If you’re a retro lover in need of some inspiring ideas for adding a vintage twist to your own cooking area, look no further. We at Bored Panda have collected some of the most stunning examples of these spaces, courtesy of people from the Facebook group Vintage Kitchens. Scroll down to find them, and don’t forget to upvote the ones that sparked a nostalgic feel the most!
We also reached out to interior design consultant, stylist, and maximalism specialist Sophie Newlands, who kindly agreed to tell us more about vintage kitchens.
#2 The Best Piece I Ever Got ! 1950s Chambers "B " Range In Candy Apple Red. Dutch Oven Cooking Allows Baking With The Gas Turned Off Holding Temperature For Almost 2 Hours
According to the 2024 Pinterest Predicts report, kitschens (a term for kitschy kitchens) are trending.
The report writes, “They say the party always moves to the kitchen. But sometimes, the party is the kitchen. This year, Gen X and Boomers will quirk up their cooking areas with thrifted finds, vintage appliances and eye-jarring pops of paint. No minimalist aesthetic is safe.”
#5 We Collect Vintage Toasters... My Husband And I Were Both Born To Families With A Strong "Collector Gene" So It Is Not Hard For Us To Start A Collection
#6 I Found This 1945 Range And Asked My Husband To Build My New Kitchen Around It. It Works! Only One Oven Works - Because It Was Restored
The term kitschy kitchen is a derivative of the German verb kitschen used to describe a work of art thrown together. This is exactly what such a cooking area is - a colorful and diverse space typically full of vintage assorted furniture and accessories. It’s a trend synonymous with all things retro, pulling at the heartstrings of nostalgic people.
Providing us more insights into this trend, Sydney Stanback, global trends and insights lead for Pinterest, says, "People will elevate their kitchen designs and cooking areas with thrifted finds, vintage appliances and eye-jarring pops of paint as they are looking for 'eclectic kitchen decor,' 'kitschy kitchens,' 'retro pink kitchens' and more."
#7 I Did Not Pay More Than Few Dollars For Any One Thing In This Room. Most Everything Was Gifted, Thrifted Or Dragged Out Of A Dumpster Or Off The Side Of The Road
#9 The Antique Kitchen In My 1875 Coastal Maine Home, Tax Assesor Said It Was The Oldest Working Kitchen In My Town
Interestingly, the pink retro kitchen search term has increased by 40%. "Pink provides that unique retro charm and is a hue that doesn't go out of style," says Mattia Salia, product manager at SMEG, famous for its vintage-looking kitchen appliances. "While playful, pink is also a unique and stylish choice for the kitchen, setting it apart from more traditional colors like white or beige."
Interior design consultant, stylist, and maximalism specialist Sophie Newlands tells Bored Panda, "I think modern, minimalist designs can sometimes lack soul and character, so many people will find inspiration in past eras. I love it when a client brings me a brief that allows me to delve into antiques. There’s something so magical about furniture that has been pre-loved and can bring a glimpse of the past into the modern home."
#12 Vintage Dining Set That I Restored That Is Up For Sale At The Antique Store In My Hometown
Besides its charming aesthetic, another reason why vintage kitchen design has seen a resurgence in popularity is its sustainability. “Buying pre-loved is crucially a more ethical way to buy, especially at a time when mass consumption is costing us the earth and driving small businesses under,” says antiques expert Alice Roberton.
#13 Here Is A Photo Of The Kitchen At Our 1958 Home In St. Petersburg, Florida. It Is What Sold Us On The House
“An increased awareness of sustainability and production has fueled this decision and while people often come to vintage from a sustainable standpoint, they stay for the instantaneous burst of character that antique and reclaimed furniture and accessories bring into their home,” she explained.
Even though they include vintage elements, most retro kitchens nowadays aren't identical to authentic ones back in the day. "The beauty of recreating vintage style in contemporary homes is that we are able to replicate an era while concealing more modern appliances, such as dishwashers. We can also be clever with our designs to give us enough storage space, as modern families need more space in the kitchen than in the 1960s," Sophie explained.
#17 My Parents Used This Kerosene Perfection Stove Until They Got Rea Electricity In 1948
#18 This Is My “Summer Kitchen”
If you’re lost on where to start your transition into a vintage kitchen, don’t fret; interior designers have our back. The first step is identifying your perfect design aesthetic, as vintage can mean different things to different people. Perusing through showrooms, Pinterest, or your favorite antique thrift stores can give you a better idea of how you want your kitchen to look.
"Decide which era you are drawn to the most and start creating a Pinterest board of inspiration," says Sophie. "If you love traditional, farmhouse kitchens, then experiment with floral wallpaper and rustic-looking wood If you’re inspired by the '70s, then you could start by looking at some funky tiles and introducing some hanging plants."
Her top tip is, "Lots of interior designers offer digital consultations, so if you want to get some advice without spending a fortune, research some designers and find one whose work aligns with your style, then reach out to them!"
#20 Dishmaster Faucet That We Recently Had Installed In Our Restored 1950 Kitchen. Originally Designed In 1948, A Dishmaster Is Much "More Than Just A Faucet"
While our model is brand-new, it's an exact replica of the company's classic Dishmaster Imperial M-59, with a faceplate that's been reproduced according to the exact specifications of the original (recently re-discovered) 1959 tooling.
Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the Dishmaster factory in Mitchell, Indiana—where the owner graciously gave me an impromptu tour. To my astonishment, I discovered that—far from being some vast impersonal corporate entity—Dishmaster is a deeply personal family business, run entirely by Roger & his son Chris as a 2-man operation...they do it all! Just as it was way back in 1948, this ingenious invention continues to be crafted with pride each day in small-town middle America (with the sole exception of a single part that has to be outsourced).
From the very beginning, these were always considered something of a post-war luxury (the cost in 1950 was the equivalent of $660 today)—but not only can you get yours today for significantly less (even when loaded with all the extra "bells & whistles" available), you can invest in something that will simultaneously make your daily life a little easier and help keep this family-run American company in business for generations to come! Look closely—and you just might see a Dishmaster in your future