If you’re looking to add some vintage flair to your kitchen, then you’ve come to the right place.
Today I’ll give you plenty of ideas for how to incorporate retro elements without going overboard.
My goal is to inspire you to create a space that feels nostalgic and fun, while still being totally livable for a contemporary family.
So brew some coffee, put on your favorite 50s tunes, and join me on this wild ride down memory lane.
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Vintage Color Schemes
When it comes to retro color palettes, you can’t go wrong with the classics: mint green, pale yellow, turquoise, pink, and sky blue.
These playful hues instantly evoke midcentury style.
Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate retro color schemes:
Paint your upper and/or lower cabinets in a vibrant retro color.
For a more eclectic look, select two colors and use one for uppers and another for lowers.
Mint green looks darling paired with pale yellow or pink.
Consider painting your kitchen walls a soft pastel like mint green, pale yellow, or robin’s egg blue.
This makes the perfect background for your retro-fabulous space.
Bring in pops of brighter retro hues like turquoise, sunshine yellow or coral with your small appliances and kitchen accents.
A stand mixer, toaster, kettle and canisters in these fun colors create a cheery, vintage vibe.
Use retro-inspired patterns like gingham, polka dots or atomic starbursts in turquoise, red, yellow and other retro colors for your window treatments, rugs and cushions.
This adds a lively, kitschy touch.
Basically, don’t be afraid of color!
Vintage kitchens were all about creating an uplifting, happy atmosphere.
Have fun and use hues that make you smile.
Retro Tile
There’s nothing like vintage-style tile to make a kitchen feel truly retro.
Opt for a classic 50s/60s-era tile pattern like checkerboard or geometric shapes.
Stick to two complementary colors like seafoam green and white.
Use this tile for the backsplash or create a retro tile floor.
Select glossy, colorful vintage-look tile for your backsplash.
Subway tile is a great backsplash choice, or go for four-inch squares, zig-zags, chevrons or other retro motifs.
Install vintage tin ceiling tiles on your ceiling or backsplash for a cool industrial vibe.
These come in fun retro colors like turquoise, yellow, mint green and pink.
Mosaic tile in an abstract or geometric pattern makes a fab retro backsplash.
Use glossy glass or ceramic tiles.
Stick to two or three retro colors for a cohesive look.
Basically, embrace bold colors, glossy finishes, and simple patterns for maximum retro appeal.
Vintage-style tile gives this eclectic era such distinctive character.
Formica Tabletops
Do you crave the days when Formica ruled supreme?
I definitely do.
Use Formica for your countertops and kitchen tabletop.
Go for a colorful boomerang, starburst or other retro pattern.
Formica comes in glossy finishes that have such great vintage charm.
Look for roll stock laminate in retro designs and apply this to the sides of your kitchen island, peninsula or cabinetry for a splash of pattern.
This is an easy DIY way to get the look.
Attach Formica sheets to walls for a fun backsplash alternative.
Cut into customizable shapes and sizes.
Pair with painted upper cabinets for a retro diner feel.
When selecting Formica, lean into bright colors and atomic-age prints.
This stuff is a vintage design lover’s dream!
Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns for lots of retro flair.
Kitschy Wallpaper
Few things scream retro like some audacious wallpaper!
Look for reproductions of iconic midcentury wallpaper designs like those by Ellen Van Der Hoop.
Her playful wallpapers featured silly cartoons, maps and mermaids perfect for a retro kitchen.
Atomic starbursts, loop or irregular shapes and colorful geometrics all make for fabulously retro wallpaper.
Use it to cover a single focal wall or go bold and paper the entire kitchen!
Select wallpaper with fun retro motifs like poodles, roller skates, space age rockets or tropical motifs like palm trees and hula dancers.
This adds loads of quirky character.
For a retro diner look, opt for a black and white checkerboard wallpaper pattern.
Pair with red vinyl diner booths for a kitschy blast from the past.
When selecting your wallpaper, don’t hold back!
In a retro kitchen, the wallpaper should be a showstopper.
Pick a design you adore and let it shine.
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Diner-Style Furnishings
Want your kitchen to look straight out of the 1950s?
All you need are some classic diner furnishings to complete the look.
Some fun options include:
Install a retro diner booth in a corner of your kitchen, diner-style.
Choose bright red or teal vinyl for an authentic vibe.
Add matching throw pillows for comfort.
Bring in chrome, vinyl and plastic diner chairs in fun colors like aqua, pink or chartreuse.
Their space-age vibe pairs perfectly with retro tabletops and counters.
Red barstools with chrome bases instantly convey the retro diner experience.
Position them at a kitchen counter or peninsula.
For open shelving, make your own retro diner-style storage using chrome rods and milk glass or colorful melamine cups, plates and bowls.
It brings vintage charm.
Basically any furnishings that evoke the American diners of the ’50s and ’60s will totally complete your retro kitchen fantasy.
Let the memories roll!
Vintage Signage
One of my favorite retro kitchen details has to be vintage-inspired signage.
Mount porcelain or metal restaurant, bar or diner signs featuring fun retro motifs.
Opt for ones that say things like “Eat,” “Cocktails,” “Soda Shop,” or “Diner.”
Display reproduction retro tin signs for brands like Coca Cola, RC Cola or Cadillac cars.
These iconic logos instantly conjure midcentury Americana.
Make custom signs for your cabinets or pantry featuring cheeky 50s sayings like “Oh My Stars!” or “Gee Whiz!” Paint these in retro fonts on wooden plaques for a kitschy touch.
Use retro-font vinyl decals to add charming labels to upper cabinets or drawers.
For example, label spices, dishes, pans, etc.
This is such a cute vintage touch.
Vintage signage is an easy, budget-friendly way to communicate the era.
