Retro Kitchen Redo: How to Bring Back Vintage Style in Your Kitchen

Kitchen trends come and go, but retro style never seems to completely fade away. Whether you grew up in the 50s, 60s, 70s or are just drawn to the nostalgic and homey feel of vintage kitchens, bringing back that old-school style can breathe new life into your cooking space. Retro kitchens exude coziness and charm with details like linoleum floors, mint green or turquoise appliances, atomic starbursts, and gingham.

If you’re looking to redo your kitchen with a retro vibe, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover how to get the overall retro look down to all the fun decorative details. Get ready to take a tasty trip back in time!

Elements of a Retro Kitchen Redo

When redoing a kitchen for a retro style, there are a few key elements to focus on:

Color scheme – Stick to bright, punchy hues popular in the 50s-70s like turquoise, yellow, mint green, pink and orange. Retro palette.
Flooring – Classic black and white checkered tile or vintage-style vinyl floors scream retro.
Cabinets & hardware – Metal cabinets in pastel hues or warm wood tones work well. Go for vintage-looking handles and knobs.
Countertops – Formica in bright retro colors is a perfect budget option. Stainless steel for a diner vibe.
Appliances – Round out the look with turquoise or pink refrigerators, stoves, and stand mixers.
Textiles – Add in charming touches like floral dish towels, gingham cafe curtains, and table runners.
Wall decor – Look for colorful metal wall clocks, posters, and art with bold graphics or atomic/space age themes.
Lighting fixtures – Go for Sputnik-style statement lights, pendant lamps, or neon signs.

Planning Your Retro Kitchen Redo

Doing a full kitchen renovation is a big project, so careful planning is a must. Here are some tips to make your retro redo run smoothly:

Set your budget. Get quotes from contractors to estimate costs for cabinetry, countertops, flooring, appliances and more. Factor in decor elements too. Create a budget breakdown.

Make a layout plan. Decide if you’ll stick with the existing layout or change it up. Sketch ideas or use online planning tools. Focus on work triangles and storage solutions.

Choose your retro design details. Figure out your color scheme, materials, textures, and decor elements based on your favorite retro eras/styles. Create inspiration boards.

Hire contractors. Find qualified professionals for the job, whether it’s a full remodel or just certain elements like painting cabinets or installing lighting. Ask for referrals and vet options.

Schedule the work. Time the project so it moves efficiently from demolition to installation. Have appliances and materials ordered and delivered when needed.

Budget extra time. Kitchen remodels often take longer than expected. Build in a buffer of a few extra weeks so you aren’t left without a functioning kitchen.

Decide on DIY projects. If you’re handy, consider tasks like painting cabinets or tiling backsplash yourself. Know your limits though.

Thorough planning and research on the front end will save you headaches down the road.

Designing Your Retro Color Scheme

The colors you choose will bring the whole retro vibe together, so take time to really nail down your palette. Here are some tips for picking your hue line-up:

Consider the age of your home. If it was built in the 50s or 60s, period-accurate colors like mint greens, pale yellows or turquoise will fit right in.

Draw inspiration from retro eras. Mid-century modern style calls for earth tones and pops of orange. Groovy 70s means avocado green, harvest gold and bright psychedelic colors.

Use color to designate zones. Make the cooking zone hot with reds and oranges. Cool down dining with blues and greens. Tie it together with neutrals.

Pair colors wisely. Anchor bright hues with white, black or wood tones. Too many loud colors can feel chaotic. Layer in softer accents like pastels.

Think beyond paint. Bring color to tile, countertops, cabinets, textiles and decor too. Tie the whole scheme together.

Sample before committing. Test paint swatches and live with them before finalizing your choices. Colors look different on walls.

Embrace color but don’t go overboard. A strategic retro color plan makes all the difference.

