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Modernize Your Old Kitchen Without Remodeling
Keep the charm but lose the outdated feel, and gain functionality, with these tricks for helping your older kitchen fit modern times
If you purchased an older home, you probably did so because of its charm, history and perhaps its location in a neighborhood lined with huge old trees. As the owner of a 1940s Tudor, I love my home for all those reasons ... and just put up with the fact that our "master" bathroom is so small, you have to stand with half of your body outside the door to brush your teeth. If you have an older home, you might be able to relate.
Unfortunately, older homes also have kitchens that were made for another generation. Sometimes I visit friends' newer homes that have sprawling granite islands, double ovens and eight-burner ranges — it's hard not to get just a tad jealous of these luxuries. My little kitchen has been around more than 70 years and just can't compete with some of the modern conveniences of a new home.
I would never trade my home for a newer model, but there are still plenty of ways to improve the functionality and look of an older kitchen without gutting the entire space.
Unfortunately, older homes also have kitchens that were made for another generation. Sometimes I visit friends' newer homes that have sprawling granite islands, double ovens and eight-burner ranges — it's hard not to get just a tad jealous of these luxuries. My little kitchen has been around more than 70 years and just can't compete with some of the modern conveniences of a new home.
I would never trade my home for a newer model, but there are still plenty of ways to improve the functionality and look of an older kitchen without gutting the entire space.
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To keep your home's old-world charm and merge it with a fresh, modern feel, consider open shelving for part of your kitchen. Fill your shelves with all-white or multicolored dishes for some functional accessories.
by Heather Freeman
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This is my own kitchen. I loved the look of open shelving but wasn't ready to commit to a full kitchen remodel until I knew it would work for our home. For a quick fix, I took the cabinet doors off the frames and caulked the holes for instant open shelving. I would suggest this to anyone who wants to try out open shelving for a spell and see if it's a fit. This would also be a great option if you are renting.
I love to collect white dishes, so I had a consistent color palette to display. I added touches of color here and there. Thankfully, I have another wall of cabinets to hide all of my mismatched Tupperware and random souvenir coffee mugs.
Now that we've had faux open shelving, we've come to love it. We're considering a kitchen remodel in the next year that will make our open shelves a permanent fixture. Who knows ... maybe I'll get a gas range out of the deal.
I love to collect white dishes, so I had a consistent color palette to display. I added touches of color here and there. Thankfully, I have another wall of cabinets to hide all of my mismatched Tupperware and random souvenir coffee mugs.
Now that we've had faux open shelving, we've come to love it. We're considering a kitchen remodel in the next year that will make our open shelves a permanent fixture. Who knows ... maybe I'll get a gas range out of the deal.
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Open shelving also makes it easy for guests to help themselves to plates and glasses at dinner parties. It makes our kitchen feel more welcoming to our friends.
The shelves reach from floor to ceiling in this space, and a step stool is used to reach those at the top. The mint green color is a great backdrop to the homeowner's dishes.
The shelves reach from floor to ceiling in this space, and a step stool is used to reach those at the top. The mint green color is a great backdrop to the homeowner's dishes.
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Not only does open shelving provide the aesthetic appeal of showing off your dishes, but it also saves time for a busy cook. Using glass containers for dry goods and spices keeps things clean. When you have two or three dishes going at once, any time you can shave off prepping is a plus.
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by Teri Turan
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| Think like a minimalist when it comes to appliances. As much as I'd love an eight-burner range and a double oven, they're just not a good fit for my small 1940s kitchen. Think about more space-efficient options when updating your stove, oven and even refrigerator. They can still be modern and functional, but should feel at home in your older space. |
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It wasn't until my husband and I moved into our home that I realized we didn't have an actual pantry. I designated a few cabinets as our cupboard area, but it's a tight squeeze after grocery shopping.
I love the built-in pantry shown here. Using the cabinet door front, it functions like a drawer, offering easy access to goods. This is something on my kitchen wish list.
I love the built-in pantry shown here. Using the cabinet door front, it functions like a drawer, offering easy access to goods. This is something on my kitchen wish list.
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by WoodWorks INC.
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| Built-in storage is also a great way to cut down on countertop clutter. With space at a premium, these hidden spots are space savers and a great way to stay organized. I would love to be able to hide my mismatched spoons and spatulas in a drawer like this one. |
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by Brooks Custom
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| Choose finishes that feel classic as opposed to the latest trend. Wood countertops, white cabinets and classic white tile, as shown here, fit with the feel of an older home but still appear fresh and updated. |
by Amoroso Design
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For our kitchen remodel, we're looking at stained, polished concrete for our countertops. It's a durable and more cost-efficient surface than marble. Here it's paired with white subway tile and stainless appliances for a seamless look.
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The industrial craze is one trend that actually works well for older homes, thanks to its retro inspiration. You can find industrial-inspired pieces everywhere these days.
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I've been perusing products from companies that make replica lighting fixtures similar to those that were popular in the '50s and '60s. I think this is a great way to honor the time period that the home was built in.
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| As seen in this kitchen, the replica lighting looks clean and timeless. An old home in a modern age does not mean we have to do without the conveniences or appeal of newer kitchens. We just have to think more creatively! |
Ideabook published on June 14, 2012.
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