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Kitchen Designs with Vintage Inspiration

Built in dish dryer on black counterertop rack, dish dryer grooves, black countertopAs the adage goes, what’s old is new again. And when it comes to kitchen design – vintage is having a moment.

Vintage-inspired elements are showing up in kitchen designs of all sizes and styles. These familiar details bring a sense of timelessness to your kitchen, creating a warm, relaxed and cozy feeling. But you don’t need to be tied to a traditional kitchen design to enjoy the benefits.

“Kitchen designs are embracing an eclectic spirit more than ever,” says Normandy Design Manager Ashley Noethe. “This mixing of colors, styles and aesthetics is creating deeply personal, highly functional kitchens, that make working and entertaining easier and more enjoyable. The incorporation of vintage-inspired solutions and aesthetics aligns perfectly with this trend, with many elements feeling so natural, you would be forgiven if you overlooked their vintage roots.”

Apron front sinks may be the first and most obvious vintage kitchen throwback, although today’s models can be made of a wide variety of materials from stainless steel to cast iron. “You can decide how modern or classic you want an apron front sink to look,” notes Ashley. An apron front sink, also known as a farmhouse sink, is often a single large basin which makes washing large dishes and platters a much easier affair. “Characterized by its visible front panel, apron front sinks have been finding their way into kitchens of all styles for quite some time now.”

Small touches, which may be less obvious at first glance, can reinforce the aesthetic and function of vintage design. “Drying grooves that are cut into the countertopKitchen island with stained cabinetry and perimeter kitchen cabinets painted gray or antique knobs and hardware can be easily overlooked, but they lean into that well-earned vintage reputation for practicality and dependability,” says Ashley.

But if you’re in love with the look of vintage as much as the functionality, there are plenty of ways to go big. “Statement appliances were a consistent feature of kitchen design for many decades,” shares Ashley. “Whether through color, style, or level of detail, a statement appliance can anchor the look of your new kitchen, ensuring that your love of vintage details does not go unnoticed.”

Tile patterns, cabinet door styles, and the interplay between color and material can also take cues from kitchens of last century. “The way you choose to emphasize or incorporate vintage elements into your kitchen determines how your space reflects your personal style,” says Ashley. “Modern with a vintage nod, funky and eclectic, or a full-scale embrace of traditional design – you get to decide how much or how little vintage kitchen elements show up in your home.”

Blending together all your favorite things into a kitchen design that feels just right is just one of the Normandy Designers’ superpowers. Set up a time to talk with Ashley or one of the Normandy Designers about your new kitchen. You can also find inspiration for vintage kitchens, modern kitchens, and everything in between in our photo gallery or on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest.

 black and gold range

The New Home Office

Built-in desk in primary bedroom, slim shaker, home officeWhether you’re envisioning an office with a door or a corner nook with a desk, designing a home office today is about understanding its main purpose for your household, deciding on the ideal location, and tailoring it to your specific needs.

“A home office should support how you live and work, so a good starting point is understanding your day-to-day habits,” Normandy Designer Becca Ruggiero says. “If you work from home every day you may need space for multiple monitors, or maybe your needs could be met with a niche where you can pay bills and work on your calendar.”

To that point, the location plays an important role, according to Becca. One of the biggest shifts she’s seeing is where these workspaces are located. “The kitchen desk is becoming less common. It tends to turn into a dumping zone because the kitchen is where all the chaos happens,” Becca notes. “Designing your home office is about finding the best place where you can focus and stay organized.”

Many homeowners are now carving out office space in bedrooms. “A primary suite can be more of a refuge,” she says. “It’s a place where you can wake up, have your coffee, check emails, and ease into your day. We’re seeing a lot of requests for coffee and beverage areas in the bedroom, so you can prep for and wind down from your day in one space.”

People are also converting underused areas such as living and dining rooms into workspaces. “For one of my projects, we converted a first-floor living room and bedroom into an office and mudroom because the kids had moved out, and the couple wanted to use that space in a different way,” Becca says.

Built-in storage is becoming increasingly popular, especially when tailored to specific needs like printers and physical file storage. Hidden charging stations in drawers are also a big request and benefit for office organization, to keep devices charged without the clutter. Lighting plays a huge role, as well. “It works out nicely if an office area features a window for natural light, but we’re also layering in sconces or can lights to make sure the space works at any time of day,” Becca says.

But function doesn’t mean sacrificing style. “This is one of those areas where you can really make it your own,” Becca says. “We’ve done spaces that tie into the rest of the home with matching materials, but we’ve also done bold, color-drenched offices that feel moody and focused.”

Ultimately, the best home office is one that feels intentional. As Becca puts it, “When you design around how you actually live, the space just works better.”

If you’re considering what the overall look of your next home remodeling project will be, set up a time to talk with Becca about how your vision might come together with all the selections you have in mind. You can also find inspiration in our photo gallery, or see the latest tips and trends on InstagramFacebook or Pinterest.

home office with bright blue wall  seating area in home office  Two side by side home office spaces in a wide hallway

Small, cozy office with wood ceiling and decorative wallpaper  French doors in a small office with wood ceiling  desk nook in a child's bedroom

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