Kitchens are where a lot of cooking magic happens & conversations take place over coffee and fresh baked goodies. The kitchen is a hard working space in a house- so they need to function well of course – but we also like to have them be pretty which means- kitchen renovations big and small are always popular in home improvement. Something I am asked often is how do you get that vintage charm if you don’t live in a vintage home? Or maybe you have a home that needs a bit of renovating and aren’t sure where to start to add that look?  I hear you. And I remember wondering where to start with our kitchen.  Do you remember what it looked like BEFORE?

If you have been reading my blog for awhile- you know where my kitchen started. You know that it didn’t come with that wood island, marble countertops, wood planked ceiling or the chandeliers lighting the room. It did not look like that photo above. Back.in.the.day- our house was an old vandalized and literally rotting away home in the country. 

And the kitchen… well, it left a lot to be desired.

The Kitchen Before

It had an old linoleum floor, tile counters, dark orange wood walls, windows held in by bent nails to keep them from falling -an unfinished sheetrock ceiling that was literally dropping (we gained about 6″ in height when we pushed it up and secured it) and then there was the piece de resistance…

the ceiling fan with a beer bottle dangling from the pull.

Oh it was a beauty let me tell you.  

And that first day when I walked into the kitchen- I saw alllll of those things.  And I also saw elements that I could work with to create the kitchen I envisioned that first day. Yes, this is a vintage house built in 1940. And thankfully when someone had started to renovate a few things likely in the 1980’s – they left a lot of the vintage charm untouched- so I had some great vintage elements to work with.

And in case you are wondering- yes, we kept those original 1940’s cupboards. 

But those elements aside- when planning a renovation big or small- on a kitchen old or new- what are some of the elements to consider adding for that vintage charm?  Today it is all about just that.  Side note:  Some of these recommendations are geared more towards renovating-but some are simple and easy DIY jobs or jobs you can hire a handyman to do.  And even with hiring a pro to do make these changes- they are not as expensive as putting in a whole new kitchen- but will give you more of the look you are after.

#1. Paint Kitchen cupboards

Vintage kitchens brings to mind painted cupboards- in all shades and colors.  I have seen bold and beautiful blues, greens, black and red cupboards- as well as those beautiful shades of white and creams. 

#2. Add Open Shelves 

Open shelves are quite popular at the moment but they are not a new thing. Many vintage kitchens have open shelf areas- we have an original shelf above our sink.  And while the look and finishes of those shelves have changed- the look is the same.  Create an area where you can stack farmhouse bowls, coffee cups and plates- along with old oil paintings, a succulent or small container of flowers.

These open shelf areas were added to the kitchen and is where the range used to be.   We also created open shelf areas in our kitchen in the original cupboards by removing the end cupboard doors. It wasn’t an original plan- it was because one of the doors was broken. I took it off to repair it- and loved the open look it had. So I removed the end door at the other end of the cupboard for symmetry.  A note:  our cupboards are built right into the wall and as such- have wood wall back and sides. Newer cupboard are usually self contained – meaning they are a box that is put on the wall rather than built in place. You can achieve an open cupboard look with those as well by adding beaded board or wood planks to the inside and painting them.

#3. Add plank walls

This sounds quite involved- and depending on how many outlets, switches and other bits you would need to cut around- it might be. But if you have a simple straight forward blank wall with nothing – adding those planks is a straightforward way to get a vintage look.  You can find packages of tongue and groove planks at Home Depot & Lowe’s – add a fresh coat of paint and those planks instantly add that old world style charm.

You can also use wallpaper that looks like wood planks. There are quite a few that look realistic and if hiring someone to plank the walls with wood isn’t in the budget or in your DIY comfort zone- that is an inexpensive way to get the look. Read more about Why I love wood plank walls Here

#4. A vintage style Kitchen island

Our kitchen didn’t have an island originally- there was no room for it really. Though our kitchen is quite long- at the end where our range is now- it had the hallway to the bedrooms and back of the house.  When we changed the flow of the house to go next to the kitchen instead of through it- we closed that old hallway off and it created the layout we have now and an opportunity to add an island for more work space.

Replacing that clunky island with something open- like a farmhouse style table will instantly add charm. You can also use pieces like a vintage sideboard as an island or even have something custom built with vintage wood to get the look with the functionality you would like.  For an authentic ‘collected over time feeling’ – keep the island a different finish than the rest of the kitchen- a different color paint or a natural wood for example. 

#5. Update Kitchen Lighting

I remember the day I found a vintage chandelier in a second hand shop that I instantly fell in love with. It was covered in crystals. It was detailed and charming and it was only $20 which was in the budget. I brought it home and showed my husband and told him I wanted to put it in the kitchen. He proceeded to tell me I might be crazy and that our kitchen was not the style kitchen that would have something like an elegant chandelier with crystals.  I asked him to humor me.

