This Pre-1945 Kitchen Trend Is Making a Comeback — It’s Perfect for Vintage Lovers on a Budget

When choosing a home, the kitchen is often a deciding factor. Maybe it’s eye-catching features like painted cabinets or the beauty of marble countertops — or perhaps it’s the vision of shared meals that draws you in? But what do you do if the place you’re in or moving into doesn’t have the elements you would expect in a standard kitchen — no built-in cabinets, no island, no prep spaces? Before you abandon ship and move along, a little creativity can go a long way, especially if you’re open to an unfitted kitchen.

Perhaps you’ve seen those rustic cottage-like country kitchens with a medley of tables, chairs, butcher blocks, and shelving — a homey, nonuniform cooking space style that feels both inviting and unique? If so, you’re already familiar with the concept of an unfitted kitchen. As more people embrace spaces that defy traditional layouts, these charming homes and their unfitted kitchens are currently a big source of inspiration.

Here’s what you need to know about them.

Recently, there’s been a rise in the amount of searches for the unfitted kitchen, aka the “freestanding kitchen.” But what exactly defines an unfitted kitchen? An unfitted kitchen is made up of unattached appliances, furniture, and cabinetry to create a functional, working kitchen space without the use of built-ins.

“The style thrives on mixed materials and styles, contrasting different textures, colors, and finishes, such as pairing a rustic wooden table with industrial metal stools,” says Tom Revill, cofounder and creative director of Plank Hardware. “Additionally, an unfitted kitchen is marked by its eclectic decor, blending vintage and modern elements like retro appliances with contemporary fixtures,” he says.

Designer Hayley Johnson of the San Francisco-based firm Rakis Design agrees, noting the hallmark elements of an unfitted kitchen are pieces like antique worktables, cupboards, baker’s racks, butcher blocks, and hanging pot racks. “These are well-loved pieces that have survived history and are full of character yet remain functional,” Johnson shares. 

The majority of kitchens were inherently unfitted in the preindustrial era. At this time, the concept of a built-in kitchen didn’t exist, and furniture was strategically placed wherever made the most sense for optimal functionality, often situated near a hearth or stove. It wasn’t until the early to mid-20th century when the beginnings of fitted kitchens came into play. 

The “Frankfurt Kitchen,” designed by Austrian architect Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, was introduced in 1926 and was the first to incorporate built-in cabinetry and workspaces to maximize efficiency. The design was so popular that it led to the mainstream adoption of the fitted kitchen — especially after World War II, when mass production and modern appliances came into fashion, making it easier for people to implement fitted kitchens in their home. 

In the late 20th century, a swing back to unfitted kitchens occurred, especially in Europe, where people were craving a less uniform look and wanted more flexibility. And now, people are embracing the style once again, with the rise of open shelving and statement lighting. “Incorporate open shelving in natural wood or metal to maintain a sense of openness and simplicity, while also allowing you to display curated, functional items,” says Revill of the ideal unfitted kitchen.

As more people look to save money and enjoy greater flexibility with their layouts and design plans, many are leaning into this old-school concept in a more modern way. An unfitted kitchen’s adaptability and support of people’s changing needs is probably one of the biggest reasons for its adoption. If you need to shift appliances, shelving, or workspaces around in a few years, it’s simple and straightforward. This is great for those who move frequently, want more personalization, or need to optimize kitchen workflow. 

Additionally, as more people understand the importance of sustainability in home design, unfitted kitchens offer a more eco-minded approach. Unlike traditional construction, unfitted kitchens generate little to no waste. They also promote shopping through the secondhand marketplace — sourcing things like tables, shelves, and cupboards secondhand allows you to add in furniture pieces that reflect your own taste and reuse something that’s already in existence.

Plus, you’re able to easily swap things out over time, if desired. “Sustainability and mobility are two big perks of an unfitted kitchen,” Johnson shares. “Integrating pieces that already exist in the world reduces emissions and adds charm — it’s a great combo.”

To inject modernity, the selections don’t need to be all vintage. If you feel like your kitchen could be a period piece set, be sure to add in some current-day accents and furnishings. “Embrace an eclectic design by mixing materials — like pairing a smooth marble countertop with a rustic wooden table — to create a unique yet cohesive look,” Revill suggests.

“Experimenting with hardware, such as antique brass cabinet pulls or statement pendant lighting, can instantly elevate your kitchen’s design,” adds Revill. “Antique brass pulls add a touch of vintage charm and warmth, while statement lighting provides a modern focal point that enhances the room’s ambiance.”

The main pros of an unfitted kitchen are flexibility, sustainability, and budget. After all, not having to undergo a full kitchen renovation (coupled with secondhand sourcing) will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Taking this design path also allows you time and space to figure out your signature style and needs, so in case you want to incorporate a bolder statement or a trend, you’ll know you’re really ready. All of these elements make unfitted kitchens a smart choice for contemporary kitchen design. 

While many experts highlight the above positives, some might consider unfitted kitchens’ mixed aesthetic slightly chaotic and not visually streamlined. If not executed in a way that feels cohesive, you can wind up with a hodgepodge of items — and possibly a buildup of clutter. 

To pull off this look, you’ll need to be strategic about how much you bring into your space and what you display. Additionally, safety is a thing to consider, since individual pieces may be less stable than built-in ones. “I think one really has to have a vision for how it’ll play out,” Johnson shares. “There’s an element of safety in a fitted kitchen, too — despite its permanence. That said, I think if someone can wrap their mind around furnishing a kitchen rather than building one, it unlocks a ton of flexibility. It’s just a matter of how one’s mind works.”