Mid-Century Modern has been the darling of the design world for some time now, but wood grain and tapered legs aren’t the only game in the retro world. Plenty of homeowners are infusing their cooking and dining spaces with other old-school design staples, rethinking everything from size to palette. Whether in a nod to the bold approach of the ’30s of the kitschy flourishes in ’60s design, modern kitchens are finding a fresh new face in the past.
Pastel Hues
Homeowners have been rocking Millennial Pink for a few years and not its pastel friends want in on the action, too. Younger homeowners are pairing everyone’s favorite rosy shade with other gentle hues, like robin’s egg blue and mint. To make these shades sing, choose a modern countertop, like butcher block, but consider skipping the wooden cabinetry. Otherwise, you may slide past vintage and look outdated. Combining old with the new nods to the retro aesthetic while ensuring that your kitchen doesn’t look like a shot out of “I Love Lucy.”
Smaller Kitchens
Instead of smushing eating, cooking, and entertaining into a large room, more and more homeowners are seeking out separate and smaller spaces. You can thank today’s housing market for the growing acceptance of more petite kitchens. Kitchen and living spaces will remain open as long as homes have the square feet to warrant it. However, in order for millennials to afford housing, smaller everything is becoming more popular. Luckily, retro styles were designed to shine in compact spaces; after all, the open kitchen is a relatively new concept. To make your limited square footage feel grand, look beyond white walls. Bold colors and bright metals add vintage glamour and turn the cozy space comfortable.
Decorative Flooring
Hardwood flooring might be standard issue in builder-grade housing, but today’s ambitious renovators are going bold, returning to decorative flooring styles often seen in our parent’s and grandparent’s homes. Whether it’s vintage black-and-white or funky-patterned tiling, today’s kitchens are all about making a statement.
Vintage Appliances
Retro-fridge maker Smeg had its moment in the kitchen spotlight with its candy-colored appliances, and now other manufacturers are following suit. Retro appliances can be surprisingly versatile. In addition to being ideally suited for Mid-Century Modern style homes, the work equally well in a beach cottage or cabin. You also don’t have to go pastel to integrate vintage appliances into your own kitchen. Many manufacturers offer retro lines in white and even stainless steel. The great thing about these appliances is that they provide vintage style while offering the high-performance features that consumers expect.
Bold Pops of Color
Pastels aren’t your only option when adding vintage color. Bold shades are perfectly retro and makers of small appliances give you unlimited options. Pick a vivid, colorful coffee maker or mixer that is modern while still having that retro look. Just don’t go overboard. You want your kitchen to be bold, not loud. It’s a good idea to limit the use of bright colors to appliances and a few accent pieces, as the design will be easier to live with for an extended period of time.