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!
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.
There are a few elements which are mandatory when developing your retro kitchen design ideas. Here they are:
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.
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.
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.
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!
AS SEEN ON GEORGE CLARKE’S BEAUTIFUL BUILDS: FROM DATED LAYOUT TO DREAM ENTERTAINING SPACE
When Katherine and Andrew purchased their property, they always knew a full renovation would follow.
With both the outdated kitchen and untouched garden requiring significant transformation, the project soon became part of Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds – it was an opportunity they felt perfectly aligned with their vision for the property.
While searching for a local kitchen specialist, Kitchen Design Centre immediately stood out thanks to its long-standing reputation, glowing customer reviews and welcoming showroom experience.
The brief focused on creating a sleek, contemporary kitchen that would feel open, social and highly functional, while complementing the wider architectural renovation of the home.
The finished design delivers a beautifully balanced space that combines clean lines with luxurious detailing.
One of the standout features is the striking worktop design. The waterfall edge peninsula creates a bold focal point within the room, while the continuation of the material across the side panels introduces a seamless, premium aesthetic.
Functionality was equally important throughout the design process, with carefully considered storage solutions and high-quality appliances helping to simplify everyday living. Among Katherine and Andrew’s favourite additions is the Neff oven, praised for both its versatility and pyrolytic self-cleaning function.
The completed result is a sophisticated contemporary space that completely transforms how the home looks, feels, and functions, perfectly reflecting Katherine and Andrew’s original vision from the moment they moved in.
More details in our bio
SUMMER JUST GOT EVEN BETTER FOR YOUR DREAM KITCHEN!
You don’t have to keep waiting for your dream kitchen. With flexible finance options on kitchens over £20,000, it’s ready when you are. Spread the cost of your kitchen plans and move forward in a way that works for you this summer.
With our exclusive Quooker offer, when you purchase any Quooker Tap and Tank system with a kitchen over £20,000, you’ll receive a FREE Quooker CUBE worth £1,250, plus free installation worth up to £384, and 4 free CO₂ cylinders worth £70. It’s everything you need to enjoy chilled, filtered, sparkling and boiling water straight from your tap.
And when you step into our showrooms, there are even more opportunities waiting for you, including exclusive savings on selected ex-display kitchens and up to 50% off selected stock appliances. Don’t miss this rare chance to secure something special, with design and value combined.
That said, like all great things, these summer offers are only available for a limited time — once they’re gone, they’re gone!
The kitchen isn’t just a place to cook — it’s the heart of the home.
At our Kitchen Design Centre, we believe your kitchen should be the centrepiece of your house, where style meets functionality and every moment matters. From morning coffees to family dinners and everything in between, your kitchen is where life happens.
That’s why we design spaces that bring people together — beautiful, practical, and tailored to you. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek modern look or a warm, classic feel, we’re here to help you create a kitchen that truly feels like home.
Visit us today and start designing the heart of your home.
Kitchen Design Centre is proud to feature on George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds which features Katherine and Andrew’s Manchester build this Thursday 11 June , 8pm, CH4
We can’t wait to watch it!
Who doesn’t love a peek into someone else’s kitchen?
Visit our showrooms to explore our stunning display kitchens in person. Pop in for a browse—we’ll have the kettle on, or you can try out our instant hot taps!
Book A Free Design Appointment
