No matter what generation you belong to, there’s always going to be a point when retro is in. Some, in fact, would argue that it’s a mainstay in popular culture from fashion, media and interior design thanks to a little thing called the nostalgia pendulum. For those who aren’t in the know, it’s simple: a rolling, nostalgia-driven cycle that draws on trends from 30 years prior. When it comes to the home, it’s pretty apparent – we’re seeing a return to retro kitchen themes, complete with vintage pieces and, of course, references to 90s décor trends.
If you’ve a penchant for earlier times though, not to worry, there are plenty more retro kitchen ideas to take inspiration from across aesthetics, eras and even continents. Which is where we come in.
In this nifty style guide, we’re going to break down the main features that turn a good retro kitchen theme into a great one. Expect practical furnishing advice, styling tips and decorating advice galore – with them, you’ll find that adding character to your kitchen is a piece of cake no matter its build type.
Where to start: Picking a scheme & practical considerations
When embarking on a new renovation project, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. After all, if you’ve bought a place, you likely picked it out due to affordability and availability over surface-level details like aesthetics. This presents a challenge in itself: how do you envision a lacklustre (dare we say ugly?) kitchen transformed into something bursting with character?
Well, you’ll be happy to hear that no matter the current design or fixtures, there’s plenty you can do to spruce things up and achieve that lovely vintage kitchen look you’re seeing all over social media.
Creativity in limitation
We talked about this concept in our guide to adding personality to new builds, but really it’s applicable to any type of dwelling. While it’s easy to get the DIY scaries from looking at the blank canvas of your kitchen, it’s unspeakably helpful to evaluate what it’s got going for it.
Think about its positives – is there plenty of natural light? Any features you like or would like if they were presented differently? Then ponder the limitations. You might need some extra inspiration for a small cottage kitchen or an awkwardly spaced one. From the L-shaped to the downright wonky, it’s possible to spotlight its peculiarities without detracting from your retro theme.
Plus, with some limitations imposed, you might find it easier to think creatively. With fixed elements in mind – be they existing fixtures like cabinetry, dimensions or budget – overcoming that initial sense of decision fatigue will prove doable and, at best, empowering.
Understanding the space
Running on from our previous point, understanding your space is exceedingly important. So whip out your tape measure and get intimate with the room’s dimensions. This will dictate the kitchen furniture you can get in there and by extension the logistics for the renovation.
If you want to achieve something truly editorial, we recommend looking to the principles of spatial design. Things like furniture placement and traffic flow are central components that when done well will bring a sense of harmony, function and story to your kitchen.
It’s also a good idea to consider whether you prefer openness or enclosure as they’ll have a big impact on the design. Minimalism works well in a space that has been meticulously zoned into different sections, while cosy, enclosed rooms benefit from warm colour palettes.
Authenticity
The trickiest part in creating your retro kitchen theme has to be getting that elusive sense of authenticity spot on. It’s all well and good stuffing the room with upcycled oak pieces and slapping a bit of floral wallpaper on a chimney breast, but if all the disparate elements don’t come together, it’s not going to look quite right. You want to build up a genuine, authentic picture of a period-style kitchen rather than a weak approximation of one.
In this way, you should think about capturing a sense of cohesion by picking complementary colours, motifs and pieces that make sense together. Focal points are also helpful here as they can anchor a space, influencing where your eyes travel. And they can be anything! A dining table, oven or breakfast bar will do. For more insight on this latter point, we recommend checking out our guide to creating focal points when you don’t have a fireplace – there are plenty of handy tips.
7 ideas for retro kitchen that ring true
With the main considerations mulled over, it’s time to get into the fun part. Here are 7 ideas that we believe are capable of turning any culinary space into the vintage kitchen of your dreams.
1. Cabinets, cabinets, cabinets
If you want your kitchen to feel really authentic and lived in, then cabinets are a brilliant place to start. For one, they take up the most space and are thus the backdrop to your room after the walls, and secondly, they can act as decorative motifs.
