These 5 Vintage Design Trends Are The Antidote To All-White Kitchens

You're faced with a classic white kitchen design that, while it might be timeless, is in need of a bit of sprucing up. Instead of having to invest in a full remodel, a few statement design decisions can bring some new life into the room. While you don't need to steer the aesthetic of the space into a full retro kitchen-inspired scene, you can borrow some tips from the past to invite energy into your kitchen. 

Whether you're taking out brushes and paint to coat surfaces with a fresh color or shelling out cash for some fun and funky tiles that can be used for a backsplash, you have options when it comes to making your budget and your design dreams work together. Though installing a butcher's block countertop is a pricier upgrade, a DIY skirt used to cover an outdated appliance can be a more affordable alternative if your kitchen is in need of a facelift. From budget to bougie, we have a few different ideas for you to consider to help you welcome new life into an older space.

Placing a few colorful appliances into a backdrop of predominantly neutral colors is a simple solution for those wanting to upgrade their kitchen aesthetic. Colorful toasters, bright tea kettles, stand mixers, or a statement fridge can be set into a canvas of white and turn predictable kitchen decor into a fresh and exciting new territory. If you don't want to shell out on a new appliance and are reluctant to commit to carrying a teal coffee maker home, strategically placing colorful dishes, vases, or mugs within clear sight can also bring a jolt of vibrancy into a neutral kitchen. 

For those on a tight budget who want a quick boost of color without having to open their wallets for any kind of substantial new purchase, dish rags and hand towels that complement or contrast with the colors in your space can be the spark a predominantly white kitchen needs to shine. A tasteful placement of indoor plants and flowers can also be the added flourish your kitchen needs to come to life.  

While butcher block countertops can bring an elegant focus to kitchen spaces, they can be pricey. If your budget doesn't allow for this kind of purchase, yet you're still wanting to soften white spaces with natural details, look to bring other natural elements into your kitchen. Natural materials can be used for shelving, or you can find decorative details to place onto countertops and bring warm color into your kitchen. Wooden paper towel holders and mug stands or wicker baskets and cream vases can be the kind of soft touch a neutrally-colored kitchen needs. 

If you want the look of wooden countertops in your home without breaking the bank, you can find substitutes that fit within your project budget. Kitchen countertops come in a range of materials that can bring a similar aesthetic into your space without you needing to open your wallet wide to accommodate your particular design preferences.

Backsplashes are one of the easiest ways to spruce up a kitchen area, and the range of options when it comes to choosing materials and colors offers home renovators some serious flexibility in terms of appearance and budget. To take a page out of yesteryear, look for patterned tiles and designs to place in your kitchen. Browse bolder colors like yellow, pink, and red, or choose a more subtle upgrade with deep browns or off-white hues. While pastel designs can soften spaces, black and white patterns can inject energy into your kitchen. 

Quirky tiles can be just the right touch to add interest to a kitchen that is lacking in texture and color without overshadowing other features in your home. Add interest to your backsplash with herringbone or fish scale tiles, or consider using different shades for the grout to create dimension and add depth to your upgrade. Your interesting design choice is destined to become a major feature in your kitchen and a talking point at future dinner parties.

Curtains aren't just for windows. Whether you have an unsightly dishwasher you're looking to conceal or find sink skirts to be charming, a bit of fabric can add flair to your kitchen. The benefit of these easy upgrades is that the fabrics can be changed to match seasons and themes, so unlike a fresh coat of paint, the same level of commitment isn't needed for this added flourish. Fabrics can be cut and sewn to the exact dimensions of your space, and you can choose colors and designs that complement some of the other design elements in your kitchen.

Whether a bright, floral pattern catches your eye or you'd like to bring a folksy, cozy vibe to your room with a gingham check print, this quick upgrade packs a big impact for a fraction of the cost of other types of renovation projects. Experiment with different materials to find the look that sits well within your space.

For a relatively easy kitchen refresh, painting surfaces can be the type of DIY project that can instantly elevate a space. Choose a few different hues to try out in your home before committing to one final choice. If you're reluctant to dust off brushes and can't be bothered to take on this kind of manual effort, you can also use peel-and-stick contact paper to add color to cabinets and surfaces.

Consider the overall cohesion of your space when selecting colors and look to carry elements throughout the room, whether it is matching colors of dishes to complementary gradients you paint across drawers or the backs of old chairs. Tear out images from magazines that catch your eye and compile a mood board before choosing a particular style for your kitchen upgrade. Saving a collection of photos that you find online can also provide inspiration as you look to coat surfaces in vivid oranges or greens.