Retro style kitchen decoration
The ever-changing fashion always returns to its origins. This is an internationally renowned law that has also affected the design of various premises. Retro style kitchens are popular and widely demanded, because this design option is an ageless classic that remains relevant at any time, because it looks cozy and original.
Specific traits
It is important to know that retro style consists of several main directions, which have their own characteristics. When deciding to create an interior design in this direction, it is important to decide how long you will stick to. Only in this case will your kitchen look organic.
So, the style of the 30s is known for its functionality, rigor and relative simplicity... This is the pre-war period, in which the choice of things was not great. This style is distinguished by rounded corners, and various glass inserts are also widely used in it. As for the color scheme, light tones always prevail. The most demanded material in this direction is traditionally wood.
It is also possible to use other natural raw materials.
The style of the war and post-war periods is soft and comfortable. At this time, the color gamut became wider, they also began to create a contrasting design, which included not only a bright color gamut, but also a variety of textures.
In the 50s and 60s, the design of kitchens became much bolder and even brighter. Various posters, newspaper clippings, panels or stickers were often used to decorate the walls. Furniture can look minimalistic.
It is possible to combine different directions of retro-styling. However, you should be careful. You can also complement the retro design with elements of other styles, for example, country or Provence.
For a more traditional and relaxed environment, choose natural materials with a variety of textures.
Color spectrum
As a rule, retro rooms are decorated in calm light colors that visually increase the space. But furniture can be chosen in both neutral and bright colors.
For wall decoration, plain wallpaper, plaster, panels or tiles are often used. The optimal colors are cabbage rolls, gray, pink, beige and other light colors. Non-standard options such as protective, mint or lemon are also gaining popularity. Blue, red and black colors are no less in demand.
Furniture should be chosen in a different color scheme. If you want to purchase products of the same color, then the shade should be lighter or darker by several tones.
As for the ceiling, it is better to paint it in a neutral color or decorate it with beams or panels.
Multilevel structures are suitable only for large rooms.
The flooring can be either neutral or bright. Black and white combinations are often used. For example, a black and white checkerboard floor looks beautiful and organic in retro design.
Floor covering that imitates wood will look no less original. It goes especially well with brick or stone finishes.
The apron is often decorated with tiles. Variants of small sizes with original drawings or patterns look original, it is possible to use multi-colored tiles.
How to choose furniture?
A special role in creating a retro interior is given to the choice of a kitchen set. It is important to choose furniture that will complement the chosen style, and not stand out from it. The furniture complex should embody the design trends of the past.
The ideal solution would be a trip to antique shops that sell a variety of antique furniture.
It is possible to transform the existing set with paint or fittings.
It is better to choose sets that include sideboards, cabinets, sideboards, open shelving and all kinds of racks. This is due to the fact that there were no complete kitchen sets before. Furniture made of natural wood with all kinds of metal or plastic inserts is ideal.
Products can have carved legs, handles and other decorative elements. You can complement the interior with a round table, elegant fabric chairs or tall varieties of metal or wood on one leg.
The table top can be made of wood or stone, sometimes you can find options made of metal. It can be painted in the same color as the entire kitchen set, or it can become a bright and contrasting accent.
As for the sink, it is better to purchase a metal version. Brass, bronze and other semi-antique metal models will fit well into such an interior.
When choosing household appliances, it is necessary not only to pay attention to its functionality, but also to pay attention to design. Many manufacturers produce special series with antique styling. For example, Smeg manufactures retro-style ovens, hobs and refrigerators.
When choosing hoods, you will have a wide choice. You can purchase a model of any shape with gilding or aging effect. The dome model will look especially beautiful.
Another option is inline appliances as their design is not that important.
Window decoration
To decorate windows in retro kitchens, traditional options such as curtains or blinds are used. However, they shouldn't attract a lot of attention, but rather complement the vintage design.
If you want to buy curtains, it is better to give preference to lightweight fabrics. They will not make the space heavier, but, on the contrary, will make it more airy and visually expand it. As for the color scheme, it must fully correspond to the one chosen for the entire composition. As a rule, in retro style the curtains should not be bright.
Blinds are also often used in this design. The best option are wooden models or plastic options with imitation of tree bark.
Accessories
To make the kitchen cozy and comfortable, they resort to using various accessories. They are able to complement the room.
Lighting fixtures and chandeliers are an important element of kitchen design. Large and massive models are perfect for this style. In terms of materials, plastic, metal or glass items can be purchased. Plastic options are best avoided as they weren't particularly popular back then.
Antique kitchen utensils are used to decorate the retro room. These can be bright vases with non-standard designs or metal containers of different shapes and sizes. Old teapots will look no less original.
Walls can be decorated with photographs, paintings or panels. They can depict geometric patterns, landscapes, historical events.
Vinyl records or old watches will perfectly complement the design.
You can purchase or make your own pillows, tablecloths, chair covers, towels and other textiles. This will make the interior feel more comfortable.
Antique bird cages are often used. They can be decorated with flowers, figurines and other decorative items.
Natural or artificial flowers in various glass or metal containers, as well as knitted or wicker baskets, will look no less beautiful in a retro interior.
Accessories can be found in grandma's things or in the attic. Old things will better complement the interior and will look much more interesting than purchased items, stylized antique.
With the help of a variety of decor elements, you can complete the look of a retro kitchen.
The main thing is to choose the things that you really like so that you always feel comfortable.
Beautiful examples
The kitchen looks beautiful in brown tones with soft blue furniture. The wooden floor goes well with the brickwork.
A red and yellow kitchen with a bright yellow and blue apron looks warm and cozy.
Pop art white designs are a great option for bright and creative personalities. A fridge and a bright picture in the same colors will become a bright accent of such a kitchen.
A coupon set in gray tones, stylized in antique style, looks calm and very original.
Brick and wood walls complement the mint kitchen set beautifully. And open shelves with classic white dishes will become an interesting accent of such a kitchen.
The bright cooking surface will beautifully complement the white kitchen set.
For lovers of extravagant interiors, a bright blue kitchen set in combination with a tiled backsplash and wooden flooring will be an excellent solution.
An overview of a successful retro style kitchen project in the video below.