Janis's Vintage Chic Apartment Tour- Part Two

   Last week I shared with you Part One,  of a four part series sharing my uber talented Aunts' Vintage Chic Apartment.  I'm back this week with the second installment showcasing her Kitchen and Bar Area. She's got plenty of more tips on how to create a similar look with a teeny tiny budget. Take it away Janis! ...

PART TWO- The Kitchen & Bar

   As I said in Part One my apartment had loads of potential that wasn't yet visible under layers of dirt, dingy paint and awful linoleum floors.  I gave the kitchen a very deep cleaning and a fresh coat of paint.  Then I got down to the nightmare job of ripping up all the ugly flooring to expose the gorgeous honey colored wood floors under them.  It was a back breaking job but was it was so worth it!  When it was all said and done, I had a cute and clean kitchen with some darling vintage character.  Even though I am renting it is worth all of the work for my piece of mind.  Your home is your oasis, no matter where it is. 

   Then came the FUN part, collecting vintage kitchen ware and decor. Vintage cookware is not only pretty but most of it is far more sturdy and safe for cooking than new pieces.  Just think, if vintage Pyrex dishes have lasted 60 years by the time you buy them at the thrift store/estate sale etc., they will probably last another 60 years!  In times past, things were made to last and take a beating, unlike the poorly made and often toxic plastic junk you can buy now.  Not everything vintage is food safe though, so be sure to do your research before you use old pottery or anything suspect to serve or store food with.

   All of these old Providence apartment kitchens come with an open space, gas stove and few or no kitchen cabinets.  With that in mind I didn't pass up on a single sturdy storage piece or shelving while searching the thrift stores.  I knew I would find a use for them.  Another item I NEVER pass up in thrift stores is vintage or antique mirrors.  You will always find a place for them, and they help to brighten your space by reflecting light and adding character.

  Okay!  That is the end of Part Two.  See ya'll back here next week with Part 3 - The Bedroom and Bathroom.  Hope you are finding inspiration and ideas for your own spaces and maybe even checking out garbage day in your neighborhood ;) Drive Slow!  Do ya'll have any tips for thrifting and/or decorating on a tiny budget?  I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments below!

* If you are in the Providence, Rhode Island area and are looking for interior styling/organizing help, you can contact the lady responsible for all the above gorgeousness here ~ janisdalyinteriors@gmail.com

Update: Janis recently purchased an 1854 farmhouse and started a new blog Big Rory Road to share the process of bringing it back to it's former glory. You can check out her new journey full of creative and vintage loveliness HERE.

XOXO

~Andrea~