Flooring That Completes Your Retro Look

Updating your kitchen floors is one of the best ways to transform the overall feel of the space. For a retro kitchen, here are some on-trend flooring options worth considering:

Black and white checkerboard tile – This classic tile pattern screams 1950s diner or soda shop. Use big or small checks depending on your retro style.
Vintage vinyl – Sheet vinyl or vinyl tile in geometric, floral or colorblock patterns gives a nod to old-school linoleum floors.
Patterned laminate – Budget-friendly laminate now comes in fun retro-inspired designs, from pink gingham to blue atomic starbursts.
Mid-century tile – Tile with simple mosaic, geometric or floral motifs in mint, coral and other retro hues sets the vintage tone.
Bold rug – Anchor the space with a rug boasting a graphic retro design. Coordinate with your color scheme.
Polished concrete – The utilitarian, no-fuss vibe of concrete floors fits with retro charm. Great for those seeking an industrial edge.
Refinished hardwood – For a worn, vintage look, have existing hardwood floors lightly sanded and finished with a matte stain.

Go with your favorite retro decade or mix designs for eclectic charm. Let your floors set the tone.

Cabinet and Hardware Ideas for Achieving the Retro Look

The cabinets form the foundation of any kitchen. For a retro style kitchen, pay close attention to cabinet colors, materials, styling and hardware.

Colorful cabinets – Painting the cabinets in a bright, glossy retro color is key. Turquoise, mint green and pale yellow are classic options. Don’t be afraid to go bold!

Metal cabinets – Stainless steel or aluminum cabinets give an industrial vibe, perfect for 1950s diners. Pastel hues keep it retro vs. contemporary.

Wood cabinets – Opt for light woods like oak, birch or maple. Painted in neutral cream shades, wood still gives a retro edge.

Curved corners – Frameless cabinet construction with curved corners nods to mid-century style. White plastic laminate cabinets also fit this look.

Hardware – Vintage-style cup pulls, knobs or handles in metal finishes like chrome, nickel or brass finish the retro transformation.

Open shelving – Mix in some wall cabinets or open shelving. Display colorful cookware, classic diner-style dishes or fun collectibles.

Atomic accents – Work in retro-fabulous decorative details like starburst shelves, boomerang handles or cool custom cut-outs.

Have fun dressing up your cabinets for a perfect retro style foundation. The details make the difference!

Countertop Materials for Your Funky Retro Kitchen

The countertops are one of the first places to inject color, texture and retro fabulousness. Check out these groovy countertop ideas:

Formica – The retro, budget-friendly choice! Pick glossy styles in turquoise, pink, mint, yellow or classic patterns. Timeless.
Stainless steel – Industrial edge. Channels American diners and soda fountains. Often seen with a backsplash and drainboards.
Patterned laminate – Funky patterns and colors like checkerboards or multi-color stripes. Stylish and budget-friendly.
Vintage linoleum – Upcycle old linoleum from flea markets for seriously retro charm. Unique colors and designs.
Splashback tile – Colorful geometric, floral or atomic starburst tile above a neutral base. Coordinate with your overall palette.
Concrete – Rustic, raw vibe pairs well with industrial retro style. Colorful stains or etching adds interest.
Wood – Butcher block counters in maple provide natural contrast to bright retro colors. Affordable and renewable.

The counter surface steals the show in many retro kitchens. Make it bold and playful.

Appliances to Complete Your Retro Redo

It’s likely time to replace some major kitchen appliances in your retro redo. Here’s what to look for to complement your new vintage style:

Refrigerator – A retro fridge is the exclamation point! Look for 1950s rounded styles in mint green, turquoise, pink, or bright yellow. Unique accessories like sleek oratomic handles.

Stovetop/range – Brands like Big Chill, SMEG, and Elmira make retro-style ranges in fun colors with classic details like knobs and curved lines. Double oven ranges or built-in cooktops work too.

Stand mixer – KitchenAid’s iconic stand mixers now come in a full rainbow of retro color options. Or track down vintage ones from flea markets.

Toaster – Kitschy 2-slice toasters from brands like KitcheAid and Cuisinart add a fun punch of color to the countertop.

Microwave – Many companies make small retro microwaves with charming rounded shapes and retro controls. Coordinate the color.

Specialty appliances – Consider a retro diner-style blender, espresso machine or milkshake maker to round out your new look.

Appliances give the final seal of approval to your overall retro vibe. Invest in those anchors!

