You cook your favourite meals here. You eat ice cream straight out of the tub here. You laugh until you cry over a dish that’s too spicy here. Let those warm memories translate into your kitchen’s makeover. Vintage cupboards are all the rage in 2023 and we show you how to use the classics to your kitchen’s advantage.
What kitchen trends are we waving goodbye to in 2023?
Gone are the days of the clinical-looking, characterless kitchen. In 2023 and beyond, homemakers and interior designers have agreed that personality is needed in a kitchen more than any other room in the house. Handle-free doors make way for ornate, intricate handles in flowing, curvy designs. Angular is out and blurred lines are in. Think circular handles and knobs that feature engravings or delicate patterns.
The trend of matching appliances is also pulling a vanishing act in favour of complementary colours instead. Fun, nostalgic colours in shades like mint green, beige, brown, pastel pink and burnt orange are great ways to incorporate an early ‘70s theme into your home. Appliance giants such as Smeg and Russel Hobbs have different retro ranges to pick from, which will quickly imbue your kitchen with a vintage aesthetic.
Cupboards in retrograde: what’s hot now
Materials that mimic the kitchens we grew up watching in movies or remember from our grandmother’s homes are usually made from certain stone, linoleum or granite. If it has a geometric pattern or a funky tile mosaic, even better. The beauty of retro kitchens is that nearly nothing matches, but everything goes together. Kitchen cupboards and countertops were often not the same colour, yet fit into a broader colour scheme.
Traditional vintage cupboards feature beautifully panelled cabinet doors. These bring an almost antique feel to your kitchen and add an element of old-school luxury. These beautiful cabinets should be highlighted and supported by the rest of your kitchen furniture. Play up the panels by painting them a different shade to add dimension and uniqueness, or install your own double-handle doors for an eclectic look.
Double the storage, double the appeal
As the kitchen is one of the most functional rooms in a home, it’s wise to invest in cupboards that allow you the maximum amount of space. Retro cupboards are perfect for just that, especially if you have a large, spacious kitchen to work with. Kitchen dressers feature open shelves, glass cases, bar counters and other hidden compartments to store dishes, silverware, extra cocktail glasses and even a wastebasket. These trendy, stand-out pieces gained popularity in the early ‘50s and are now proving more useful than ever. It’s the ideal accompaniment to the cottage-core aesthetic.
The elegant throwback cabinets of yesteryear
A retro-inspired kitchen would only be complete with floral motifs and a strong feminine influence on display. From patterned cabinet lining to protect the shelving and drawers, to over-the-top door handles and clever use of kitchen lighting, the elegance of an understated kitchen can be stylish for years. Use spotlights to highlight your renovated kitchen cupboards, install sensor lights in your glass cabinets or softly under light your cabinets or kitchen island. This ensures your best china and crockery are displayed centre stage at dinner parties and adds a sophisticated touch to your retro vibe.
Bringing nostalgia into the 21st century
The most popular colour theme for kitchens in 2023 and beyond is set to be neutral shades with tones of blue and green. This is ideal for the retro kitchen lover, as all it will take to keep your kitchen on trend is a few coats of paint. If your cabinet doors are already a neutral shade, consider updating the handles or using a stencil to create that coveted antique look. However you choose to incorporate the vintage trend in your home, make sure your updates are sustainable and affordable.
Seeff understands the excitement of renovating your kitchen and the myriad of decisions it takes to settle on a style that best reflects your personality. Refer to our top tips and innovative advice on achieving the retro kitchen of your dreams with ease.
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