Retro kitchens are funky, charming, and playful. They use fun colors, vintage pieces, and have a unique personality. Today, we’re showing you 20 elements to create a retro kitchen in your own home.
Use these elements to redesign or renovate your kitchen today!
1. Checkered Tile
2. Bold Colors
3. Vintage Appliances
4. Retro Wallpaper
5. Pastel Cabinets
6. Chrome Accents
7. Vinyl Flooring
8. Formica Countertops
9. Diner Booth Seating
10. Kitschy Accessories
11. Funky Light Fixtures
12. Smeg Fridge
13. Pyrex Dishes
14. 1950s Clock
15. Coca-Cola Memorabilia
16. Retro Signage
17. Tiki Bar Decor
18. Milkshake Maker
19. Jukebox
20. Vintage Cookware
Incorporate these elements into your kitchen design to create a retro look that feels fun and nostalgic. Enjoy the process of bringing the past back into your present space!
A checkered tile floor is essential for a retro kitchen. Black and white is a classic, timeless choice, but red and white can be a bolder option.
Add polka dots wherever you want. They add femininity to the space and create a funky, vintage feel that retro kitchens have. Use linens with this print as they will complement well.
Red brings out the playful nature of retro styles, particularly when paired with “diner” styles. Use it as a main color or in accents for a striking contrast to your neutrals.
Unique Hardware
Switching out the hardware – from knobs to drawer pulls – to complement the style can enhance the transformation of your space. Don’t forget, the little details make a difference.
Consider opting for vintage appliances instead of modern ones to bring a unique and charming vibe to your kitchen.
Tupperware exudes retro vibes and serves both practical and decorative purposes in the kitchen, paying homage to the throwback era.
Who is a fan of Coca-Cola? If you are, adding their accents to your retro kitchen will be a winner. It adds to the vintage appeal and funky personality of the time.
Clocks, Scales & Timers.
Details are important. Add a retro clock to the wall, an antique food scale on the counter top, and a charming timer on the stove and oven.
Black & White
Even if you want to create a retro kitchen, black and white can get the job done for you. Use these classic neutrals as the foundation of your space.
Breakfast Bars
Breakfast tile countertop bars are must-have items as they provide a diner-style ambiance and allow for personalization and decoration opportunities.
Mint green is a popular color for retro kitchen style. It can be used for the backsplash and cabinets, both as an accent and as a foundation. Feel free to experiment with this color.
Add some throwback signage to the space! Above the stove, breakfast bar, or even as a gallery wall behind the kitchen table. This is a great way to express your personality.
Stainless Steel Lights
Stainless steel lights are the best choice for retro kitchen fixtures, particularly for pendants over the breakfast bar. Simple is better.
Leave out your mixers and breadboxes on the countertops. They should be seen! Use them as part of the theme’s decor.
When creating a retro kitchen, consider your cabinets, as they can make or break your theme. If you want to go all in, don’t be afraid to choose pastel-colored cabinets and fully embrace your vision.
Padded Stools
Padded stools can be added to the mix. Avoid steel or wooden bench seats as they are traditional and modern, but padded stools can add personality.
Open Storage
Use open storage in your design to peek at your chosen pieces. Hopefully, they coincide with your style genre.
Stripes create interest and personality in a retro kitchen. Pay attention to the linens for mixing and matching.
When you think of retro, do you envision 1950’s diners? We definitely do and we understand if you want to transform your kitchen into a diner!
The most popular color for a retro kitchen transformation is turquoise. It’s clean, fun, joyful, and complements the vintage essence of every piece.
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I’m Kevin Brown, a dedicated home master and the creative mind behind rentcheck.me. My journey began with a passion for ensuring homes are not just structures but sanctuaries that reflect comfort, safety, and happiness.
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