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Retro kitchen design ideas for the bold, sassy homeowner

retro kitchen design ideas

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

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Little kitchen decisions that make everyday life SO much easier 🙌🏼

We positioned the dishwasher right beside the drawers where we keep our plates, bowls and cutlery, and honestly… it’s made unloading so much quicker!

It might seem like a small detail when planning your kitchen, but getting the layout right can make such a difference to how your kitchen works day to day.

One to remember if you’re planning a kitchen 👀

#kitchendesign #KitchenLayout #KitchenIdeas #KitchenHacks #kitcheninspo
Introducing Beth Ainsworth to our Blackburn showroom. Beth brings fresh ideas and plenty of enthusiasm to kitchen design. Off the clock, I’m most likely in the gym.

We’re passionate about tailoring our designs to fit your lifestyle, so whether you want a space to entertain or a family-centric kitchen to spend quality time together, our designers know exactly how to make your dream kitchen a reality.
When you book an appointment, you’ll be introduced to your personal kitchen designer, who will sit down with you in our dedicated meeting space to discuss what you want for your dream kitchen. Then, when you’re happy with the final design, they’ll become your dedicated project manager as they oversee every aspect of the installation, guaranteeing exceptional customer service as we deliver the kitchen of your dreams.
Our Summer Sale is officially ON! ✨
If you’ve been dreaming about a new kitchen, there’s never been a better time to make it happen. From timeless designs to modern family spaces, now is the perfect opportunity to save on the kitchen you’ve always wanted.
Visit our showroom or link in bio to get in touch to find out more.
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
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