Vintage kitchen cabinets are made to be authentic restorations or reproductions of earlier styles. Purists appreciate the historical accuracy of vintage kitchens, as opposed to retro kitchens which are more nostalgic than historical.
For the aficionado, every detail must be in place: Vintage appliances, old-fashioned telephones, and period decor come together to accurately restore the kitchen designs of the past.
Beautiful historic details have been restored in this vintage kitchen, down to the old wood island, the vintage refrigerator and stove, and pull-chain operated vent fan.
Older Is Better: Let's face it: Most old things were built to last. Vintage kitchen cabinets, for example, can survive a surprisingly long time. My grandparents' kitchen cabinets are original to the 1949 postwar house, and they show no signs of giving out even after decades of abuse by children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren. Compare that to the cheap imported cabinets some folks buy that last less than 20 years, and you will see why newer is not always better.
Vintage Appliances: Many savvy homeowners go searching for authentic appliance relics that still run. Some manufacturers are reviving the past by re-creating large and small vintage kitchen appliances with modern features. Authentic-looking vintage refrigerators, blenders, toasters, ovens, and dishwashers have interesting designs that make today's modern appliances seem somewhat dull by comparison. Even vintage kitchen faucets are staging a comeback as homeowners fine-tune every detail toward reviving the times of yore.
Vintage Kitchen Decor: Go searching for collectibles and memorabilia of the past to dress up your vintage kitchen design. Hang an old fashioned telephone or classic clock on the wall, and if you have the space, be sure to look for vintage kitchen tables with polished chrome trim and bar stools. Old School can often be really cool.
Kitchen Design Photos: Here are a handful of pictures featuring vintage cabinets. If you enjoy the nostalgic appeal of these vintage kitchens, then be sure to check out the gallery of retro kitchens as well. You might also be interested in older historical styles including Early American, Victorian, and Shaker. Enjoy the pictures!