The Vintage Vernacular
While sleek, contemporary kitchen design continues to reign supreme in homes across Victoria, many of these modern marvels still pay homage to trends of the past – fusing together traits of both old and new to create a functional space at the heart of the home. In this nod to nostalgia, Bethany Hayes sits down with Mint Kitchen Group’s design director and co-founder, Frank Iaria. Together, the pair discern the foundations of vintage kitchen vernacular, as well as clever ways to incorporate a touch of antique elegance into your kitchen.
Not merely a place to prepare meals, the ever-malleable kitchen is often used as central meeting spot for homeowners – a place to chat, dine, complete homework, share stories – and above all – simply be. While the contemporary kitchen conjures up images of sleek, clean lines, matte joinery, plentiful storage and a neutral colour scheme, a welcome return of curves, panels, bright colours and reclaimed materials has made its way back into the forefront of kitchen design. Dearest reader, take a step back in time and immerse yourself into the world of the retro kitchen; all with a welcome hand from Mint Kitchen Group’s resident expert.
KNOW YOUR CURVE
Inspired by his love of being able to design a room to function at its very best, Frank Iaria’s journey into the world of clever kitchen design has been one of incredible personal reward. Now at the helm of one of Melbourne’s most trusted kitchen companies, Iaria gets the privilege of witnessing kitchens, bathrooms and laundries “come to life” and “actually change people’s lives”.
When it comes to kitchens seen across homes today, industrial, integrated style kitchens that embody a pared back, streamlined feel are certainly having their moment in the sun. But with no two people the same, and no one minimalist style fitting all preferences, a return to the retro has seen many kitchens combine the very best of both old and new – honouring the charm of yesteryear, all with the functionality of today. And many are doing so, with a return of the curve.
“The main thing inspiring designs at the moment is the return of panelled doors, curves in cabinetry, [as well as] stone and features slatted walls and panels,” Iaria explains. Such old-school kitchen elements can be found in curved island bench corners, which offer a unique focal point to the space, and real softness that vertical lines can sometime lack. Alongside these bench corners, Iaria flags that curved, and V-panelled doors are also “lending a nod to the past” while helping to promote flow within the kitchen.
With curves making a comeback alongside other nostalgic elements, Iaria attributes this return to the creativity that was busy bubbling away during lockdown – thanks to homeowners seeking a kitchen brimming with gentle grace and charm. “I believe that since we have been locked inside for two years – staring at what we currently have – being sharper, colder lines, has had people hungrier for something warmer, softer and more elegant looking,” the design director affirms. “The use of curves certainly does this, and the V-groove panelling also softens the look of a plain flat door, panel or wall,” he adds. “The introduction of ribs and slats also adds a bit more of a pleasing and softer element to the room.”
And it is curves especially, that Iaria predicts will long be sticking around within the realm of kitchen design. “I believe the curves are going to be here for a while, and we’re doing a lot of it at the moment,” he notes. “It would be great to see suppliers come up with products that are more easily pliable to create the curves, because at the moment it is very labour-intensive.”
OLD FASHION FRIVOLITY
For many homeowners, the functionality of a modern kitchen is something they simply cannot go past, and it is in these particular cases, where the interior design of your kitchen – as well as the appliances used – can help bolster its retro style. “There is definitely a place in the current design climate to use older material in interior design, whether it be in prints, wallpapers, sideboard and buffets,” Iaria explains. For a touch of antique opulence, consider sourcing some beautiful retro prints that can be framed and displayed around the space. If giving pre-loved materials a new lease on life is your thing, consider using recycled timber within a feature benchtop or shelving.
Iaria does caution homeowners who are opting to use recycled timber, to check its quality and state, before going full steam ahead. “If it’s timber [that you’re using], ensure it is in good enough condition to reuse and not rotted throughout, or damaged beyond being able to sand it back and repolish it,” he explains. With sturdy timber in check, your timber feature can be polished back to its former glory and serve as a wonderful raw staple to the space.
Retro-style appliances can also be a wonderful way to give a nod to the past, with the design director flagging SMEG’s retro range as a real winner. “SMEG do a beautiful range of retro fridges, dishwashers and cooking appliances,” he affirms. “They are my typical go-to brand for this type of look.” Picture bright colours, rounded corners and smooth surfaces, each embodying the atmosphere and ambience of the 1950s, but with the brilliant function of today.
MODERN MEETS VINTAGE
The beauty of adding a touch of vintage to your kitchen, is that its sheer presence – a curved kitchen island, chrome details or even antique prints – can become a beautiful focal point of the entire space. It is this fusion between the old and new that ensures the form and function of your kitchen is still top-notch, but an old-worldly essence will remain. If you do choose to incorporate some vintage essence into an existing contemporary abode, Iaria advises working alongside a qualified expert who can understand the necessary size constraints. “Make sure your proportions are right, group similar items together and make sure there is enough balance in the rooms by using neutral tones and elements to bring them together,” he says. “I find it always works better to make the antiques the focal point, giving it a reason to have them in the room.”
Regardless of whether you favour something uber modern, or are a vintage soul at heart, ensuring your kitchen’s design suits your needs – both now and into the future – is of paramount importance. “Design the kitchen to suit yourself, your lifestyle and your family. If curves are something you like, then embrace it and make sure you are using a designer that has experience designing with curves,” Iaria affirms. If vintage is a quality that comes with both age and expertise – and never goes out of fashion – then it’s undoubtedly a style worth considering for your home’s hub.