After it was installed – he turned the chandelier on and then stood back and stared before finally admitting that the chandelier was the perfect jewelry in our old kitchen and somehow it worked.  One wasn’t enough light for the long space- so I knew it would stay only until I found the right size light- but when I found a matching chandelier- we added the second one and called it good.

So many times those kitchen light fixtures in newer kitchens are those big boxes on the ceiling with florescent lights. ( you know what I am talking about) So changing that (again) clunky fixture instantly changes the whole look of the space.

#6. Kitchen Farmhouse sink

Adding a farmhouse sink is another way to add instant vintage appeal.  They are beautiful and you can get them with one basin or two – and they are ideal for those flowers in the sink moments. More about our farmhouse sink here.

#7. Add Plate Racks

So simple to add to open shelf areas and they have such a sweet look. Learn all about this $8 plate rack idea Here

#8.  Use baskets for drawers 

We removed three drawers and placed baskets for vegetables in their place. Baskets bring an instant softness and charm.

#9.  Don’t forget the ceiling

Details on the ceiling are another vintage kitchen look.  From a different color of paint, to planked wood and beams or beaded board to those metal ceiling tiles.  Whatever your favorite look is- adding that detail is sure to bring a bit of charm.

While planked wood and beams are a bigger job for the professionals (hello- you don’t want any heavy beams landing on anyone haha) You can paint the ceiling yourself or use a wallpaper to get the look of the ceiling tiles. I used embossed wallpaper on the ceiling in my office and it worked beautifully.

#10. Tile or beaded board backsplash

A backsplash is a perfect place to add your pop of pattern or keep it simple.  My favorite looks are marble subway tile for a clean elegant feeling- and classic white subway tile- which is also quite inexpensive.  Or go with beaded board in panels or small planks for a vintage look.

#11. Kitchen Countertops

Think butcher block or marble for an authentic vintage look.  We love our marble countertops and they definitely added the look and feeling we wanted. They do require a professional to cut and install- but are well worth the cost when renovating. Butcher block counters are also quite popular in vintage farmhouse style kitchens if that natural wood is more your look.

If choosing marble- make sure you seal it.  You can read all about the great blackberry and marble counters debacle here

#12. Update Knobs and Pulls

An extra for the road – Changing the hardware on your cupboards is an easy and inexpensive way to instantly update your kitchen and add vintage charm.. You can choose whatever style, finish and look is your favorite. Bin pulls and knobs seem to feel a bit more vintage than traditional drawer pulls to me. We used small round knobs on cupboard doors and bin pulls on the drawers for a vintage collected feeling mix and mingle.

Shop the Look

Sharing a few get the look options- including a crystal chandelier that is under $150 with the extra coupon saving currently.

Whether you are doing a big overhaul on your kitchen or a small refresh- these are just a few things to consider doing that can change the look and feel without changing the footprint or doing a complete remodel. Up next- will share a few inexpensive things you can do in just a few minutes to give your kitchen a style boost.

Happy Tuesday all.

*some affiliate links

The post 11 ways to add a vintage style charm to a new kitchen appeared first on French Country Cottage.

I love to tackle renovating a space and giving it a new look. And updating your kitchen in a simple, quick, inexpensive and easy way is always a good thing.

Maybe it was because I grew up in a house where there was always a project going on- hammers and nails and sawdust were pretty much always around. I was used to big projects happening all around me but sometimes, the best ones were the ones that took just a couple of days rather than months of work.

But what if you want to refresh the kitchen and make it feel new- but are renting or maybe just waiting on that big remodel. Today it is all about some ideas for updates without any demo and rebuild work involved – but that can give you the look- and that can be done quickly.

Yes, I love to swing a hammer and reinvent a space. I am somewhat addicted to renovating – I love seeing something as is and making it look different. But I also love projects that get done in a snap and that are easy to do- instant gratification type projects. And the good news is- not all projects require demo and rebuilding to make a space feel fresh-change the look or make it more like you want it to be.   

A question I have been asked several times recently is how to update and refresh a space if you are renting or don’t want to tackle a renovation project-  how can you get that look temporarily in your home?

And so today- we are ‘tackling’ a different kind of a renovation….a no commitment, no demo and no demo mess way to refresh the kitchen. I have updated this post was some get the look links below in case you are ready to tackle a quick transformation and any of these ideas speak to you.

Peel and stick tile

Yes, you heard that right.  They have the most fabulous invention now- tile that is all about simple- peel and stick and no messy grout.  And it looks pretty darn amazing.

This is faux marble- but they have TONS of different looks to choose from.

