10 Retro Kitchen Ideas Reworked For Modern Living
Help your kitchen step back in time with cool colours and design features inspired by your favourite era
In the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, kitchen designs were clean and uncluttered, often featuring geometric patterns and block colours in vibrant hues. You may have a contemporary kitchen, but there’s no reason you can’t incorporate design devices from yesteryear to add some retro charm. These kitchens have done just that – prepare to be inspired!
2. Cherner stools
The classic 1958 moulded plywood chair by Norman Cherner has found a new height of style. It’s always been a popular option as a dining chair but it now works just as well as a shapely bar stool. The best news is that the seat has a slightly flexible back, making it super-comfy during breakfast, lunch or at cocktail time.
Buying kitchen stools
The classic 1958 moulded plywood chair by Norman Cherner has found a new height of style. It’s always been a popular option as a dining chair but it now works just as well as a shapely bar stool. The best news is that the seat has a slightly flexible back, making it super-comfy during breakfast, lunch or at cocktail time.
Buying kitchen stools
3. Artistic touches
With a classic Pop Art reference to a bygone era, this contemporary space appeals to mid-century aficionados. The room’s clean lines and neutral palette set the scene, then a large retro-inspired graphic – the Warhol artwork of The Beatles – adds dramatic impact.
With a classic Pop Art reference to a bygone era, this contemporary space appeals to mid-century aficionados. The room’s clean lines and neutral palette set the scene, then a large retro-inspired graphic – the Warhol artwork of The Beatles – adds dramatic impact.
4. Built-in diners
Although rarely used in kitchens these days, curvaceous built-in seating is both comfy and space-saving. Here, the owners followed the 1950s Americana look with plush upholstery and tufted buttons. All that’s missing is a jukebox!
More breakfast nooks
Although rarely used in kitchens these days, curvaceous built-in seating is both comfy and space-saving. Here, the owners followed the 1950s Americana look with plush upholstery and tufted buttons. All that’s missing is a jukebox!
More breakfast nooks
5. Pastels with panache
Time for a new take on cabinetry colours. This innovative design is a 21st-century take on the ’50s passion for pastels. Here, the island bench features a snappy colour palette – soft pastels in an alternate pattern. As a bonus, the retro-inspired finger pulls add a quirky twist.
Time for a new take on cabinetry colours. This innovative design is a 21st-century take on the ’50s passion for pastels. Here, the island bench features a snappy colour palette – soft pastels in an alternate pattern. As a bonus, the retro-inspired finger pulls add a quirky twist.
6. Reworked patterns
During the mid-century era, geometric patterns popped up everywhere – in tiles, blockwork and fabrics. Here, a diamond pattern is reworked, appearing in different materials throughout the kitchen. It pops up in both the long tiled splashback and the timber divider at the end of the benchtop. New technology and daring designs mean that classic patterns can be reinvigorated in the 21st century.
During the mid-century era, geometric patterns popped up everywhere – in tiles, blockwork and fabrics. Here, a diamond pattern is reworked, appearing in different materials throughout the kitchen. It pops up in both the long tiled splashback and the timber divider at the end of the benchtop. New technology and daring designs mean that classic patterns can be reinvigorated in the 21st century.
7. Hanging cabinets
Seamless, integrated cabinets are the norm these days so why not bring back a classic arrangement that adds visual impact? Here, a ceiling-mounted cabinet with black rods and finger pulls is lightweight and space-saving. While it’s suitable in any era, the classic canisters lined up on top of the cabinet add a strong ’60s reference. Back then, pastel colours for cabinetry were popular but the owners decided to add a contemporary edge, introducing a Scandi-style timber veneer.
Seamless, integrated cabinets are the norm these days so why not bring back a classic arrangement that adds visual impact? Here, a ceiling-mounted cabinet with black rods and finger pulls is lightweight and space-saving. While it’s suitable in any era, the classic canisters lined up on top of the cabinet add a strong ’60s reference. Back then, pastel colours for cabinetry were popular but the owners decided to add a contemporary edge, introducing a Scandi-style timber veneer.
8. Timber handles
Smaller elements, such as these cupboard door handles on the island bench, can make or break a kitchen design. Here, the timber handles are so authentic they could have appeared in a vintage Parker sideboard! Introducing similar touches – be it old-school tapware, an original mixer or swivel bar stools – are subtle but effective when bringing mid-century style to a contemporary space.
Smaller elements, such as these cupboard door handles on the island bench, can make or break a kitchen design. Here, the timber handles are so authentic they could have appeared in a vintage Parker sideboard! Introducing similar touches – be it old-school tapware, an original mixer or swivel bar stools – are subtle but effective when bringing mid-century style to a contemporary space.
9. Classic colours
Back in the’60s and ’70, lime green and burnt orange were the kings of colour so why not bring them back with an up-to-the-minute twist? The trick is not to overdo it – just a few accents, such as the glowing pendant light and tactile splashback will do it – when you want to add coolness to the kitchen. Most importantly, features like these are reversible – if, for example, the homeowner decided to remove the ‘groove’ factor in the kitchen, the light and tiles can be easily replaced.
Learn more about mid-century modern style
Back in the’60s and ’70, lime green and burnt orange were the kings of colour so why not bring them back with an up-to-the-minute twist? The trick is not to overdo it – just a few accents, such as the glowing pendant light and tactile splashback will do it – when you want to add coolness to the kitchen. Most importantly, features like these are reversible – if, for example, the homeowner decided to remove the ‘groove’ factor in the kitchen, the light and tiles can be easily replaced.
Learn more about mid-century modern style
10. Open cabinetry
Designed by Sydney architect Richard Cole, this modern home in Cottage Point makes a subtle reference to mid-century aesthetics. The low-lying profile, timber elements and open cabinetry could have appeared in a Mad Men episode – after all, easy access to wine glasses and cocktail shakers is both functional and fabulous – yet the kitchen looks marvellously modern day.
TELL US
Do you think retro features can work successfully in a contemporary kitchen? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments.
MORE
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Take Your Kitchen Back to the Future
Designed by Sydney architect Richard Cole, this modern home in Cottage Point makes a subtle reference to mid-century aesthetics. The low-lying profile, timber elements and open cabinetry could have appeared in a Mad Men episode – after all, easy access to wine glasses and cocktail shakers is both functional and fabulous – yet the kitchen looks marvellously modern day.
TELL US
Do you think retro features can work successfully in a contemporary kitchen? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments.
MORE
Stickybeak of the Week: A Retro-Country Kitchen Mash-Up
A Dozen Ways to Add Vintage Nostalgia to Your Kitchen
Take Your Kitchen Back to the Future
A simple bold graphic is a great way to add retro style to a cutting-edge modern interior. When revitalising a kitchen, Sydney interior design firm, Arent & Pyke used an iconic ’70s print, The Apple by Enzo Mari, as a cool pop culture design reference. Then, as an equally strong finishing touch, Arent & Pyke, added a colour accent of emerald green to one cabinet face to create contrast with the red of the apple.
More graphic decor ideas for your home