A guide to retro kitchen appliances. Retro style kitchen furniture

A retro style kitchen is a recreation of the atmosphere of comfort and warmth of kitchens of the last century. It is quite possible to arrange such a kitchen at home if you pay attention to all the details without exception.

Modern kitchen in retro style– a kind of “time machine”!

In childhood, everyone so wants to grow up quickly and become independent, looking forward to this moment and counting their birthdays, but in adulthood a person is often visited by thoughts of how to return there, to childhood, to the unique aroma of grandma’s pies, the smell of which fills all House…

The invention of a time machine is something out of science fiction, but it is quite possible to travel back to that era, to the time of childhood, times of calm, carefree life, when even the passage of time was perceived differently.

New trends are not always followed when selecting interior design. Today, retro style is quite popular, giving the room a special atmosphere. Having arranged a kitchen in a retro style at home, you will be able to “move back in time” every evening after a busy day of work and relax your soul from the modern bustle. But in order for a clear and correct picture of the future interior to emerge, reproducing the unique comfort of a childhood kitchen, it is necessary to correctly select necessary elements, taking into account all the details.

Retro kitchens from different periods

Often in conversations about retro style the term “fusion” comes into play. This lifestyle occurred in the last decade of the last century. It denotes a combination of various directions in one interior.

Fusion – offering everything without denying anything.

The scope of this style is quite diverse and wide. The retro category includes interior solutions from decades of the twentieth century, from the turbulent 30s to the dashing 90s. A kitchen, decorated according to the best traditions of past years, can look completely different. But the main ones characteristic features retro style interior solutions are still available. Based on the characteristics of a particular period, you can create a clearly defined interior of your preferred era in the kitchen.

The design of a modern kitchen in a retro style has always been considered a sign of good taste.

In design kitchen interior retro style includes many trends from past years. To make it easier to navigate the variety of design trends in this style, you should take a closer look at the features of the most famous eras:

Late XXcenturies.Kitchens of this era generally included many decorative elements, most of which were homemade. Wicker baskets, embroidered napkins, decorative details interior This classic version retro kitchens are distinguished by an abundance of open shelves and contain mainly wooden surfaces.
50's times. The era of exemplary kitchens. Kitchens of this time were haunted by a lot of chrome parts, mainly bright colors and all kinds of utensils. A special distinguishing feature retro kitchens since the 50s became large tile, with which the floor was laid.
40's period. In the interior of kitchens of the forties, bright, vibrant colors prevailed, and this became main feature of this era. Mostly cherry, bright green and sky blue colors diluted with black and white splashes were used. The final design element is stainless steel kitchen appliances.
30's era.The Art Deco era was characterized by functionality and decoration. The retro kitchen of this era is dominated by muted tones and many glass decorative elements.

Retro style for modern kitchens includes many cabinets and open shelves where utensils are displayed as decor. This trend is characterized by natural shades natural wood or finishing in light colors. Lacquered surfaces are also allowed, but maintaining the texture of natural wood.

Features of a retro kitchen

The main features of retro style in general:

Abundance of decorative elements, including souvenir tiles of dishes, ceramic tiles, forged handles, relief plaster on the walls. Decoration was often combined with functionality, this included colorful potholders and towels, as well as tableware. Rare items inherited can inspire the creation of a retro kitchen.
Simplicity and naturalness- these are the basic principles of this style. Therefore, when creating a retro-style kitchen interior, it is allowed to use only natural building materials and finishing materials.

Colors

Each style and direction has its own textures and shades. A kitchen decorated in retro style must certainly be rich in juicy flowers(red, green, purple). Also appropriate would be items that combine several bright colors. Textures vinyl tiles, soft velvets and thick pile carpets will complement the characteristic ambience.

In the 1950s, kitchen interiors began to include bold and unexpected color combinations, which were previously not acceptable. The most popular color was red, which could be duplicated in various details. Textiles, furniture facades and kitchen appliances were selected in the chosen color. Additional, more neutral shades (brown or beige) were selected to complement the bright predominant color. Pink was also a popular color for kitchens of that era.

