There is a certain charm in vintage products that still fascinates us even today. In an era where modern things are the norm, retro appliances give off an aesthetic that exudes timelessness. This is why 50s diners still hold a special place in our hearts and why vintage YouTube creators like Jessica Vill and Karolina Żebrowska have gained popularity. These vintage appliances are known as classics for a reason, there is beauty in their timelessness, and they are here to stay.
Perhaps you have, at one time or another, wanted to give your home a vintage feel to it, but you might have hesitated because you fear that it will look gaudy. Fortunately, there’s a way to give your home those classic vibes without it looking cheap.
Take Cues from What Is Already There
When you decide to give your home a major updo, take a good look at what you are working with. In particular, take note of your wall’s color schemes, the type of flooring you currently have, and the details you want to retain.
For example, you can go for linoleum when you feel that your vinyl floors are ruining the aesthetics of the vintage look you are going for. Whenever you have a plan in mind, it is always advisable to see the big picture before looking into the details.
Shopping for Major Appliances Is the Trickiest Part
Perhaps the trickiest part in giving your home that vintage makeover is shopping for the appliances. For one thing, you have to know a good deal when you see one, according to an article by The OCR. Good deals for vintage appliances can be hard to come by, so you must consider your budget because buying vintage appliances may not come cheap.
However, you should not let this fact discourage you from buying vintage appliances because these classic finds can actually give their modern counterparts a run for their money. The trick is to know where to look and do your research.
“Buying an old appliance is like buying a used car—you’ve got to kick the tires,” said Mike Arnold, owner of Twentieth Century Appliance Restorations, in an article with Old House Online.
In fact, many of these vintage appliances still have all the “bells and whistles” of modern appliances and then some. Many of these vintage appliances boast solid construction and safety features.
Take Note of Repairs and Maintenance
Well-oiled machines need to be regularly maintained to ensure that they are always up and running. This is where you might find yourself at a disadvantage because not many repair shops can cater to these sort of repairs since the parts for replacement may not be in production anymore, and sometimes the price for repair becomes a matter of how much you want it and how much you are willing to shell out.
One great thing about the repair and maintenance of a vintage appliance is that it can actually cut energy costs in the long run. For example, many vintage refrigerators need to be defrosted manually at least once a month to run efficiently. It is tedious work, which is true. But the half-hour that you spend every month manually defrosting and cleaning out your refrigerator is a small price to pay when you save on a costly energy bill. Think about that the next time you take out your dishwasher for dishwasher repair services.
Space Can Be an Issue
Many modern appliances tend to be compact in size to fit the lifestyle of modern-day homeowners. Many millennial homeowners own bachelor pads or tiny apartments. Roombas and air fryers have become such a boon because not only can they get the job done, they do not take up too much space.
Vintage models can get large and take up lots of space, so you must be aware of how much space you have. You might think the double oven with six-burner stoves looks great, but if it cannot fit your small kitchen, you will have to think of alternatives.
Take Your Appliances for a Test Run
Like any responsible buyer, you have to make sure that the appliances you buy are in good working condition before buying them. Otherwise, you will run the risk of buying an oversized knick-knack for your home. For example, when you are buying a vintage gas stove, you must be aware of the condition that it is in. Sometimes you cannot just take the seller’s word for it unless you purchase from a well-established shop. Also, make sure that you can get the replacement parts locally sourced to save you trouble in the future.
Buying vintage is something that many consumers have seen as a form of sustainable living. Truth be told, there is beauty in timelessness because it gives off an old-world charm that the modern era cannot give. Perhaps this is why the world still longs for the good old days when times were simpler and less complicated. After all, a good classic never dies a natural death.
