Kitchens Go Retro

Maybe it's the cheery enameled surfaces, or the not-quite-angular shapes, but retro-inspired kitchens suddenly feel fresh again. Like in this kitchen, where the bright aqua cabinetry and orange countertops set the tone for the 50s-style decor.


But too much of this style could be overkill. The trick is keeping things modern when creating a retro-inspired kitchen. Try using a simple backdrop like white subway tile and adding color in the cabinetry or in one major appliance, like a refrigerator or stove.

Or, if remodeling the kitchen just isn't in the budget, there's plenty of fun accessories that will help you get the look. Remember, you don't want anyone thinking they stepped into Alice's Diner! Your vintage-style kitchen should look and feel like it lives in the 21st century. Here are some ideas to get you started!









Clockwise from top left: A Big Chill oven ($4,295), Smeg refrigerator (starts at around $1,800), a wall-mounted bottle opener from DWR ($10), Vipp trashcan ($249) from the Conran Shop, DWR kitchen-scale-and-clock ($200), Waring blender ($129 at Amazon.com), and Wesco bread bin ($175) from the Conran Shop.