Very often in kitchens of that era there was a floor made in the image chessboard, the color of which was a combination of black and white.

Sky blue shades began appearing in kitchens during the era of space exploration. Turquoise or bright blue colors were often combined with black, white and gray metallic color. Also quite suitable for a retro kitchen yellow, which can also be combined with white and black.

Lighting

Each type lighting fixtures plays an important role in the interior of the room. Any cuisine should include, in addition to the local and local, also general lighting. Retro style is characterized by an abundance of decorative and functional items. As for lighting, all kinds of lamps, floor lamps, sconces and chandeliers made in the spirit of bygone times will be acceptable here:

Work area lighting.Modern spotlights would be out of place in a retro kitchen. Even if they are hidden in pieces of furniture, their bright light will not allow you to feel the full flavor of the retro style. To illuminate the work area, you can use retro wire lamps, the system of which will complement the decor of the overall interior with its naturalness.
Dinner ZoneIt will look more cozy and attractive if you hang a wall lamp above it, the wire of which can be used as a decorative element.
For general lightingyou can make a chandelier in a retro style with your own hands, using old greeting cards and strong threads.

Furniture and household appliances in a retro kitchen

Furniture in a retro kitchen should be of very high quality and durable, but at the same time distinguished by its simplicity. Also, kitchen furniture should not be expensive.

Typical pieces of furniture for a retro kitchen include:

Buffet like nothing else, it can clearly reflect the style of the chosen era. This piece of furniture is a fairly compact and economical storage system. It is almost impossible to find a retro sideboard in modern furniture stores, but now it can be quite easily purchased through an ad. You can update the furniture structure yourself by removing a layer of the old coating using a heating device and applying a layer of a new one. Fittings and handles can also be shaded.
Chairs and table with chrome legs, used in the dining area, are more relevant than ever in given style. Chrome was quite popular in the middle of the twentieth century, therefore, it was actively used for the manufacture of elements kitchen furniture.
Kitchen sink and faucet are quite an important component of any kitchen and in many ways it is these items that determine its style. In the past, white enamel sinks were most often installed. Now it can be replaced with a newer one, made of composite materials, which will not differ in any way from the old one in appearance.

The mixer should be chosen as simple as possible, with two valves instead of a lever.

Modern era high technology and technical achievements accustomed man to the benefits of civilization. Modern kitchens filled with all kinds of electrical appliances that are an integral part of everyday life. A few decades ago, kitchens did not contain so many appliances, so in order to maintain the style, it is better to make its main elements built into the furniture or hidden. And to complete the unique look of the kitchen, you can limit yourself to a few accessories. It could be an old kettle with a whistle or a powerful refrigerator from the mid-twentieth century with rounded doors and a lever handle.

To purchase accessories that complement the retro style of the kitchen, you don’t have to visit flea markets. Retro-styled technical devices can also be found in regular stores. At the same time, they will be completely new and as functional as possible.

Retro style kitchen details

Retro style is usually chosen by those who want to get into the atmosphere home comfort. Therefore, when completing the image, do not forget about decorative details. A craft in the form of a brownie or knitting the same garlic can perfectly complete the image of a cozy room.

When completing the look of a new “old” kitchen, you should study examples of kitchen interiors from the desired era. For the beginning of the twentieth century, for example, floral patterns, embroidery, decorative plates, wooden photos framework. But kitchens of the 60s are already characterized by metal parts, all kinds of figurines, as well as a large number of bottles and jars that stand on open shelves.

It will help to clearly convey the image of that era flooring from ordinary wooden floorboards or tiles. The walls can be painted in bright hues, in some places using decorative panels or stucco molding that replicates the texture of brickwork.

For windows, it is better to use textiles stylized in the desired era; it is better not to hang blinds.

