I've always loved the way that a few carefully chosen vintage pieces add a storied and curated feel to interiors, although I've never considered vintage kitchenware, until now that is. I've been inspired by our exclusive video for Homes & Gardens, How I Host, with Clodagh McKenna where the chef shares her tips and tricks for hosting a beautifully cozy fall gathering.
What really struck me was the way she cleverly juxtaposes luxe new pieces with vintage kitchenware so it feels curated, rather than overdone. I'm always wary that too many vintage pieces can simply make a space look a little tired and old. But, positioning one-off treasures in amongst some new pieces, luxe surfaces and textures, will really make those 'found' objects sing.
I spotted some gorgeous vintage kitchenware in Clodagh's kitchen, including a wooden box pepper grinder, rustic reclaimed serving boards, decorative footed fruit bowls, a wire chicken egg basket, some retro kitchen scales, and some French bistro-style storage jars.
I'm planning to organize my open shelving to make space for some similar pieces to slot in between my cookery books (Clodagh's Happy Cooking is on my wishlist – it comes out in Feb but I've bought the Kindle version for now), classic Mason Cash bowls, and Weck jars, which make a wonderful hosting hack.
I also love the way Clodagh hangs her pans above her stove, ready to grab and go as she needs them – yes, the trend for pot hangers is still going strong, and copper pans are so much more beautiful to have on display than stainless steel. Martha Stewart has a $10 trick for keeping her copper pans spotless, if you're wondering how to keep them sparkling. And, copper jelly molds are definitely making a statement in kitchens right now, as a striking kitchen wall decor idea.
While I do love trawling the flea markets and thrift stores over the weekends, there are some beautiful, new, vintage-inspired kitchen and dining collections, which have piqued my interest recently – not least, Joanna Gaines' copper utensils. In fact, her whole range has me very tempted to treat myself, particularly the Magnolia Christmas tableware collection, which oozes vintage elegance.
Here's the vintage kitchenware (and some vintage-inspired pieces) that I'm shopping now to recreate Clodagh's eclectic look at home.
Shop my favorite vintage kitchenware finds
This piece is so similar to the one that Clodagh has on display in her kitchen. If you miss out on nabbing this one-off piece, this Peugeot Breville coffee mill from Williams Sonoma has a similar look.
I like the farmhouse style of this piece, and it's a much nicer way to store your eggs on the kitchen counter than in their cardboard boxes. You can find a similar new chicken shaped wire basket at Walmart.
These antique boards feature a wonderfully well-used patina and while they're purely decorative, they'll look wonderful hung on a kitchen wall or as a table centerpiece.
Butter dishes are having a moment and they're great for making sure your butter is always perfectly spreadable. The green stripes make this cream, lidded pot feel charmingly retro.
Clodagh's glass footed fruit bowls look so elevated and also create height on a dining table or countertop. This decorative piece is an early 20th century piece and feels luxe yet eclectic.
If you don't own copper pans they can be a pricey investment, but these copper mixing bows from Magnolia can be displayed in the same way and look just as effective.
Vintage kitchenware will always feel charming and nostalgic as long as you stick to the rule about adding pieces sparingly. If you love the vintage look and want more advice on how to feature it in your home, take a look at our It's Better Vintage pieces, which focus on making timeless treasures shine in your home.
