There’s no denying that bold checkerboard floors, cherry red furniture, and glossy refrigerators are a design dream. While you may feel intimidated by the idea of designing your space around a specific time period, there are plenty of ways to unite retro accents with modern amenities, creating a room that is feels both vintage and modern. If you're looking for inspiration, these retro kitchens are exactly what you need.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1
Checkerboard Backsplash
Getty Images
If you don't want to commit to checkerboard floors, a backsplash is a great alternative. For a more subdued look, match the tiles to the cabinetry.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
2
A wallpaper island (1950s)
Getty Images
Nothing says "cool" more than a retro wallpaper with a true wow-factor. This captivating kitchen is full of vibrance and style.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Lemon Yellow Tiles (1950s)
Getty Images
If you're committed to color, a way to achieve a retro look is with wall tiles. Ditch a traditional backsplash and cover walls in a lustrous tile.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Contrasting Vintage Appliances
Getty Images
With the iconic look a retro appliance, making a fridge or oven the focal point is sometimes all you need. Here, a bright white oven contrasts with deep navy cabinets.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
A statement pendant light (1960s)
Getty Images
This pendant light has notes of retro style without overwhelming the space with one specific style. The wicker chairs and checkerboard tablecloth complete the vintage look.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
6
A Statement Counter
Getty Images
Keep it simple and opt for an energetic counter that feels equal parts eclectic and timeless. The deep sunset yellow draws the eye toward the 70s style stove.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Dusty Rose Cabinets (1950s)
Getty Images
These cabinets are reminiscent of a sun-worn vintage polaroid, with a dusty rose color that is unique yet subdued.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
8
A modernized take
Getty Images
For a retro style that feels more modern, opt for wood paneling with a glossy finish, and an updated version of a 70s wallpaper.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
Linoleum Cabinets
Getty Images
If retro was a material, it would be linoleum. The subdued summer green reminds us of our favorite vintage palette, while the dark marble countertops lend a modern feel.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Wood Paneled Everything
Getty Images
If you appreciate wood paneling, embrace the look and extend it throughout your entire kitchen. The clean white countertops and stove balance out the look.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
Pale Orange Cabinets
Getty Images
Statement pale orange cabinets add old school charm to an airy kitchen.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
12
Pretty & Pink
Getty Images
The femininity of this pale pink kitchen is proof that a monochromatic palette can be chic and understated. The dusty pink tiled countertops, leather barstools, and pale pink curtains create texture and movement in the space.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
Lime-Toned
Getty Images
The citrus-inspired palette of this galley kitchen lends a cool-but-welcoming energy that is as lively as it is polished.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
14
Deep Cherry Floors (1963)
Getty Images
This bright white design of this kitchen lets the floors truly shine. While the cabinets and walls lighten and enlarge the space, the floor ground it with warmth.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
Primary Colors
Getty Images
A primary color palette boasts an iconic retro vibrance, while the separation of color lends a unified and refined feel.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16
Bold Pastels
Mark Boster//Getty Images
A bright and glossy retro refrigerator can be the perfect appliance to give your space that old-school vibe while still feeling modern. Pastel yellow cabinets and light blue countertops infuse the space with color without feeling overwhelming. Throw in a vintage radio as a fun (and functional) accent.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17
Bright Cabinets and Complementary Walls
Alamy
Look to the color wheel when determining the proper way to combine bold, retro-inspired hues. The turquoise and orange both pop in this petite kitchen, giving the illusion of a bigger space. Plus, with a simple paint job, you can easily switch up the look.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
18
Checkerboard Floors
Alamy
Alas, the iconic black and white checkerboard floors. A staple in many retro kitchens, this look can be transformed in endless ways and across many styles. Pair it with a cool purple wall and retro fridge and you’re in business.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
Two-toned and pattern-filled
Frederic Lewis//Getty Images
For the color-obsessed, this retro kitchen is a design dream. Wooden chairs and cabinets bring warmth into the space, while the bold wallpaper and fun colors give the kitchen an inviting energy.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
20
Patterned Wallpaper and Vibrant Cabinets
Alamy
Geometric wallpaper brings movement and liveliness to this kitchen, while bold turquoise cabinets feel crisp and clean. The traditionally retro table and chairs in the middle are a bright white, grounding the eclectic space in neutrals.