Retro kitchen design ideas for the bold, sassy homeowner

Are you looking for a kitchen which makes a real impact? One that’s reminiscent of days gone by with a modern, quirky edge? The fun, colourful and exciting atmosphere of a retro kitchen is a great choice for those looking for something a little different.

At Kitchen Design Centre, we’re big fans of creative, interesting designs – retro being just one of them. But do you know what retro kitchens are all about? You’re about to find out, with our retro kitchen design ideas!

What is retro and how does it differ from vintage?

One of the big questions we often hear from our clients is what’s the difference between a vintage kitchen and a retro kitchen. Without going into too much detail here, the general consensus is that any furniture piece that is more than 20 years old can be considered vintage. On the other hand retro appliances are modern recreations of these past pieces – so the overall style has a much more clean, sharp and modernistic feel about it.

Creating that retro kitchen style

There are a few elements which are mandatory when developing your retro kitchen design ideas. Here they are:

Open plan layout

The open plan layout was big in the 50s and still is now. It enables you to can see and talk to guests whilst preparing food and creates lots of space for cooking, eating and relaxing.

A pop of colour

Clean lines, with easily interchangeable pops of colour is the signature look for the retro kitchen. With grey being the hot new neutral colour in 2014, tangy splashes of orange and cheerful reds are welcome change from the monotony. The most popular colours in retro style kitchens are black, blue, chrome, red, and white. Other great colours we’ve seen in this style of kitchen include silver, green, pale blue, turquoise, and yellow. Think red kitchen cabinets with glossy surfaces, white appliances, with chrome accents and knobs – and there you have it, a retro style kitchen.

Iconic appliances

It’s the little things which imbue a room with personality. Mixers, coffee makers, toasters and other small appliances are all available in retro styles, often featuring the curved, bold designs of the 50s and 60s. They’re also usually found in an array of bright and bold colours like yellow, green, orange and red.

Want to start planning out your retro kitchen?

Visit us at Kitchen Design Centre to browse our designs, get inspiration from our showroom and talk to our talented team of designers. Our design portfolio ranges from pure simple elegance, to high tech and innovative, so we really do have the knowledge and experience to create any style of kitchen you desire.

You’ll be able to find our kitchen showrooms in the heart of the North West, with showrooms in Manchester, Blackburn and Colne. So what are you waiting for? Come and chat to us about your ideas today!

What elements do you love about retro kitchen design? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us @ModernKitchens