Important point: for a clearer and more accurate recreation of a particular image of a retro kitchen, you can watch films whose action takes place in the required period of time. If you pay attention to kitchens, you can note many important details.

It is possible to create a unique image, the atmosphere of which would evoke memories upon entering the room, provided that all elements are carefully selected, down to the smallest detail. Color scheme, tableware, furniture fittings, even switches do not have to be in a modern style.

Retro style kitchen options (photo)

Surely many of us from time to time feel nostalgic about the old days while drinking morning coffee with our families. Sometimes warm memories disappear behind the veil of modern technology and glossy facades. However, recreating the atmosphere of antiquity is not so difficult - to do this, it is enough to design a kitchen in a retro style.

Main characteristics of a retro kitchen

Unlike most existing styles, retro does not have a clear time frame. This direction includes several eras between the end of the 19th century and the second half of the 20th century. It is not surprising that retro-style kitchen designs can differ radically from each other.

However, this concept has whole line characteristic features, uniting several eras that should be taken into account when arranging the kitchen. Firstly, the interior “from the past” should be decorated in a varied color palette; Earlier eras are characterized by muted tones, but the era of modernism accepts striking bright colors.

Secondly, in order to recreate the authentic atmosphere of a particular era, the kitchen should have antique furniture. If you don’t have your grandmother’s table or buffet in your bins, you can purchase new furniture with artificially aged facades (or hunt for real antiques).

It is worth considering the fact that until the middle of the last century there were no customary to modern man furniture sets. The design widely used sideboards, cupboards, display cases, and cabinets. The upper modules were replaced with open shelves or cabinets with glazed doors.

Thirdly, everything Appliances must be carefully hidden from view or stylized as antique. All new appliances will fit perfectly into the interior of a retro-style kitchen if they are disguised with false panels with a patina, brushed or craquelure coating.

Finally, no retro kitchen can do without some sweet accessories and textiles. Black and white photographs and chandeliers with fabric lampshades, china, tin boxes/jars for cereals and seasonings, mini-engravings, ostentatious tablecloths and napkins, discreet window dressing.

Features of kitchen design in various retro styles

Fashion for interior design changes with enviable regularity. However, in the retro concept three eras are clearly visible: Victorian, French and modernist.

Victorian cuisine. Connoisseurs of classics will certainly appreciate the atmosphere of the English countryside of the late 19th century. This direction is distinguished by presentability, gloss, a sense of high cost and stability, as well as richness of decor. The main attribute of a Victorian kitchen interior in retro style is a work area in the form of a hearth, trimmed with marble or natural stone. The noble furnishings are complemented by natural wood furniture: a dining table with a massive table top, chairs with wide backs, tall cabinets with glass doors etc.

It is also recommended to use in finishing natural wood, marble or stone/marble tiles. Hand-embroidered napkins, a white tablecloth, a large chandelier in the dining area, and vases with fresh flowers will help to emphasize the pomp of the surroundings.

Kitchen in the style of the 1930s-40s. Originating in France in the first half of the 20th century, the Art Deco style forever captivated the hearts of people. The synthesis of modernity and neoclassicism in practice looks very decorative and elegant. When decorating a kitchen according to this concept, you should give preference to finishing in muted colors using chrome, glass, gold and silver surfaces. Projects look quite impressive in black and white colors with bright splashes of red, orange, purple or blue.

For kitchen design in retro style 1930-40s. It is recommended to select rounded furniture with tabletops made of natural stone and facades with geometric patterns or carvings. And tables and chairs with carved legs add solidity to the interior. Of the decorative elements, the prerogative remains with elaborate lamps, textiles made from expensive fabrics, multi-level ceiling and steel fittings.

Kitchen in the style of late modernism. This retro style arose in the post-war period, and its Business Cards– bright color palette, intricate shapes, artificial materials and an abundance of household accessories.