For that traditional feel, you could even incorporate a small larder section that, while practical, offers a wonderful depth of character and warmth. Our favourite part of this idea is that there are various types of larder cupboards that work with a whole range of kitchen layouts.
Other things to consider are decorative motifs and natural materials, as well as classic silhouettes like those you get with shaker-style cupboards and farmhouse fixtures. The cherry on top is that you have a world of possibilities in the colour – from soft, dusky hues to graphic primary shades, you can make an indelible mark on the design.
2. From ceiling to floor
When it comes to your vintage kitchen makeover, you better not leave anything out. By bringing thoughtfulness to every surface from ceiling to floor, it’s way easier to make a lasting impact – it’s all about cohesion, baby!
There are many tricks to decorating that can play with the dimensions of the room. For example, you can paint the ceiling a different colour to give the impression of additional height, or by bringing the colour from the walls up to the ceiling you can build an intimate cocooning effect. You can also create contrast with the flooring with chequered tiles or wooden boards.
Don’t forget to take the time to research a complete colour scheme either. If you’re going for oak furniture, you’ll need warm, crisp pigments to bring out the wood’s statement grain. And if you’re opting for something modern, it’s a great idea to look for examples to add to a lookbook, so you know you can pull it off.
3. Anchor your design in a specific era
If you’re partial to a certain style, why not go all out? From mid-century modern to regency-inspired grandeur, there’s something out there for all tastes. Plus, by embracing the past and letting it collide with modern touches you can create something truly timeless – case and point, this colourful 1950s-inspired kitchen.
4. Find statement furnishings that tell a story
If it isn’t clear by now – we’re obsessed with furniture, and pieces with unique character are our forte. There’s nothing like picking out a dining table that looks like it was crafted with the utmost love and expertise, and finding quirky accessories to offset the beautiful materials of your fixtures is a shortcut to delight.
When it comes to a vintage kitchen scheme, three words come to mind: do, your, research. With enough careful consideration, you can find a whole stack of wonderful items that speak to your personal style and sensibilities. Whether they’re new, thrifted or perhaps even upcycled, these more bespoke finds set a cosy kitchen apart from a breathtaking one.
5. Blend past and present with a swish kitchen island
If you have the luxury of space to fill, a kitchen island is always a good shout. They make brilliant centrepieces and can add another dimension of functionality to the room – just make sure to get the dimensions right, so everything feels well-thought-out rather than cramped and uncomfortable. A two-tiered island is ideal if you’re after something more unique or a silhouette to contrast with the rest of the room. Add a few comfy barstools and you’re good to go.
6. Be clever with spacing
It wouldn’t be an Evelyn Lily guide if we didn’t impart some spatial design knowledge, so here’s your insights for today. In the realm of retro kitchen design, spacing plays an important role.
To achieve a true sense of vintage, it’s helpful to look to the height of the retro aesthetic, the mid-20th century. During this time, ergonomic was in, and the culinary heart of the home a utilitarian space dominated by freestanding pieces, open shelving, funky barstool ideas with social kitchen islands and, of course, streamlined cabinetry.
With this said, we suggest making the most of the space by picking out a dining table that cleverly complements the space and pairing it with the right type of chairs – i.e., those with smooth lines and silhouettes that don’t encroach into your established clearance zones.
7. It’s in the details
What’s a story without the embellishment? Boring! And the same can be said with a vintage kitchen; although, don’t take this to mean that you have to go crazy with the accessories.
Think about contrasting retro textiles like gingham and William Morris prints with your tiling, bringing texture into play with curtains and panelling, and allowing utensils and tools to blend into the décor. From matching appliances, to open shelving displaying your pottery and pans hanging up on the wall, it’s these little details that really pull everything together.
Go forth and create the retro kitchen theme of your dreams
Alas, that’s all we have on retro kitchen themes and how to create them. Whatever your starting point, we wish you luck in your renovation journey and, if you’re up for it, you can tag us on social media to share the final result!
