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1920s kitchen decor inspiration for a vintage infusion

Kim Renta
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Everything old is new again, especially when it comes to kitchen renovations. And, in a nod to the centennial anniversary, no trend is hotter than 1920s-inspired kitchen designs. After all, the roaring 20s were an exciting time in society, in fashion, and in home decor.

So whether you’re intent on designing a vintage-inspired kitchen or you just want to add a few retro touches, we’ll help you bring the roaring 20s to your home with these vintage-inspired decorations!

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1920s kitchen cabinets are just the start!

Looking to give your modern-day kitchen a retro vibe? Start by recreating the look of 1920s kitchen cabinets, in painted pale green with a white subway-tile backsplash, or shiny enameled white cupboards and a tile countertop with black bull-nose edging. Pastels not your thing? Go with royal blue, purple, or forest green cabinets topped with a butcher block counter. There’s really no limit to the colors that work for your 1920s-inspired kitchen redo.  

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Pale pink walls, open shelving, and butcher-block countertops make any modern-day renovation look throwback chic. Add pastel cups, dishes, and crockery in shades of baby pink and aqua on countertops, or peeking from behind frosted glass-front cabinet doors. Rev up the authentic vibe with a retro-design refrigerator — touting all the charm and style of the past, but with the updated features today’s homeowners demand. 

Stained glass infuses a kitchen with bold, vibrant color. For a total remodel, look for reclaimed stained glass windows at local antique shops and use as decorative elements in window frames, doors, or even cabinet fronts. Tiffany-style lamps deliver that stained glass element while adding light and color when hung over islands, tables, or above sinks.

You’ll want everything AND the 1920s kitchen sink

If browsing antique shops and tag sales are your thing, you can find lots of little treasures to give your kitchen the vintage look you’re aiming for. But, there are so many wonderful crockery, appliance, and glassware items on the market today that draw inspiration and design from the past but are very much made in the 21st century. Look for ceramic dishes and accent pieces in vintage colors of pink, aqua, teal, or yellow. Tea kettles or stand mixers that are too pretty to hide add both function and style to your kitchen. Retro glassware, in bright colors or with intricate etched designs, give a throwback touch to table settings. 

Farmhouse sinks were the trend of the decade and you can find countless modern-day takes on that kitchen retro design. For those looking to keep things truly authentic, there are vintage enameled cast-iron sinks available at antique shops and online, some in pristine condition, others ripe for a DIY weekend project. 

Flooring

When we think 1920s style, one of the most iconic flooring styles had to be black and white checkerboard tiles. Bold, eye-catching, and easy to care for, this throwback style has taken a huge leap into modern day — not just for kitchens, but in bathrooms, entryways, and more. 

Wide-plank rustic wood floors, some made with reclaimed wood, are perfectly at home in 1920s inspired kitchens of today, and can be carried throughout the home for a truly cohesive look. 

Linoleum makes a comeback in vintage-redesigns, with intricate patterns, bright colors, and all the mop-and-go ease that made it the delight of 1920s housewives. 

With a little bit of effort and some smart shopping decisions, it’s easy (and sometimes surprisingly affordable) to incorporate the best design ideas of the past into your 21st century kitchen. 

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Kim Renta
Kim Renta
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kim has written for Bloomingdales, Movado, and various e-commerce wine sites. When she's not writing about wine and…
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