In a modern kitchen you can resort to bold color combinations– for example, red and black, white and green, yellow and turquoise. For similar project suitable cabinets with bright glossy facades, tables and chairs made of plastic, an “inflated” refrigerator to match the facades, gramophone records on the walls and other details that give the interior of a retro kitchen a special nostalgic charm.

If you are thinking about renovating your apartment, then you need to start with the kitchen. After all, the kitchen is exactly the place where the whole family gathers, where they relax after working day, where they receive strength and vigor.

And if your plans include a kitchen in Retro style, but you don’t know how to do it yet, we will help you. Cast aside all doubts, you have come to the right place.

A classic will always be a classic, and it’s unlikely that newfangled high-tech will be able to eclipse it

What is Retro style

Since you have decided to update your interior, you probably know what Retro means, although we will still tell you about it.

Any style that was used in the late 19th - early 20th centuries fits the Retro description. Therefore, there are no strict restrictions; anyone can design a kitchen in the Retro style of the period that is closest to their spirit.

Here are just a few examples that people still use today:

Kitchen with Victorian style elements.
American kitchens of the antebellum years.
Modernist minimalism.

You can choose from anything, there are enough countries and generations to ponder for weeks. However, the most important thing in this matter is to take into account all the nuances of the chosen style, not to study it superficially, but to learn all the features of those times. After all, even the slightest flaw and a kitchen in a Retro style will be only a faded imitation of the original.

Note! Often in modern world people experiment and mix several eras, but this requires a lot of effort. Well, how do you, for example, harmoniously fit an oval refrigerator from the early 20th century and a wooden Italian furniture 80s of the 19th century?

Most popular destinations

As already mentioned, the interior of a kitchen in Retro style has a wide range, including many interesting fashion trends that people have used. We will tell you about them to make it easier to choose.

Late 19th century

The room should be dominated by wood. No newfangled plastics or painted surfaces. And even more so metal facades.
Decorative elements must be handmade: embroidery, fabric napkins, baskets, carved chairs.
Tile backsplash without bright colors. Preferably bed and neutral tones.

For your information! It is not necessary to embroider and cut out the products yourself; for this, shops offering their products are enough. Although, who knows, maybe you will like to embroider and make a tablecloth for the table with your own hands.

Early 20th century, 30s

This time is also called the Art Deco era; cuisine has changed a lot over the past 5-8 years.

It is fashionable to use a large amount of glass: shelves, doors, decorative elements.
The colors fade a little and become more noble.
Tables and chairs should be rounded, without sharp corners.

Mid 20th century, 40s and 50s

As for the war years, contrary to all expectations, kitchens do not fade, but, on the contrary, are filled with colors:

Very fashionable to use bright green color with white or black. Sky blue is also suitable, but not pale, but bright.
Tables, dishes, furniture, kitchen faucets in Retro style should be made of stainless materials.

The post-war years become a cult of family:

All sorts of gadgets are appearing for housewives to make cooking easier.
You can place the TV in the kitchen.
Large checkered tiles are laid on the floor.

Furniture for Retro style

Kitchen design in Retro style mainly concerns the kitchen unit and the rest of the furniture that is present in the room.

In fact, there are only two ways:

Buy an authentic vintage, the price of which may well go through the roof.
Buy new furniture in antique styles.

In stores it is quite expensive, so our advice to you is that to create a real Retro style you will have to look for things on the Internet or at auctions. This is the only way to get by at low cost, but you will have to search for a long time. Kitchen renovations can take several months.

Important! If it is possible to purchase any old locker which has lost color and appearance, but fits perfectly into your interior - take it without hesitation. You can hire craftsmen to sand and restore a piece of furniture. It's also easy to do it yourself using sandpaper and special wood impregnations.

Household appliances for the kitchen

The interior of a kitchen in Retro style does not imply a refusal to use all modern conveniences, especially when it comes to microwave ovens, coffee machines and electric kettles. The photo shows a modern electric oven with an interesting and stylish design.

