Retro kitchens are all the rage—we’ve come across many of these delightful spaces and are eager to share them with you if you, too, can’t resist good, old-fashioned retro style. But let’s take a step back first—what exactly constitutes a retro kitchen after all? “When people talk about retro kitchens, they’re often referring to mid-century kitchens, which were famous for metal cabinets or cottage style wooden cabinets, formica countertops, and vintage appliances,” explains Alessandra Wood, VP of Style at Modsy.
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Alessandra Wood is the Vice President of Style at Modsy, an online interior decorating service.
But if you live in a newer space, you can still achieve the retro look. “One way to design and decorate retro kitchens is to start with your favorite colorful appliance and create a color palette around it,” designer Christine Turknett shares. “If it becomes too bold, you can also incorporate different shades and tones of the color as well. You can also maintain the bright retro feel by selectively emphasizing places like the wallpaper, appliances, and backsplash tile.”
Keep reading for 28 of our favorite retro kitchens below.
Awesome Appliance
Have fun with your appliances. Retro-inspired fridges can be spotted in many different homes today—everyone is enjoying taking a cue from decades past and going beyond the traditional white or stainless steel fridge. With so many colors to choose from, there are plenty of possibilities when it comes to retro refrigerators.
Rad Shelves
What’s more fun than bright and colorful shelving? If you need to increase storage space in your kitchen, you may as well do it in a fun, retro-inspired way. If you share a space with roommates, you could even divvy up shelves by color so that everyone remembers whose is whose.
Diner-Like Dining Table
There’s nothing more retro than a table and chair set that looks pulled straight from your favorite diner. What could make sharing a meal with friends and family feel more cozy?
Vintage Accents
Don’t miss a single detail when it comes to decorating in retro style—even your kitchen accessories can have some fun vintage flair. These crocheted potholders immediately take us back to the 1970s thanks to their colorful, woven design. A vintage fan and clock above the fridge keep the theme going, too.
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Walls That Talk
Your kitchen isn’t just about appliances and other cooking essentials. Don’t forget to incorporate wall art that tells a story. These wall hangings are reminiscent of vintage advertisements and signs that would hang in restaurants and look fabulous in at-home dining spaces, too.
Orange Everywhere
Orange you glad you didn’t opt for boring kitchen appliances? Pick a bold color for all of your day to day essentials and commit to it. A retro orange hue is bound to put a pep in your step each and every morning.
Back in Black
This black retro fridge is perfect for a smaller kitchen and adds a moody touch. It also leaves plenty of room left for what is the clear priority in this space—a full blown coffee bar.
Flower Power
Have fun with floral.! Embrace the power of the flower in your kitchen with a fun print that will add some whimsy. The black and white design pairs wonderfully with the red kitchen backsplash, too.
Disco Days
Love to dance while you do the dishes? Add a disco ball to the kitchen and let the magic happen. You’ll love watching light flicker around your space throughout the day, too.
Wall Whimsy
Another way to jazz up empty walls while sticking to a retro theme is by hanging up thrifted plates. Take your favorites out of the cupboard where they’ve just been collecting dust and allow them to shine every day.
Bright and Bold
Can’t stop at just one gallery wall in your home? Go on, add one to the kitchen. This setup is full of bright colors and positive feelings galore.
Throwback Touches
Go green. This calming hue will make you happy even while washing that hundredth dish of the week. Add some vintage accents like a wire fruit holder and printed lampshade and you’re all set.
Color Play
Don’t be afraid to majorly contrast colors in your retro kitchen. Pink paired with turquoise walls? Why not!
Tea Time
What’s more fun than a cute cart? You don’t need to set up a bar station in your kitchen if you’d rather set up a little tea area. This one couldn’t be more darling.
Maximalist Shelves
Could these cabinets be cuter? Filled with bright colored treats and accent pieces, they prove that maximalist kitchen shelving can most certainly have its moment.
Make It Match
Get matchy matchy. Coordinate your countertops (contact paper will help) to your towels to your artwork for a retro kitchen that looks ripped out of the pages of a magazine.
Darling Dishes
Have a collection of retro cookware? Don’t let it hide. We love this rainbow-colored stack of retro baking dishes on display here.
The Little Things
It’s all about the little things! A retro tea towel will make drying dishes feel a bit more festive, right?
Retro Rental
Unable to make major cosmetic changes to your kitchen? No problem. Renters can still add retro flair to their kitchens by opting for bright appliances or including other touches like removable wallpaper and backsplash decals.
You spend all hours of the day in the kitchen, so you’ll want to have sufficient lighting. Why not make your fixtures both fun and functional? A sunny yellow penant complements this retro fridge and serves as the focal point of the room.
Nalgic Marigold
Oh hello, marigold! The warm hue is a ’70s favorite and makes for a happy choice for any retro appliance.
Cool Cane
Cane chairs are a retro classic that continue to be ultra popular into the 21st century. They can run on the pricier side but can also be sourced at thrift stores and via online resale sites if you keep an eye out. The woven pattern was a major favorite in the 1970s and can lean classic or boho-chic depending on how it’s styled
These retro kitchens are a blast from the past! The vibrant colors, funky patterns, and nostalgic appliances evoke a sense of nostalgia and charm. I love how each kitchen showcases a unique blend of vintage flair and modern functionality. After seeing these inspiring designs, I’m definitely feeling motivated to add some retro vibes to my own kitchen!
What a fun and inspiring collection of retro kitchens! From the classic 1950s diner-style setups to the funky 1970s color palettes, each kitchen exudes its own personality and charm. The use of retro appliances, bold wallpaper, and funky accessories creates a playful and inviting atmosphere. This article has definitely sparked my imagination and left me itching to redecorate my kitchen with some vintage flair!
These retro kitchens are a delightful throwback to a bygone era, blending vintage charm with modern functionality. From bold colors to funky patterns, each design exudes personality and nostalgia. I love how the article showcases a variety of retro-inspired elements, from appliances to decor, providing ample inspiration for anyone looking to infuse their kitchen with retro flair.
The retro kitchens featured in this article are a testament to timeless style and creativity. Whether it’s a playful color scheme or quirky accessories, each kitchen reflects a unique sense of character and charm. I appreciate how the designs celebrate the nostalgia of yesteryears while incorporating contemporary conveniences. It’s inspiring to see how homeowners can blend the best of both worlds to create inviting spaces that feel both retro and fresh.
These retro kitchens are a feast for the eyes, offering a delightful trip down memory lane with their vintage-inspired aesthetics. The use of bold colors, retro appliances, and nostalgic decor elements adds warmth and personality to each space. I particularly enjoy the attention to detail in preserving retro authenticity while also incorporating modern amenities for convenience. These kitchens serve as a reminder that classic design never goes out of style.