The best part about peel and stick- it is temporary of course. Just follow the instructions for installation and for peeling it off without damaging the surface. In full disclosure- I have not used peel and stick tiles or papers- so am not sure if it is a bigger job than it seems- so I would definitely follow all instructions to make sure it is done correctly.

Wood Plank

Oh yes… this is one we have actually done. Out in the cottage- we have a beaded board  that we cut and attached to the wall as the backdrop. It is simple and easy to do- and it gives you the look of old cottage walls. You scan secure with a couple of nails or even some of those double sided sticky tapes.

3. Use Faux Brick 

In the same line of thinking- you can also use a faux brick panel as a backsplash. I have used faux brick panels for faux fireplace inserts or as a beautiful backdrop- so if you are handy with a saw and want something more textured- that is a simple way to get the look with little commitment. Just use a couple nails or screws – or that double sided tape to attach to the wall.  Or a more simple option- this is actually a peel and stick wallpaper. Who. Knew. 

4. Change the cabinet hardware

Simple and easy way to update- is to simply change the hardware. As long as you keep the style the same so you don’t have to add any new holes or anything- swapping the knobs and handles is an easy change.

We changed the hardware to brass and it instantly changed the look.

5. Add a Plate Rack to a shelf

So simple and easy- I bought wood plate racks at Ikea- and tucked two of them into the bottom section of the open shelf for a charming plate display area.

6. Use Artwork or a Chalkboard for a fun look 

A simple and easy way to break up all those cabinets and make the kitchen feel more decorated is to use artwork or a chalkboard.

I love the old chalkboard in the little cottage kitchen- and I just added some tiny old artwork on the shelves in the house. I will blog about those & shelf styling ideas soon.

7. Use a temporary floor covering

Of course a rug can cover a multitude of older or not your style floor sins- so that is a simple option to just plop down in the kitchen. But another option- if you are able to paint your floors- you can do that and stencil them for a custom look until you are ready to renovate. Or-  again that peel and stick tile pops up as an option. this one has a barn wood look – and how easy would that be to change the look in an afternoon.

Of course there are many other ways to give your rental kitchen a fresh look- or give your home a refresh on a quick turnaround dime- new window coverings, a fresh coat of paint and color, add new interesting decor- like a stack of breadboards – or even just change the shelf displays for a different look.

Get the Look

*affiliate links

Happy easy updating all!

The post 7 quick, easy & temporary ways to update your kitchen appeared first on French Country Cottage.

I am all about blush and faded colors in decor- but sometimes you just need a little bit of blue and white with a sprinkle of bold colors in a room. Blue and white can be bold and beautiful – and soft, elegant & charming at the same time.

It is one of those combinations that is classic and is always on repeat in design. And in this post- I have updated some of the ideas to add a couple more ways to bring that beautiful color and color combination to your home.

But it isn’t trendy. Blue and white mingling in decor has been around for years and years. And it is  perfect to incorporate into your home for spring and summer. You can add it as just a little touch of color or as a whole lot to love.

There is no right or wrong way to do it. Some of my favorite designs have layer upon layer of blue and white patterns- from wallpaper to curtains to bedding.  And at the same time- some of the simplest of touches speak the most.  And today it is all about simple ideas to incorporate  blue and white in your home from just a touch to a few layers.

#1. Blue Floral on the bed

This duvet is at Rachel Ashwell’s house when I was there to photograph it for a magazine feature- and it was absolutely beautiful. A little different in tones and colors than traditional blue and white- which shows you can bring in that color even with softer shades and get the look.

2. Transferware plates and platters on the wall

Because. Transferware on the wall is always a beautiful thing.  A tip for this look is to use mismatched vintage plates and/or new plates. You don’t have to wait to have a collection before putting this wall together. 

#3. With a vase

I love using old pots and containers for flowers- blue & white is perfect for a touch on the table. And if you find outdoor pottery with a drain hole that you love and want to use it as a vase- simply place a jar or container inside for the water. 

#4. Stack them up

On the shelf- add stacks of plates, teacups and a large bowl for a blue & white display.

#5. Pots and Pottery

Fill a pitcher with flowers and add some of those pottery containers just as they are for a pretty collection indoors or out.

#6. Pillows 

A simple way to bring in some blue and white without the big commitment in a room- toss a couple of toss pillows on the sofa or chair  or use large oversized pillows for low game table seating.

#7. Blue Floral Curtains

This is from one of my favorite rooms at the Inn at Depot Hill in Capitola, CA- and I am obsessed with those curtains (similar look). See the whole post about this room and Inn here.

#8. On the wall

Tile, wallpaper, stencil- you name it. Blue and white patterns on the wall are perfect for adding a touch of that charm. I love how this tile looks – you can achieve a similar look and feeling with wallpaper or even with peel and stick tiles for a quick change.

