While modern kitchens are typically quite sleek and functional, they don’t often have the same heart and soul of a retro kitchen. Whether you live in a period home or are looking to the last century for some design inspiration, you’ll find that retro kitchens can be fun, funky and functional too. Before you start designing your own retro-inspired kitchen, browse through our handy design guide to learn more about the key features to take into consideration.

SETTLING ON A THEME OR ERA

One of the most exciting parts of designing a vintage-inspired kitchen is choosing a theme or design period that really speaks to you. You might me dreaming of a space age-style kitchen with touches of chrome, a quaint cottage-style kitchen, or something a little more eclectic. Whether you’re a lover of all things 1960s, can go past an art deco-inspired interior or prefer to take your favourite elements from different eras, with a little creativity you can create your very own retro-inspired kitchen.

If you’re not sure what kind of style will suit your home, take some time to do your research. There are plenty of great resources out there that might help you find your design direction, from Pinterest to some great interior design blogs. You might find that a vintage colour palette really speaks to you or, perhaps, the overall design aesthetic of the period catches your eye. When designing your own kitchen, you can pick and choose which elements you like and which are essential for creating a functional space. You could go all out and create a space that wouldn’t look out of place in a bygone era or you might decide to subtly introduce a few nods to your favourite design period.

CHOOSING RETRO-INSPIRED DECOR

COLOUR SCHEME

Before you start designing your kitchen, it’s important to have a colour scheme in mind. This will help ensure you’re able to form a cohesive design that flows seamlessly throughout the space. Once you’ve settled on a palette of colours that compliment your home and the design aesthetic you’re wanting to follow, you’ll need to decide what colours will be used where. This is important when planning your:

Wall colour
Any wallpaper you choose to use
Your splashback
Appliance choices
Cabinetry
Benchtop accessories

CABINETRY

A major component of any kitchen design is the cabinetry. While you can have just about any configuration that suits your kitchen area, the colours and styles you choose can really bring your retro theme to life. You might choose to hark back to the 1970s with some luxe wood panelling or perhaps a moody monochrome 1960s-inspired look is more your style. Think about whether a solid gloss finish is more your style or if a soft matte palette will better complement your design vision. The style of handle used across your drawers and cupboards is also well worth considering once you’ve settled on a colour and finish for your cabinetry. Modern steel handles might not look so great against some types of cabinetry, so be sure to weigh up your options.

FLOORING

Although it might not necessarily be something that you’ve thought about, updating the flooring of your kitchen is also worth considering if you’re revamping your kitchen with a retro style in mind. You might choose to continue the flow of flooring from adjoining rooms into the kitchen or settle on a feature flooring option, such as a patterned tile, that works well with your cabinetry, appliances and overall theme.

ACCESSORIES

Once all the major elements of your kitchen design have been decided, all that’s left to do is to pick the vintage styling accessories that will help to add some character to the space. From graphic prints to retro tea towels and glassware, you can easily introduce your personal style. Have fun browsing reproduction accessories online or head out to your local op shop or vintage fair to find some authentic retro gems.

SELECTING RETRO APPLIANCES

FRIDGES

As one of the largest appliances in the kitchen, a fridge can make a serious statement if you find a colour and style to match your chosen design aesthetic. In some vintage-inspired kitchens, a standard fridge might not look too out of place, but if you’re wanting to achieve a cohesive design, a retro fridge might be the perfect choice. Choose a model with rounded edges and a pastel colour palette for a classic 1950s look or go for a bold finish that matches perfectly with your style.

Popular brands of retro fridges: Smeg, Husky

DISHWASHERS

Even if you are designing a retro kitchen, there’s no need to miss out on all the modcons that help to make life easier. Although most dishwashers on the market are often quite sleek and minimalistic, some brands are releasing their own retro-inspired versions of this must-have appliance. Keep things simple with a versatile white or black retro dishwasher or spice things up with a bright red dishwasher.

Popular brands of retro dishwashers: Smeg

KETTLES AND COFFEE MACHINES

A great way to add a touch of vintage style to any kitchen, a retro-inspired kettle or coffee machine can be both functional and a great styling piece. Choose an appliance that matches your monochrome palette perfectly or add a pop of colour with pastels or bolder tones. Whether you consider yourself a coffee connoisseur or can’t turn down a good cup of tea, these compact devices certainly make a great addition to any retro-inspired kitchen.

Popular brands of retro kettles and coffee machines: Smeg, De’Longhi

TOASTERS

Toasters can be another great way to add some classic retro style to your kitchen. Although they are first and foremost a practical appliance, many companies now sell models with a touch of vintage flair. From chrome details and sleek coloured exteriors to gorgeous retro shapes, there are plenty of fantastic designs on the market.

Popular brands of retro toasters: De’Longhi, Smeg, Sunbeam, Breville

MIXERS AND BLENDERS

While they were once a purely practical appliance, mixers and blenders have become a great accessory for retro styled kitchens. Add a splash of colour with a classic KitchenAid stand mixer or choose a blender that perfectly ties together the rest of your appliances and your benchtop styling.

Popular brands of retro mixers and blenders: KitchenAid, Smeg

If you can’t find retro-inspired appliances to match your kitchen layout or the style you’re going for, you might want to consider integrated appliances. Hidden behind cabinetry, these appliances, including integrated dishwashers and fridges, blend seamlessly into your kitchen design.