Nailing Your Older Home Kitchen Remodel

When we think about remodeling our kitchens, we usually think of completely gutting it and replacing everything old with something modern. But some remodels are a little more nuanced. For example, if you’ve got a kitchen with vintage elements, then you may want to preserve some of the old-fashioned charm, while bringing in modern convenience and functionality. It’s a challenging task, but by no means impossible. Check out these tips to nail your older home kitchen remodel.

Put Safety First

Before you start to remodel your kitchen (or any room) in an old home, you want to first check that there are no environmental hazards such as asbestos, mold, or lead paint that needs to be cleaned up first. Be sure to speak with licensed professionals in your area who can inspect your property and advise you how to handle any issues they may find.

Pick a Focal Point

Choose a favorite vintage element that currently exists in your kitchen as inspiration for your remodel. It may be something as small as the cabinet hardware, a detail like the crown molding, or a standout element such as a colorful appliance.

Consider New Cabinets

All-new cabinets are a must in any older home kitchen remodel. The challenge is that older kitchens typically lack the cabinet space that’s so desired today. You can still achieve a retro look and gain ample storage by focusing more on the shape and style of your kitchen cabinets, rather than how many you have. Talk to a custom cabinet specialist like Special Additions about creating spacious, functional cabinets that retain the retro look.

Choose Cool Countertops

The right countertops are essential for retaining vintage charm in your kitchen. Two popular choices are granite and quartz. Granite is entirely natural, heat and scratch resistant, and comes in limitless colors and patterns. With granite, you’re guaranteed to have a one-of-a-kind look in your kitchen. Quartz, on the other hand, gives you the look of stone, but you can customize the colors and patterns to get exactly what you want. This may be the more appealing option if you’re trying to match an existing vintage look. Plus, quartz is even more durable that granite and is easy to maintain.

Fix Your Flooring

When it comes to kitchen flooring for your remodel, you definitely want something durable and easy to clean. Both linoleum and polished hardwood are sturdy and tough flooring options. Which one you ultimately choose depends on the look you’re going for. Polished hardwood is a more modern material, so it detracts a bit from any vintage aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. It can also get pricey depending on the type of wood you choose. Linoleum, on the other hand, lends itself to a more vintage look, is very affordable, and only has to be waxed every so often.

Consider Upgrading the Sink

The most popular choice for a sink in the modern-vintage kitchen is the classic farmhouse sink. It’s big, square, and typically ceramic or stainless steel. The best part is that it’s extremely practical. It can hold a lot of dishes and it’s easy to work in without making a mess. Another option that’s more unique these days is the drainboard sink, which are often larger than farmhouse sinks. No matter which option you go with, be sure to choose a vintage inspired faucet to match!

Let Backsplash Inspire You

If you’ve managed to maintain a cozy, vintage look with cabinets, flooring, and appliances during your remodel, then feel free to get a little bit more creative with your backsplash ideas. Brick-style or tiled backsplash in pastel hues work well. Warmer colors are a little less forgiving so if you prefer darker backsplash, just make sure it matches the rest of your kitchen décor.

Don’t Forget the Details

Vibrant color is the signature of a vintage-inspired kitchen, so when your kitchen remodel is complete, add pops of color with dishes, cabinet hardware, cookbooks, clocks, and dish towels. Be creative and have fun!

If it’s time for your older home kitchen remodel, and you want to bring it up-to-date while retaining some vintage charm, then be sure to contact Special Additions. Our design consultants will work with you every step of the way to help you create the kitchen of your dreams. Call us for a free quote today!