My 1990s Kitchen Looks Vintage Now - and I Didn't Change the Layout

"However, my husband and I did realize that the layout actually seemed intuitive for the space. It made the most of a rowhouse-sized space, and there was no need to make significant changes to the footprint of the cabinetry or the appliances. What I wanted was a space that felt fresh and clean but still vintage-inspired and more fitting for the house. Here's how I did it."

"Taupe cabinet paint feels bright but not sterile. I love a light, bright kitchen, but in this south-facing space, white actually felt too stark. Instead I chose a light, warm taupe that leans peach or blush depending on the time of day. The kitchen feels bright and airy, but it doesn't feel too sterile or crisp. I decided to use the same color on the cabinetry."

Choosing between an updated kitchen and a worn one requires weighing immediate convenience against personalization and renovation time. The homeowners selected a house with a 1990s kitchen that had sticky, springy floors, aging appliances, peeling paint, bug debris, and a non–full-size fridge. They retained the intuitive rowhouse layout to avoid major footprint changes. The renovation aimed for a fresh, clean, vintage-inspired look appropriate to the house. A light, warm taupe that leans peach or blush was selected over stark white to keep the space bright without feeling sterile, and the same color was applied to the cabinetry to unify the room.

Read at Apartment Therapy