Install the microwave oven in a wall cabinet with a false panel that will hide from prying eyes modern design device.
The kettle can be replaced with a steel one, which is placed on the stove. This will once again emphasize that you are trying to adhere to the intended style.
The coffee machine should also be hidden, either place it in a floor cabinet, or come up with some kind of “hood” for it. For example, you put it on and you can’t see the device.
It's easier with a hood, unless you have a touch panel.

Advice! Think about this in advance if you don’t want to have a Venetian kitchen in the middle electrical appliance with built-in TV.

Kitchen appliances in Retro style should be the basis for creating the naturalness of your idea.

While most of us are bending over backwards, trying to decorate and equip our kitchens with the latest design and technology, true aesthetes and incorrigible romantics are delighted by a retro-style kitchen, where you can be nostalgic to your heart's content, drinking tea in the company of a good-natured pot-bellied refrigerator and admiring the installation from vinyl records. At the same time, ultra-modern filling can be hidden behind retro facades, which means we will be nostalgic without sacrificing comfort and functionality.

Retro kitchen design has never lost its relevance

Where to get retro inspiration

The concept of “retro” is very broad and ambiguous. Although the time frame for retro is rather vague, most art critics and designers classify all fashion trends of the second half of the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries as retro style. This period is marked by more than one direction and trend in interior design. Such diversity will allow every retro fan to create a unique retrospective in their home: you can borrow “venerable” elements of the Victorian era or give your home kitchen the rock and roll flair of an American cafe of the 1950s. Having decided on your desires (and it’s not easy to do this!) and choosing one specific style, “send your brain to the past”: study literature on design, read blogs, watch good old films... It’s the colorful features and nuances , and not general features, will help create the most authentic interior. No one is stopping you from experimenting with mixing styles. different eras in one space, but for such a bold and unpredictable eclecticism to not only get along, but also look harmonious in the interior of the kitchen, some experience and a lot of effort will be required.

The design of a retro kitchen in the art deco style amazes with its contrasting colors and sophistication of decor.

Which retro style direction to choose for kitchen design

As we have already found out, retro style within interior design is an ambiguous and vague concept, which includes a wide range of directions and trends. Professional decorators mainly draw inspiration for creating a retro kitchen from the most popular eras, which have become iconic in the history of design and acquired cult status:

Victorian era late 19th century

This retro option will appeal to connoisseurs of the classics who would dream of living in a family mansion in the quiet English countryside. The distinctive features of a Victorian kitchen are a work area in the form of a hearth, sparkling metal utensils on the walls, an abundance of marble, wooden surfaces and handmade accessories: embroidered napkins, wicker baskets, a patchwork rug on the floor.

Distinctive feature Victorian kitchen - work area in the form of a hearth

Retro 1930s design

The first half of the twentieth century was marked by the emergence and flourishing of art deco, which is a synthesis of neoclassicism and modernism. Thanks to its decorativeness and functionality, this trend continues to be relevant today. Art Deco style kitchens are characterized by furniture with rounded corners, muted colors, spectacular black and white touches, an abundance of chrome and glass parts, geometric patterns of triangles, circles, zigzags and straight lines. Multi-colored bright plates, saucers, cups and butter dishes will look great as accents in the kitchen interior.

An Art Deco style kitchen is characterized by furniture with rounded corners, muted colors, spectacular black and white touches, an abundance of chrome and glass details, and geometric patterns.

Retro 1940s design

Drawing a parallel between the design of the 30s and 40s, the paradoxical brightness and liveliness of the latter immediately catches the eye. The main attribute of a retro kitchen in the style of the 1940s is color, or rather a palette of fresh, invigorating, inspiring colors: cherry red, sky blue, bright green with a lemon tint. Splashes of black and white will help set accents. Retro stainless steel accents and brightly colored towels and oven mitts complete the look of the kitchen.

Retro stainless steel accents and brightly colored towels and oven mitts complete the look of the kitchen.