Perfect Lighting for Your Retro Redo

Don’t neglect the lighting details – they make a huge impact! Here are lighting ideas tailored to a retro style:

Pendant lights – Suspended low over kitchen islands or dining tables, decorative pendants anchor the space in retro flair.
Sputnik chandeliers – Iconic starburst chandeliers made popular in the 1950s will make a bold statement.
Track lighting – Spotlight key areas like countertops or wall art with flexible track lighting. Choose industrial rails or retro-styled fixtures.
Neon signs – What’s more retro than neon? Channel a diner or soda shop with cheeky accent signs.
Under cabinet lighting – Use LED strip lighting to illuminate countertops and display your bold backsplash.
Recessed lighting – For overall ambient lighting, unobtrusive recessed or can lights fit the bill. Keep them small and minimalistic.
Table lamps – Adorning kitchen or dining tables, kitschy table lamps provide a playful pop of retro charm.

Lighting is the jewelry of any kitchen. Make it flashy and fun with vintage-inspired fixtures.

Fabrics and Textiles to Bring Retro to Life

Don’t overlook the power of retro-flavored textiles to finish your new kitchen. Here’s what to look for:

Floral curtains – frilly floral cafe curtains framing windows or a breakfast nook

Checkered tablecloths – gingham or bandana prints

Fruit-themed towels – kitschy and colorful

Vintage tea towels – muted solids with delicate embroidery

Potholders – bright, atomic or pop art patterns

Oven mitts – in cheery retro colors and prints

Rugs – rag rugs, graphic patterns, shag

Chair cushions – punched up with prints from the era

Aprons – ruffly and frilly kitchen aprons

Have fun mixing and matching prints, colors and textures for a layered retro textile look. Let your personality shine through.

Wall Décor to Show Off Your Style

Don’t forget the walls! Decorating with retro flair is the icing on the cake. Ideas include:

Framed classic ads and posters – Coca-cola, diners, Elvis
Vintage clocks – sunburst, starburst or retro numerals
Framed classic album covers – jazz, rock n’ roll, blues
Paintings with retro motifs – Pop art, space age, atomic
Wallpaper borders – geometric designs, fruits, chevron
Shop vintage signage – ice cream, bakery, dance – the possibilities are endless!
Open shelving to display fun collections – pottery, glassware, tins
Float colorful plate collections – mix eras and styles
Make your own retro wall art – craft atomic starbursts or wall flowers

Use wall decor to drive home that retro style you love. Show off your personality!

FAQs About Executing a Retro Kitchen Redo

How much does a retro kitchen remodel cost? A full retro kitchen remodel costs $15,000-$30,000 on average. Factors impacting price include layout changes, appliances, cabinetry, countertops and flooring options. Decor is extra.
What colors should I use in a retro kitchen? Stick to fun, punchy hues popular from the 1950s-1970s like mint green, turquoise, pink, yellow, avocado green and orange. Bold black and white patterns suit retro too.
What flooring works best for a retro kitchen aesthetic? Black and white checkerboard tile, vintage-look vinyl, colorful laminate and geometric patterned tile all complement the retro vibe. Refinished hardwood also suits the look.
Should I remodel the cabinets or paint/update existing ones? If your cabinet box quality is solid, you can likely paint them in a retro color and update the hardware to get the look you want. This saves big on costs. Assess their structure before deciding.
Where can I buy appliances with retro style? Big Chill, SMEG, KitchenAid, GE and Elmira all offer refrigerators, ranges, microwaves and specialty appliances with a retro flair. Shop savvy to get the look on a budget.
What are quick ways to add retro charm through decor? Floral curtains, atomic starburst wall clocks, posters of classic films or ads, bright table lamps and displays of fun glassware or kitschy kitchen collectibles liven up the space with retro personality.

Conclusion: Give Your Kitchen a Retro Refresh

Whether mid-century modern appeals or you groove on the funky retro style of the 1970s, giving your kitchen a vintage-inspired makeover can revive the heart of your home with charm. By focusing on the right color schemes, materials, flooring, cabinets, appliances and decor details – your kitchen can be a hip blast from the past.

A retro kitchen redo does require some planning and investment to do it right. But the chance to create a space with loads of color, personality and nostalgic style makes it worth the effort. Your inner child and your guests will delight in all the playful details. Why not give your kitchen a fresh new spin with a retro revival?