Find reproductions or make DIY versions to delightfully theme your retro kitchen.
Atomic Lighting
Nothing imparts retro kitchen charm quite like atomic lighting fixtures.
Make a statement with a Sputnik-style chandelier featuring bold metal rays in a sphere shape.
These were inspired by Soviet space satellites and scream midcentury modern.
Select semi-flush or pendant lights with colorful, conical plastic shades.
These were iconic kitchen and dining room fixtures in the 1950s and beyond.
Pair gleaming chrome dome-shaped lights along your kitchen soffit or above cabinets.
Their UFO shape and flashy metallic finish are so very Jetsons-esque.
Install an iconic George Nelson sunburst wall clock for retro flair.
Their graphic rays and bright colors embody the decade’s space-age aesthetic.
Basically, seek lighting options with bold shapes, flashy finishes and colorful details.
Nothing imparts retro flavor quite like the most eye-catching atomic options.
Vintage Appliances
While you likely need modern appliances for functionality, you can still get the retro look!
Look for vintage fridge styles recreated by companies like Big Chill and Smeg.
Their retro models come in fun colors like cherry red, turquoise and mint green.
Select a gas range or stove with retro styling but modern conveniences.
Many companies now offer “vintage reproduction” appliance collections.
Use small appliances in chrome like a diner-style toaster, mint stand mixer and bright red coffeemaker.
Pull colors from your overall palette for cohesion.
If your budget allows, do a built-in wall oven and cooktop for a streamlined retro look.
Add chrome or color-matched cabinetry trim for a seamless effect.
Basically, don’t be afraid to mix retro and modern elements.
Play up stylized finishes and colors while still getting the functionality you need.
Have fun with it!
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Checkered Floors
Want an instant retro transformation?
Lay down a vintage black and white checkered floor!
Use vinyl composite tile in a checkerboard pattern for easy installation and maintenance.
Many companies offer durable, vinyl checkerboard tile perfect for kitchens.
If you have the budget, opt for stone tile like classic black and white marble or granite.
It’s durable enough for heavy use and elegantly retro.
Another option is to paint your existing floor in a black and white checkerboard motif.
Use high-gloss enamel paint for a shiny diner effect that pops.
You can also stencil or use peel-and-stick tile decals to transform plain floors.
Cut into checkered shapes and apply to create the iconic pattern look.
However you choose to execute it, a black and white checkered floor gives off such strong retro vibes.
Kick it up a notch by pairing with a matching backsplash or walls!
Conversation-Starting Decor
For serious retro impact, decorate with items that spark conversation.
Display kitschy vintage kitchenware like melamine dishes, atomic starburst canisters or 60s Tupperware.
Show off collectible 50s and 60s tin signage, TV trays, containers and advertising.
Fill open shelving with colorful glassware, Pyrex containers and other cheerful vintage items.
Group cheeky magnets, aprons or textiles with fun atomic or diner motifs.
Framed art and photos from the era also help set the scene.
Opt for stylized travel posters or black and white celebrity icons.
Basically, decor that instantly transports guests back in time is key.
Curate fun pieces that delight and amuse.
Conversational groupings tell a story and set the retro tone.
Farmhouse Touches
For a lighter, country-fresh take on retro style, blend in some charming farmhouse elements.
Incorporate wood elements like open shelving, butcher block counters or a farmhouse-style sink for rustic appeal.
Display vintage milk glass, enamelware or checked fabrics for a retro farmhouse vibe.
Think gingham curtains!
Add touches of natural textures like woven baskets, beaded board paneling or rattan drawer pulls.
This balances all the sleek lines.
Opt for a retro wallpaper with pastoral motifs like cows or horseshoes as a whimsical addition.
Basically, balance colorful retro elements with natural materials and textures.
Soft farmhouse accents keep the vintage kitchen fresh and livable for real life.
Eclectic Furniture
One of my favorite things about retro style is mixing fun vintage finds!
Some eclectic furnishing ideas:
Use retro-style bar carts or servers to hold small appliances and kitchenware.
These movable pieces inject kitschy flair.
Incorporate a retro TV tray table or classic wood folding chairs for a nostalgic, family-friendly eating nook.
Add a retro buffet or sideboard to hold pretty china, glassware and linens on display.
Mix colors and styles for character.
Source distinctive lighting from thrift stores or flea markets, like a vintage birdcage chandelier or stand lamp with a funky retro shade.
Basically, keep your eye out for unusual pieces with swagger and style.
Finding special vintage items you truly adore gives a retro kitchen soul.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Gallery Walls
No retro kitchen is complete without a fabulous gallery wall showcasing fun vintage art and photography.
Raid flea markets, antique fairs, Etsy or eBay for inexpensive prints, lithographs and photography in simple black frames.
Look for affordable reproductions of iconic midcentury and diner-era advertising.
Think travel posters, billboards and magazine ads.
Print out colorful digital images of 50s/60s cars, celebrities, architecture and stylized still lifes.
Double-mat them in bright retro hues.
Don’t overthink it!
Part of the charm of gallery walls is that imperfect, crowded look.
Follow your bliss and create an artful retro collage.
Well, those are just a handful of my all-time favorite retro kitchen ideas and inspirations!
As you can see, there are so many fabulous ways to refresh your space with yesteryear’s cool, kitschy style.
You can tap into that spirit today by taking risks and not holding back when it comes to color, accessories and conversational décor.
Really make it your own by showcasing family heirlooms and flea market treasures that tell your unique story.
Stay true to your favorite styles from the era, whether that’s diners, Art Deco, Hollywood regency or Atomic ranch.
Ultimately, infuse it with lots of heart and fun.
That’s what retro style is all about!
Wishing you lots of luck with your remodel.
Happy interior designing and cheers to breathing new life into midcentury style!