Retro 1950s design

At the forefront is the cult of family. It’s not for nothing that the 1950s went down in history as the “decade of housewives.” This was also reflected in the design of the kitchens, each of which had to be as exemplary as its owner. The functionality of the kitchen has significantly increased thanks to the emergence of various kitchen gadgets and devices designed to facilitate and speed up the cooking process. Typical of 1950s retro design is the bold use of colors in the interior: rich red combined with achromatic black and white, yellow, gold, green and turquoise. The highlight of such a kitchen will be a checkerboard tiled floor in a large black and white or white and red checkerboard.

Typical of 1950s retro design is the bold use of colors in the interior.

Retro kitchen furniture

Most often, the idea of decorating a kitchen in an “antique” way comes to owners when they inherit a perfectly preserved rare table, buffet or beautiful service, which is simply a “sin” to hide behind the facades of modern furniture. If grandma herself willingly kept up with the times and did not leave such a “rich” inheritance, she will have to work hard to satisfy her retro needs. Just in case, check the attic at your dacha (preferably your grandmother's): you won't even realize how many treasures are stored there! Check out antique shops, hang out in online communities, bargain at online auctions, and browse flea markets. Be persistent! You know very well - whoever seeks will always find!

Retro style kitchen furniture will highlight the special mood of the past

If luck is on your side, for mere pennies you can collect full set all necessary furniture. There is undoubtedly a reason for joy, but don’t rush to rejoice! The obtained “treasures” still need to be brought to mind, that is, slightly touched up and updated, in order to achieve a stylish and effective look. Otherwise, the kitchen will look like a shabby flea market filled with old-fashioned furniture. The easiest way is to entrust such an important mission to a professional restorer who will do everything in the best possible way. However, the cost of such work will be far from cheap. To save money, you will have to sand and paint the cabinets with your own hands or the hands of your beloved husband and son.

Furniture rarities in the interior of a retro kitchen look in their place without disturbing harmony and balance

The second option is not to fool yourself with searching for and restoring rarities, but to purchase new furniture, stylized as retro. Modern furniture in retro style is not cheap, but it is more practical and functional: it is made of lightweight but durable and easy-to-care materials, equipped with convenient fittings and innovative storage systems. For example, in budget option retro quality solid wood furniture, so popular at the end of the 19th century, thanks to modern technologies, can be replaced with a kitchen set made of MDF with PVC coating. For a flair of antiquity, you can use MDF with a patina effect. Externally, such a set will be a complete copy of the old one, but it will cost less than the original, and it will weigh less.

Modern kitchen furniture fully meets all the requirements of retro style

If in stock furniture stores There is no ready-made set that completely fits into your concept of a retro kitchen; you can always make custom-made furniture of absolutely any configuration and style. This is even more interesting, because you will have a unique opportunity to independently come up with and develop a design project for your kitchen, taking into account individual decorative and purely practical preferences.

If the assortment of furniture stores does not include a ready-made set that completely fits into your concept of a retro kitchen, you can always make custom-made furniture

Home appliances in retro style

When creating a kitchen design in a retro style, it is not at all necessary to give up the conveniences and benefits that modern household appliances pamper us with. If you approach the issue with knowledge of the matter, in retro interior you can quite organically fit a microwave oven, a powerful refrigerator, and an ultra-modern dishwasher. To prevent newfangled gadgets and devices from introducing stylistic dissonance into the kitchen interior, it is worth acquiring special false panels that will cleverly hide built-in household appliances.

The retro denim refrigerator from Smeg enhances the effect of a retro-style interior

If you don’t want to disguise or hide anything, you’ll have to fork out money for modern technology, stylized as retro. The problem may be not only with the financial side of the issue, but also with the availability of goods on the market. Not every manufacturer produces exclusive retro-style equipment. Amazing collections of vintage and retro refrigerators are offered by Smeg, Rosenlew, Ardo and Gorenje.

