Before and After Renovations: Vintage Kitchens

This updated 1920s space is full of kitchen-remodeling ideas, from French-wire cabinet doors that keep plates in view to a hanging pot rack that adds another classic touch. With the cooktop removed, the island can function as a work surface.

This updated 1920s space is full of kitchen-remodeling ideas, from French-wire cabinet doors that keep plates in view to a hanging pot rack that adds another classic touch. With the cooktop removed, the island can function as a work surface.

This kitchen's designer got rid of the oval over the island and claimed the space for a pot rack. The new casual eating area embraces the tradition of family dinner.

This kitchen's designer got rid of the oval over the island and claimed the space for a pot rack. The new casual eating area embraces the tradition of family dinner.

A cheerful combination of red, yellow, and white, including classic toile fabric, gives this kitchen a fresh look. Glass fronts on a few cabinets brighten the entire room, and damaged dishware gets a second life as a signature backsplash.

A cheerful combination of red, yellow, and white, including classic toile fabric, gives this kitchen a fresh look. Glass fronts on a few cabinets brighten the entire room, and damaged dishware gets a second life as a signature backsplash.

This vintage kitchen with custom cabinets and flooring cleverly incorporates an office/computer area. By opening the wall where the range was originally located, an old pantry space and the main kitchen were merged. An L-shape desk with drawers below for storage is a better use of space.

This vintage kitchen with custom cabinets and flooring cleverly incorporates an office/computer area. By opening the wall where the range was originally located, an old pantry space and the main kitchen were merged. An L-shape desk with drawers below for storage is a better use of space.

A soaring bank of cabinets and cubbies in the kitchen of this 1890s Georgia cottage provides display shelves and much-needed kitchen storage. The chalkboard opens to even more storage, including baskets of school supplies, tools, and keys.

A soaring bank of cabinets and cubbies in the kitchen of this 1890s Georgia cottage provides display shelves and much-needed kitchen storage. The chalkboard opens to even more storage, including baskets of school supplies, tools, and keys.

Simple white subway tiles are period-appropriate and complement the dark countertops. Vintage details, such as salvaged metal brackets under the island, pull the space together.

Simple white subway tiles are period-appropriate and complement the dark countertops. Vintage details, such as salvaged metal brackets under the island, pull the space together.

A banquette did little to optimize this kitchen's floor plan. It was replaced with a multifunctional window seat that opens the room for additional storage in a cupboard-style pantry and corner shelves.

A banquette did little to optimize this kitchen's floor plan. It was replaced with a multifunctional window seat that opens the room for additional storage in a cupboard-style pantry and corner shelves.

Timeless surfaces, classic cabinetry, and old-fashioned fixtures help this new kitchen seamlessly blend in with an old home. The marble-top island serves several purposes, including an eating bar, preparation surface, and serving buffet.

Timeless surfaces, classic cabinetry, and old-fashioned fixtures help this new kitchen seamlessly blend in with an old home. The marble-top island serves several purposes, including an eating bar, preparation surface, and serving buffet.

The genius behind this little kitchen's redo is the skinny appliances that give it full-size function. A framed pegboard, inspired by one in legendary cook Julia Child's kitchen, provides practical and livable storage.

The genius behind this little kitchen's redo is the skinny appliances that give it full-size function. A framed pegboard, inspired by one in legendary cook Julia Child's kitchen, provides practical and livable storage.

Functional flair and artful organization define this kitchen, which was restored using the home's original 1929 blueprints. The cost-saving decision to keep the existing range justified some remodeling splurges, including a new double oven and a glass-front refrigerator.

Functional flair and artful organization define this kitchen, which was restored using the home's original 1929 blueprints. The cost-saving decision to keep the existing range justified some remodeling splurges, including a new double oven and a glass-front refrigerator.

This bland, all-white kitchen was refreshed with easy, minor tweaks. Flat-front cabinets showcase classic character with screen molding that simulates paneling. New cabinet hardware makes a big impact, and walls are perked up with paint and a wallpaper border.

This bland, all-white kitchen was refreshed with easy, minor tweaks. Flat-front cabinets showcase classic character with screen molding that simulates paneling. New cabinet hardware makes a big impact, and walls are perked up with paint and a wallpaper border.

Textured white subway tiles line this charming kitchen's backsplash, giving the room a light, spacious backdrop. The L-shape island provides separate areas for eating and prep work. Now the space is perfect for both day-to-day family life and entertaining.

Textured white subway tiles line this charming kitchen's backsplash, giving the room a light, spacious backdrop. The L-shape island provides separate areas for eating and prep work. Now the space is perfect for both day-to-day family life and entertaining.

This small kitchen got a boost from French doors that maximize light and views. A crackle-finish ceramic tile backsplash complements the sleek look, and a dramatic Craftsman-style corbel supports a display shelf and enlivens the simple, traditional design.

This small kitchen got a boost from French doors that maximize light and views. A crackle-finish ceramic tile backsplash complements the sleek look, and a dramatic Craftsman-style corbel supports a display shelf and enlivens the simple, traditional design.

Doubling the size of the kitchen was this remodeling project's focus. Details include deep drawer storage that houses most of the kitchen utensils, as well as a butcher-block island top that signals the functional attitude of the space. Perimeter counters are limestone.

Doubling the size of the kitchen was this remodeling project's focus. Details include deep drawer storage that houses most of the kitchen utensils, as well as a butcher-block island top that signals the functional attitude of the space. Perimeter counters are limestone.