19 Ways To Add Vintage Charm To A Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

Want to create vintage charm in a modern farmhouse kitchen? Begin using some budget-friendly ideas, such as shopping in thrift stores and vintage shops. Today, I’m sharing 19 ways to add vintage charm to a modern farmhouse kitchen using these rustic modern kitchen thrifting ideas.

While building the farmhouse, the main goal was to create a vintage farmhouse feel, even though the kitchen was modern.

Using antique and vintage pieces to decorate the kitchen helps to add to the vintage, rustic charm.

What Is A Modern Farmhouse Kitchen?

When we talk about modern and farmhouses, it’s hard to wrap our minds around the two concepts.

The definition of Modern is “relating to the present time,” while the purpose of Farmhouse is harder to pin down. Most would agree that it means cozy, relaxed, rustic, and simple with touches of days gone by.

So when we talk about a Modern Farmhouse Kitchen, we think of a cozy, comfortable, and simple design with modern conveniences such as stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, and a porcelain apron sink.

Thrifting with the Gals

If this is your first time joining the Thrifting with the Gals series, welcome. We are a group of vintage, antique, and thrift store junkies who love to decorate on a dime with our thrifted finds.

We share our tips and ideas for creating a warm and curated home each month.

This month, we are excited to have Anne and AnnMarie from Simply 2 Moms joining us. Since we are all from NC, I have had the opportunity to shop with these fun ladies, and I know you will love their inspiring thrifting ideas today.

If you are joining me from Kirstin at White Arrows Home, I know you enjoyed her Back To School Organizing with Thrifted Finds tips.

(Posts on The Ponds Farmhouse may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure details here.)

How Do You Add Vintage Charm To A Modern Kitchen?

As you have probably guessed, my favorite way to add vintage charm to a modern kitchen is to shop thrift stores for vintage and antique kitchen items. Adding vintage decor helps to create a rustic, old-world feel, and the contemporary kitchen is the perfect place to add inexpensive pieces that have a significant impact.

In addition, using repurposed and DIY decor also ups the charm factor.

Vintage Copper

One of my favorite additions to a modern kitchen is vintage copper. Copper pots add warmth to the kitchen and create that old-world feel without much effort.

The DIY Plate Rack is filled with copper, breadboards, and ironstone.

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Open Shelving

One trend in modern farmhouse kitchens that’s been around since the pioneer days is open shelving. It disappeared briefly in the mid-’80s, and 90’s when custom cabinets became the rage. However, they are back with a vengeance in a modern farmhouse, cottage style, and mid-century modern style homes.

Open shelving is a great way to display vintage kitchenware and collectibles. It also helps to keep your kitchen feeling airy and spacious

Add Vintage Art Work

Vintage artwork can add a touch of personality to your kitchen. Look for pieces that have a rural or country feel.

Plant Herbs

Adding some herbs to your kitchen is a great way to add a touch of vintage charm and to bring the outdoors in. Plant your herbs in pots on the windowsill or in a herb garden on the countertop.

Textured Walls

Adding textured walls to your kitchen is another way to add vintage charm and a rustic modern kitchen feel. We used a combination of shiplap and brick to create texture in the farmhouse kitchen.

When using neutral colors adding several textures is important to interest the space. Some ways to add texture include the popular shiplap, an accent wall, a brick wall, and even wallpaper.

Many peel-and-stick wallpapers mimic shiplap, brick, and other textures that are as easy to remove as they are to apply.

Add Vintage Hardware

Vintage hardware can add a touch of charm to any kitchen. Look for pieces that are made of solid brass or iron, and that have a simple, classic design.

If you can’t find authentic vintage hardware, many affordable reproductions exist.

Use Distressed Finishes

A distressed finish can give your kitchen a vintage look without making it look too old. The distressed finish on the pantry door is authentic. However, you can create distressed finishes with paints and stains that have a weathered or worn appearance.

Use Vintage Textiles

Vintage textiles can add a touch of warmth and comfort to your kitchen. Look for pieces that are made of natural materials, such as cotton, linen, and wool.