Work zone kitchens in the form of a hearth are a popular interior detail in retro style

Cute little things from “grandmother’s chest”

Carefully selected accessories in retro style and other cute little things from “grandmother’s chest” will help create the necessary nostalgic mood and atmosphere of home comfort in the kitchen. Choosing curtains, tablecloths, napkins, kitchen towels, potholders, lamps and other decorative elements, do not be lazy to study in detail examples of interiors from the era that appeals to you - look at films, magazines, paintings, postcards of those times. If the beginning of the 20th century is characterized by floral patterns, embroidery and decorative plates, then a variety of metal parts, bottles and jars are more appropriate for a kitchen in the style of the 60s.

Retro style kitchen design - photo examples of interiors

When creating a kitchen design in a retro style, it is not at all necessary to give up the conveniences and benefits that modern household appliances pamper us with.

Modern furniture in retro style is not cheap, but it is more practical and functional

The black and white checkerboard floor in the interior of a retro kitchen in the style of the 50s emphasizes the originality of the entire design.

To create a flair of antiquity, you can use MDF with a patina effect

If you approach the issue competently, you can quite organically fit a microwave oven, a powerful refrigerator, and an ultra-modern dishwasher into a retro interior.

Retro kitchen in pinup style - bright accents on a snow-white background of walls

Retro design kitchens with industrial touches attract with their unobtrusive simplicity and functionality

To prevent newfangled gadgets and devices from introducing stylistic dissonance into the kitchen interior, it is worth acquiring special false panels

If you don’t want to disguise or hide anything, you’ll have to fork out for modern technology, stylized as retro

Carefully selected retro-style accessories and other cute little things from “grandmother’s chest” will help create the necessary nostalgic mood in the kitchen.

A retro kitchen may just look outdated, but in fact there is a place for modern appliances here

Colorful features and nuances, rather than general features, will help create the most authentic interior

Retro-style kitchens can be very different from each other, but the style remains the same

Echoes of retro style can be found in such modern trends as shabby chic, “5 o’clock”, vintage, art deco, fusion, etc. But in order to reproduce the unique comfort of the last century, you need to correctly select all the elements from which will form a general picture of the interior.

Features of retro style

It is worth noting that the scope of this style is quite wide. The “retro” category includes interior solutions from the English or Victorian classics of the 20s, the turbulent period of the 30s, the war 40s, as well as the bright 50s and 60s of the twentieth century. And, you see, “domestic” retro is quite different from foreign ones. This means that a kitchen decorated in the best traditions of past decades can look completely different.

However, there is key and related nuances, which are inherent in retro style in general:

the presence of antique or artificially aged furniture;
using only high quality and natural materials– wood, metals, glass, ceramics;
abundance of decor and accessories, textiles and dishes;
at least 3 colors in interior design;
a massive and heavy “pot-bellied” refrigerator with a handle-brace;

the most stylized or carefully disguised modern technology and other new devices. True, there is an opinion that creating “stylish retro” is impossible without contrasting modern details, but not everyone will agree with it.

Particular attention should be paid, which should be bold and bright, nobly saturated or somewhat muted.

The overall picture of a retro-style kitchen should be complemented with well-chosen dishes, textile inserts and other decorative items from the last century.

In this case, you need to select exclusively in classic or vintage style. It is believed that outwardly it should correspond to the era you have chosen, and if it did not exist at that time, then it should be as inconspicuous and hidden as possible furniture facades or false panels.

But this is all so, offhand. To make it easier to navigate the variety of retro design trends, it’s worth knowing the features of each era. Well, let's go back in time.

Period 50-60s

It is also called the decade of housewives. This time is characterized by rich colors, bold patterns and bright elements, for example, tiled floors with patterns, snakes or large checks. In this case, the checkerboard floor can alternate with plain tiles, for example, under dining table or along the perimeter of the room.

Bright monochrome floor colors was also not uncommon. The color of the ceiling or walls matches the kitchen furniture or only its facades. For wall cladding they used white, checkerboard or bright plain tiles or ordinary whitewash, which today can be replaced with more practical washable wallpaper.

