15 Ravishingly Retro Kitchen Schemes

I have a major soft spot for retro style, particularly when it comes to kitchens … and living rooms … and dining rooms … and bathrooms. But let’s concentrate on kitchens for now, shall we? And while we’re at it, what does the word “retro” mean exactly?

“Retro” is short for “retrospective,” which basically means “looking back.” Today retro style encompasses anything from the 1950s to the psychedelic patterns of the 1960s, to the bold uses of color in the 1970s (think orange, avocado green, mustard and gold — sometimes all in one kitchen!). Even the stylings of the 1980s are incorporated into the retro period, although I swear the ’80s doesn’t seem that long ago!

So let’s take a little step back in time and see what makes this style so accessible and appealing — and how you can add a touch of ravishing retro to your kitchen.

New design, old inspiration. You can draw inspiration from the retro aesthetic without having to hunt through countless secondhand establishments. The black metal shelves here were inspired by the work of Mathieu Matégot, a designer in the 1950s who worked with perforated metal sheets. By adding a few retro-inspired bits and pieces to shelving like this, you’ll have an eye-catching retro look that works perfectly in a modern-day setting.


If it ain’t broke … This original 1950s kitchen has been left largely as it was back in its heyday, and you can see why! If you are lucky enough to have original kitchen features brimming with retro features, all you need to do is add a few personal touches here and there to make it your own. The owner of this delightful kitchen added a vintage dining table, retro canisters and other decorative elements — all in keeping with the period in which the kitchen was built.


Pops of color. Colorful, retro-inspired appliances can instantly add life to a kitchen. The sunny yellow toaster and kettle here are the perfect accent to the teal cupboards, countertop and backsplash. When paired together, teal and yellow provide an instant retro color fix, which suits this 1970s trailer perfectly.

Jug kettle, kMix toaster, both in Sun Kissed Yellow: Kenwood

How to Make Colored Appliances Work in Your Kitchen


Mix and match. Mixing furnishings can create a colorful and eclectic look. The vintage cast iron patio table and colorful Featherston dining chairs make this breakfast nook welcoming and appealing.

Retro and vintage images such as movie posters, magazine illustrations and images of Hollywood starlets can add an instant nostalgic touch to a kitchen. Glam up your fridge with a selection of your favorites for a burst of color and interest.

Secondhand markets are a great place to source vintage magazines and prints. I love the Grace Kelly picture and Harper’s Bazaar magazine cover pictured here!

Dining chairs: original Featherston


Decorative decor. Vintage cookie and cake tins are a great way to add some retro color to your kitchen — and you can use them for extra storage. Decorative tins are a wonderful place in which to hide miscellaneous kitchen items such as bottle openers, spare sets of keys, rubber bands, pens and other random bits and pieces that accumulate in the kitchen drawers.

If you’re having trouble finding some vintage tins to your liking, consider the great new designs on the market that have a retro-inspired edge, such as the round cake tins by Orla Kiely.


If you find yourself the owner of an ever-increasing amount of decorative tins or other miscellaneous collectibles (it’s way too easy to become obsessed!), put them on display with open shelving. Assorted-size tins are handy to have on hand for home-baked treats or storing things like grains, nuts or tea bags. This storage solution can work for any vintage goodies you acquire: canisters, ornate glasses, teapots, mugs … If it looks lovely, why not show it off?

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The three C’s. This kitchen has a retro 1960s vibe for three reasons: color, contrast and curves. The striking orange feature light above the island creates an inviting glow and contrasts the green tile backsplash. The warm wood tones and neutral hues of the cabinets ground the contrasting orange and green colors. If you are after a subtler kitchen look, use neutral and natural colors to help tone down bright colors so they don’t dominate a space.

Ample curves are also definitely part of the retro style aesthetic. This curved terrazzo island top is a stunning addition and really turns the retro up a notch.


Formica! Nothing says 1950s like a Formica-topped table and chairs — particularly in a retro pink shade, as pictured here. Decorative laminate table and chair sets like this one were super popular back in the day. Originals can still be found at secondhand furniture stores and the occasional thrift shop.


Personal touches. Be creative when it comes to adding retro touches. Add some artwork and decorative flourishes to the kitchen area. It is the heart of the home, after all, so it should be filled with things that you love.

One of the great things about retro style is that you can pull bits and pieces from all over the place — or repurpose what you already have. The stacked tomato tin cans seen here are colorful and effective as a Warhol-style vignette.


Adding a bit of decoration doesn’t need to be expensive, either. Scour local garage sales, thrift shops and markets for treasures to take home. After all, one person’s trash is another’s treasure!


Kitchen kitsch. Soft, handmade additions such as the skirt curtain pictured here make you feel like you are back at Grandma’s house. A bit of pretty fabric is a great way to hide elements you don’t want to draw attention to, such as the trash can or undersink plumbing.

If you have an eclectic collection of pretty china plates and cups, put them on display with open shelving. Having a number of different patterns and colors catches the eye and makes for an attractive wall display.


Fuse the old with the new. There are some seriously gorgeous-looking appliances on the market that fuse the style of yesterday with the energy-efficient technology of today.

Sturdy Italian-designed Smeg fridges, like the one seen here, wouldn’t be out of place in any midcentury kitchen and come in a range of fun colors. There’s also a range of stand mixers and teakettles available that function like they were built today, but look like they belong in the 1950s with colors such as cream, pistachio, teal and more.


Freshen up existing features. Revamp existing cupboards with a lick of paint. There’s no point in buying new cupboards and cabinets when you have a set as cute as this! The latches and hinges on these drawers and cupboards may look as if they are originals, but they are actually reproductions. A coat of paint and well-sourced reproduction hardware can make all the difference.


Speaking of paint, pastel shades in the kitchen automatically make you think of times gone by, particularly when it comes to cabinetry and appliances. Mint green, mellow yellow, pretty pink and sky blue can give a modern kitchen a distinct retro edge.


Soften hard edges. Retro touches can work really well with modern design. As kitchens are rather utilitarian by nature, adding different colors, textures and focal points can work to great effect. The streamlined countertop here is softened by the green cabinetry and quirky green backsplash tiles.

Tell us: How do you go retro at home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments!

More:
12 Inspiring Real-Life Vintage Kitchens
Revel in Retro With Vintage and New Kitchen Appliances

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