Cozy Old House Kitchen
Modernizing an old house kitchen can be a daunting task, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. With a few carefully-thought-out changes, you can take an outdated space and make it into a comfortable, contemporary area that the whole family can enjoy. Start by going for a modern twist on traditional materials. Look for contemporary kitchen cabinets in classic materials such as walnut, maple or mahogany. Or opt for granite or marble countertops to tie the look together. Replace old hardware with modern fixtures and fittings. Look for stainless steel or nickel finish hardware and contemporary tapware to create a modern, yet timeless atmosphere. Add storage where needed. Wall cabinets with built-in drawers or sliding shelves can help to maximize space, while still keeping the look modern. The flooring is also an important factor to consider. Look for a durable, yet stylish material like tile or stone flooring. Alternatively, use floating wood floors to bring a modern airiness to the space. For an ultra modern look, consider introducing edgy materials such as concrete or glass. For a softer, warmer feel, use wood panels for a stylish accent wall. Go for modern colors throughout the space. Cool neutrals such as greys, blues, and greens are all great options. Or if you’re looking for something a little brighter, choose yellow or orange accents for a striking look. Finally, choose modern lighting fixtures to illuminate the area. For a contemporary touch consider using an iconic style pendant light, or introduce layers of lighting with LED strip lights and task lighting.10 Ideas to Modernize an Old House Kitchen
For many people, the beauty of an old house lies in its character and charm. When designing an old house kitchen, there are a few design tricks and techniques that you can use to create layers of character and texture. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Start with the walls. If they’re in need of a bit of sprucing up, consider adding texture or interest with paneling, brickwork, or tiling. Next, consider introducing a focal point. Look for elements such as accent lighting fixtures, a custom shelving unit, or contrasting flooring. Creating Layers of Character in an Old House Kitchen