The ceiling is decorated with a fan, a wide and flat chandelier or several round or cone-shaped ones pendant lamps. Another attribute of this era are round Wall Clock, selected according to the colors of the interior.

Also kitchen space should be moderately saturated with a variety of chrome inserts and details. The furniture of this time had clear shapes with an abundance of glossy surfaces.

Most popular colors considered pink, red, blue, pale or bright yellow, light green or pale purple, which were often combined with white. The inside of the shelves was covered with bright, long mini-tablecloths, contrasting with the main color of the furniture, on which dishes were beautifully arranged.

Colorful 40s

Despite the military events of these years, the kitchen of families living in the first half of the 20th century was a picturesque and vibrant sight.

The main difference between the kitchen interior of the war period there were rich colors, namely: cherry, baby blue, lemon, bright or variegated green, yellow, carrot and turquoise.

These tones were diluted with black and white elements, which, in combination with kitchen appliances made entirely of stainless steel, created a pleasant and unique image.

Wallpaper with flowers or patterns covered not only the walls, but also the ceiling. The floor was decorated with a small or large checkered pattern or a motley 2 or 3-color pattern. Short checkered curtains covering a third of the window (maximum a few centimeters below) often match the floor in color.

Tip: small curtains at the level of the floor cabinets can easily hide modern household appliances.

30s

They distinguished themselves by their style, rich decorative elements and interesting solutions that maximize the functionality of the kitchen space.

This period is also easy to recognize by the abundance of glass components in furniture and decoration, as well as by the variety of geometric patterns on curtains or wallpaper. Tables and chairs from the 1930s had soft outlines, rounded edges, and muted tones.

Popular materials for finishing the kitchen space and decorating furniture were expensive types of wood, Genuine Leather and ivory. However, it did not go unnoticed - it was posted not only kitchen apron, walls, but also the ceiling.

20s

First of all, it is worth remembering the Edwardian era.

He is characterized spacious kitchens, furnished with massive wooden furniture with copper or cast iron handles, a large multifunctional stove and an impressively sized table in the middle.

IN modern interiors Brass, which has come back into fashion, is often used.

Tip: If you like certain elements of each era and can’t decide on the best decade, it doesn’t matter. Try to combine all this harmoniously, because the point is not one hundred percent compliance, but your maximum comfort.

Retro style kitchen furniture

In order to correctly select furniture that will create a unique atmosphere of past eras, it is necessary to take into account several important principles:

Important :

Don't forget that in those days there were no taps with rotary mixers. So, if unity of style and correspondence with the times are important to you, you will have to get used to the usual ones again, i.e. two-valve faucets in retro style. Also think about what other items would be contrary to the spirit of the time.
Whatever retro direction you choose, a few rare little things like a lollipop bowl, black and white photos, porcelain cups and saucers or figurative spoons will not be superfluous. The main thing is that excess decor does not “overload” the interior.
Concerning household appliances- there is a row modern manufacturers, which produce antique-stylized equipment with the cutest rounded shapes.

To decorate a kitchen in a retro style, it is not at all necessary to purchase expensive antique items, because even completely new furniture or appliances can be artificially “aged.” Moreover, you can do this yourself.

But the most budget-friendly and interesting options may be waiting for you in the basement or attic.

It is possible that this is where you will find great-grandmother’s chests of drawers, stools, cutlery and cutlery, jars for cereals, an old but very durable refrigerator or other retro curiosities in quite good condition.

Why not give them a second life? Supporters of “domestic” retro will be especially pleased with such finds. Here's a hint for them - don't forget about the propaganda posters. Just let them stimulate you to action and charge you with positivity!

It is possible to create a unique atmosphere in your kitchen from eras that have become a distant memory, and it is much easier than it seems. You just have to choose carefully color scheme, furniture and fittings.

And, of course, it wouldn’t hurt to spend a couple of evenings looking at old photographs, postcards or films to get a feel for the general message of the chosen period.