Set The Table With Vintage Dishes & Silverware

Using vintage dishes is a great way to add a touch of charm to your kitchen table. Look for dishes that are made of durable materials, such as china or stoneware, and that have a classic design.

Look for dishes, silverware, and glassware at thrift stores for budget-minded table settings.

Ironstone Dishes

Classic and durable are two terms associated with Ironstone Dishes. I’ve been collecting for several years and hardly ever pass on a great deal.

The classic white works with any home style and is perfect for mixing and matching tableware.

In addition to the white dishes, adding old pitches and serving pieces to your cabinets and shelving

Vintage Bowls

I love stacking vintage bowls and filling them with fruit and produce. They are a great way to add storage to your countertops while adding that vintage charm factor.

Although they are getting harder to find, I’m always on the look out. These were all great and inexpensive finds.

Nestled together with an Antique Candle, they help to disguise necessary charger cords.

Repurposed Furniture for Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

One of the best ways to create a vintage feel in a modern kitchen is to use repurposed furniture to add storage.

Most old farmhouses didn’t have built-in cabinetry. Therefore, free-standing cabinets and chests were used as workstations.

We combined two old sideboards to create a unique DIY kitchen island in our farmhouse kitchen. There is abundant storage inside each cabinet, giving the kitchen that vintage charm we are talking about.

Add Vintage Lighting

Vintage lighting can add a touch of charm to your kitchen. Look for pieces that are made of brass or enamelware, and that have a simple, classic design.

Don’t worry if you don’t have wiring, you can add a vintage light fixture and a rechargeable bulb.

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In addition to the kitchen island, the addition of a repurposed screen door was added to our pantry entrance. It maintains its original chippy paint but now includes a chalkboard and metal magnet board.

The chippy green paint colors inspired the recently updated island paint colors.

Don’t Be Afraid To Mix & Match

When decorating your kitchen, don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles of antiques and collectibles. This will help to create a unique and eclectic look.

Bread Boards, Cutting Boards and Wooden Bowls

Vintage breadboards, cutting boards, and old wooden bowls are one of my favorite thrift stores finds. They have so much character and warmth to a modern kitchen.

Use them on your open shelves or stack them in the center of your dining table to create a riser for your centerpiece.

Ways to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets

You can add collectibles to the space above your kitchen cabinets to decorate.

The options are unlimited. See more options at How To Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets with a Modern Farmhouse Style.

Vintage Baskets

I love collecting handcrafted baskets, which are pretty easy to find. Use them to hold floral arrangements, hand towels, napkins, and cutlery.

They add so much texture to Ann’s rustic modern kitchen. She hangs multiple style baskets from the beam above her kitchen cabinet.

Antique Crocks

Whether you have a small collection of crocks or a large group, the texture and shape add to the rustic modern farmhouse feel.

Fill with cooking utensils such as wooden spoons and gather them on a shelve or countertop.

They also make great floral arrangement containers or fill them with faux Christmas trees this holiday season.

Old Wooden Rolling Pins, Wooden Spoons & Tool Boxes

I love collecting all of the above. Filling old toolboxes full of these thrift store finds creates a unique and exciting vignette for the rustic farmhouse kitchen.

More Thrifting With The Gals

Up next is Anne & AnnMarie with Simply 2 Moms. Click each link below for more great Thrifting With The Gals Tips.

Ann & AnnMarie – Thrifted Finds To Decorate Your Home / Ann – 10 Best Fall Vintage Decor Ideas

Robyn-Thrifted Vessels for Flower Arrangements / Kirstin – Back-to-School Organization w Thrifted Finds

More Antique & Vintage Decorating in Modern Farmhouse

• How To Use Vintage Decor in Outdoor Kitchen
• How To Decorate With Old Candleholders
• How to Decorate with Vintage Tool Boxes
• How To Repurpose Antique Doors For Farmhouse Vintage Charm
• 25 Repurposed Architectural Salvage Decorating Ideas

Thanks so much for stopping by.

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