#9. Ginger Jars

Another super easy way to bring that blue & white charm in- Ginger Jars and lidded containers are easy to find and they are inexpensive. They look great gathered in various sizes on a mantel or sideboard- with or without flowers.

#10. On the Table 

Another way to use those ginger jars- on the table for a centerpiece. That pop of blue and white brings a whole lot of charm –see more of this table here.

#11. A vintage platter

Keeping that on the table theme going- you can use just a platter for serving fruit & nuts or as a pretty blue & white accent to hold jewelry or candles on the table, on the sideboard, on a dresser or chest of drawers.  I love to pick up random pieces of blue & white pottery at thrift stores.

#12. On the Table for a dinner party

An oldie but goodie- this was from a table I style for Wayfair for their blog and I loved incorporating those blue & white dishes (and they are 70% off currently)

#13. Vintage Jars 

I know, I know. How simple is that suggestion?  Just bring out those vintage glass jars and place them on the shelf or mantel. I am a huge fan of simple plain glass jars for flowers- and bringing them out with a pop of color is another pretty look. 

You can fill them with flowers- or not.  That blue will bring in a burst of sunshine all by itself.

#14. In a market basket

Put some faux or fresh flowers in a basket and place by your sofa or a favorite chair or anywhere you would like a pop of pretty. Go with just blues- or mix up blues and whites or pinks. Or maybe a FCC blue floral tote would be perfect ?Currently out of stock- but should be back in soon.

These totes are so easy to hang on a door knob or hook on the wall and fill with pretty white flowers.

#15.  Toile

I am a huge fan of toile- on fabrics, on the walls, you name it. 

#16. Upholstery

If you want more of a commitment – how about adding something upholstered in your favorite blue & white pattern? Checks, florals, ticking stripes-you can’t go wrong-  they all are beautiful for cushions and upholstery. (and pillows!)  And on that same note- add a blue throw for a bit of beautiful blue to mix with your whites.

#17. A Blue & White bowl 

Just a touch on the counter in the kitchen or on a side table or bedside chest- I loved this bowl when I found it at HomeGoods-and decided to use it for a pop of pretty.

#18. Blue & White Floral Arrangement

I know this sounds simple- but just adding a floral arrangement that is made of blue and white can bring that lovely charm to your room.

See more about  faux arrangements that I recreated with fresh flowers to show how close they look. 

#19. A Needlepoint Pillow

Because- they are so. pretty. From vintage to new reproductions- they are perfect for adding that touch. 

#20.  Blues and floral Patterns

This is from years ago and even now is one of my absolute favorites. Even though it is not the correct size for my bed – I bought it anyway because I loved it that much. 

Cream & blue with vining florals & ticking stripes- perfection.  And it adds a subtle soft touch of blue to the bedroom.

#21. Ticking & Toile on repeat

This blue is the softest pale almost duck egg gray/blue- similar to the color of my range. And it is probably my favorite shade of blue. The fabric here is a vintage fabric- but it gives you an idea of how to use different shades in different ways. 

You don’t always have to go bold with blue- you can be subtle and make just as much of a blue & white statement.

#22. Your Front Door

This one is simply beautiful. Paint your front door a shade of blue to welcome guests. This is a duck egg gray/blue color that is custom – but you can go bold and beautiful with a pop of color with a cobalt, traditional navy, or any other shade you like.

#23. Layers on the bed

We talked about blue on the top of the bed- but don’t forget that beautiful color in sheets as well. A charming soft blue under a crisp white comforter is perfect.

#24. With Furniture

A painted piece of furniture in a lovely shade of blue is a simple and easy way to add a bit of color to your room. This desk is in my office and is a pretty shade of a French blue/gray that adds just a touch of color.

#25. In the kitchen

Bring that color in with your appliances. My Lacanche range is a shade of blue- but you don’t have to bring in a big appliance to add that color to the kitchen. I love vintage inspired mixers or toasters– you can add that pretty color to your kitchen by bringing in a small appliance. (photos courtesy of Amazon)

Another easy way to bring blue to the kitchen is with beautiful bowls on display.

#26.With a vintage bucket

Because a beautiful blue bucket is pretty much perfect for any type of flowers and decor and instantly adds a pretty pop.

#27. With a Blue Mirror

This one is from my first book – a blue reproduction mirror is a perfect touch for a subtle shade of blue and white. I am working on a post about Get the Look for these style mirrors- but you can also see more about French gold mirrors in this post.

Wrapping up

These are just a few of the ways I  love to incorporate  a touch of blue & white. I am working on a blue and white project this next week as well- so will share that with you soon.

For more inspirations full of blue and white- this post about Feeling Blue is full of them.

Happy weekend all.

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