Sarah Richardson's tips to create a vintage-inspired kitchen
Stacey Brandford
Sarah Richardson vintage-inspired kitchen
Baker's delight
Designer Sarah Richardson and host of the new HGTV series Real Potential airing this fall designs a vintage-inspired kitchen with all the modern conveniences (including two ovens!) for a cake-loving homeowner. Here she shares her best tips and tricks for creating the look.
Cabinets, Ovens, Ikea. Range hood, Kitchen Hoods. Counter-tops, Eco By Consentino. Counter fabrication, Elite Stone. Backsplash, Saltillo Tiles. World Headquarters bar stools, 416-333-8078. Glass canisters, Around the Block. The Painted Table kettle, 416-915-7924. Tea towels, Home Sense.
Go for an L-shaped counter
A small kitchen might not be roomy enough for a free-standing island, but you can add a jog to a peninsula to create a wider counter area. The extra space will come in handy for everything from rolling out dough to icing a cake. Bonus tip: Reproduction country pine stools are inexpensive and easy to tuck away under an island.
Get the look: Ceiling tiles, Tin Ceiling. Cooktop, Canadian Appliance. Floor, Forbo Flooring. Pendant lights, The Door Store. Wall clock, West Elm. Installation, Ikea Installation Services, Ikea.
Add colourful pulls
Update outdated chrome-and-wood handles with a little paint to tie them into the colour scheme.
Vintage pulls, The Door Store.
Place a shelf over a doorway
Help conquer clutter by making the most of every inch in a small kitchen. Install a shelf over a doorway to display pretty serving pieces like cake stands. Bonus tip: Stack shallow upper cabinets to create a custom pantry.
Get the look: Cake stands, Around the Block. Chrome knobs, Lee Valley.
Choose (almost) everything in white
Classic white finishes are a timeless choice for big-decision items (cabinets, counters and appliances), but play with colour when selecting inexpensive and easy-to-change accessories such as a colourful stand mixer and countertop accessories.
Mixer, The Bay. Egg tray, Measuring cups, West Elm. Metal sifter cup, Machine Modern.
Hang a bulletin board
A narrow bit of wall space is a great spot for a custom bulletin board where you can keep recipes and grocery lists. A picture frame shop can create a frame in any size you need. Then just cover it with a piece of decorative fabric.
Get the look: Fabric, Designer Fabrics. Bulletin board framing, Elgin Picture and Frame.
Pretty up your storage
Invest in flip-top jars you can use over and over again to keep your dry goods organized and easy to find.
Get the look: Glass canisters, Home Sense.
Choose a fun faucet
You don’t need to settle for plain chrome or brushed-steel finishes. A glossy white faucet with chrome knobs is fresh and bright.
Get the look: Faucet, Rubinet. Window, Fieldstone Windows.
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