​How to style your retro kitchen

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
Scarth Craig, Cowie, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, Roundhouse Architecture Ltd Roundhouse Architecture Ltd Built-in kitchens Wood Wood effect
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Tired of stark-white cooking spaces? Then rejoice, for the retro kitchen is making a comeback! Yes, those colourful surfaces, rounded shapes, and vintage décor pieces that a lot of us grew up with are becoming trendy once again – as they say, history repeats itself. 

It was during the 1950s that the typical kitchen moved from a purely functional space to a more social one. That’s when kitchen units were first fitted with streamlined worktops and space-saving layouts became the norm. So, in celebrating the retro kitchen’s return, we also celebrate the time when the kitchen became one of the most sociable spaces in any home. 

Feel like joining the party and styling up your kitchen with some retro / vintage touches? Scroll right ahead…

1. A retro kitchen: Choose pastel colours

The kitchens of the 1950s, -60s and -70s didn’t opt for all-white colour palettes, so why would the trendy-again retro cooking spaces of today? Candy hues and pastels are what your colour schemes need to be flaunting. We’re talking cabinets in sherbet pink, baby blue, fresh green, or even sunny yellow. 

Of course you can also opt for something more striking by combining a few choice pastels, as shown in this unforgettable design below.

2. A retro kitchen: Place colourful accents with retro appliances

Retro-style appliances are the easiest way to add a touch of yesteryear to your kitchen. Plus, a vintage fridge, toaster, coffee maker or something else means you don’t have to opt for full-on retro cabinets if you don’t want to – it sends the message that you’re in love with the retro style, yet are choosing not to dip your entire cooking space in it.  

homify hint: Should you do choose to lend a little colour to your cabinets, get the authentic 1950s look by opting for modern cream kitchen units with a coloured worktop such as red or blue.

3. A retro kitchen: Add character with a tiled backsplash

If you’re on a budget, you can even tile your backsplash yourself – nobody ever needs to know that those “tiles” are actually peel-on, peel-off wall decals. 

But if you’re feeling especially creative, paint those tiles on yourself – think pastel shades, or geometric patterns.

4. A retro kitchen: Choose funky hardware

Drawer pulls, cabinet knobs… these and other elements with hardware need to stand out in order to successfully switch your kitchen over to the retro look. After all, it’s the little details that count.

5. A retro kitchen: Set up a breakfast counter / booth

Imagine those retro American diners from the 1950s with comfy booths – that’s what you need to be working for. Fortunately, it’s very easy these days to recreate that feel in your very own kitchen. Simply plop some padded bar stools or diner-style chairs next to your breakfast bar or kitchen island, and make sure those seats sport a bright colour (red is first place).

6. A retro kitchen: Don’t forget the retro signage / advertisements

Got a large collection of retro art you’ve been dying to show off? Now’s your chance! Make the most of your retro kitchen by hanging and propping a few vintage pieces that speak of decades gone by. 

For a coherent look, use your artwork as the basis of your colour scheme (i.e. red) and stick to a limited palette of two or three key colours. A primary palette is a great choice for a retro scheme.

homify hint: To add to the funky personality of your retro space, display vintage advertising posters, license plates, road signs, or framed vinyl albums.

7. A retro kitchen: Patterned flooring is a must

Forget about cream-coloured tiled floors – the 1950s and -60s were all about new techno fabrics, so think vinyl and plastic. As they were durable, versatile, and easy to produce in a range of colours and patterns, these materials helped reinvent kitchen flooring in particular – and they’re back with a vengeance! 

You can definitely opt for vinyl flooring for a kitchen – go with patterned vinyl tile for that retro twist, then pair up with a graphic wallpaper for the backsplash. 

homify hint: If you choose to stick with good ol’ tile, a chequered tile floor is a must. Black and white is a timeless option, yet red and white works too if you want something a bit more striking.

8. A retro kitchen: Display those vintage accessories

In a modern kitchen, accessories are few and far between. But in a retro kitchen, vintage appliances and décor that would normally be stashed out of sight need to be displayed with pride. 

Leave out your classic mixers and vintage bread boxes on the countertops. And your collection of old-school coffee mugs? Flaunt ‘em!

9. A retro kitchen: Colours to use

So, we know which flooring, accessories, appliances and hardware to use, but what colour schemes go with retro cooking spaces? 

• Cherry red: This fun hue immediately evokes the ambience of a retro diner. Use it as the main or accent colour for an eye-catching contrast to those soft neutrals like whites and greys.  

• Mint green: A cooler option than red, minty green works well as both a foundation and accent tone in retro spaces. Thus, show it off on your appliances, backsplashes, or cabinets.  

• Turquoise: Known for its refreshing and playful vibe, turquoise pairs well with the essence of every vintage piece you add to your old-school kitchen.  

• Black and white: Want to maintain a vintage kitchen aesthetic, but too scared to go full out with colours? Like your chequered flooring, a black-and-white colour palette will do no harm to your retro kitchen. Should you feel safer with this classic scheme later on, feel free to add a popping colour or two in the form of accessories and décor. 

Speaking of inspiring hues, ever wondered Which wall colours for the bedroom?

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