A Summer Kitchen Refresh with Vintage Touches
There’s nothing quite like the energy shift that comes with early summer. In Colorado, the light changes, the windows open, and suddenly the kitchen becomes the heart of the home again, but in a different way. The quiet dinners of winter give way to shared breakfasts, spontaneous salads, and that beautiful in-between time where everything feels just a little bit slower. It’s around this time every year that I start adjusting things in my kitchen, not a full makeover, just a thoughtful refresh. A swap here, a new-old find there. And somehow, by adding just a few antique touches, the whole space starts to feel brighter, cozier, and more lived-in in the best possible way.
Start with one-character piece
You don’t need to overhaul your kitchen to give it soul. Sometimes, all it takes is a single, storied piece, like an old oak stool, a rustic butcher block, or a narrow repurposed shelf tucked beside the stove. These are the kinds of items that hold history, and somehow manage to bring instant warmth to a space.
Lately, I’ve been drawn to vintage hutches with glass doors. The visible shelves are perfect for layering in crockery, cookbooks, and the little seasonal moments that make a kitchen feel alive.
Make space for breadboards and stoneware
If there’s one thing I’ve never regretted collecting, it’s antique breadboards. Stacked casually against a backsplash or laid out for serving summer fruit, they add that rustic texture I always crave this time of year. Same goes for stoneware crocks. I use them for everything from wooden spoons to potted herbs.
Tip: The more worn, the better. A few knife marks or chips give character, not flaws.
Don’t underestimate the power of textiles
I have a thing for linens. The kind you find folded in a corner at an antiques store, slightly faded, soft to the touch, always too pretty to keep hidden in a drawer. A striped tea towel, a hand-stitched apron, even a basket liner in washed linen...these little details bring a casual elegance to the kitchen that just feels right in summer.
Let your collections breathe
Summer kitchens are for ease and openness. If you collect ironstone, enamelware, or vintage glassware, let it shine. Open shelving or glass-front cabinets are ideal for displaying pieces that bring you joy. I like to rotate mine seasonally with gold-plated bowls, floral plates, or even a cluster of pressed glass tumblers can brighten the whole room.
And don’t be afraid of mixing eras. A little eclecticism brings charm.
Find a piece that speaks to you
If you’re craving a small refresh, now’s the time to wander through the shop. We have a beautiful selection of antique wooden brick molds, coffee grinders, and linens perfect for summer styling. Whether you’re local here in Colorado or browsing from afar, you’ll find something with a story to tell, and a place in your kitchen.
Ready to add a little summer soul to your kitchen?
Visit us in-store here in Colorado. We’d love to help you find that perfect antique piece to bring your kitchen to life.
Not nearby? Browse our online collection for inspiration and one-of-a-kind finds delivered right to your door.
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