Retro '50s style adds some of that decade's cool to your kitchen.
A retro '50s style harks back to a classic age of homemaking, which makes it an appropriate look for kitchens. Whether you want to go all out or just add a few 1950s accents to your kitchen, this look is highly achievable on a range of budgets. The classic interpretation of the style dates from the early-to-mid '50s; as the decade waned the decor style began to change dramatically.
Cabinets and Countertops
Up-to-date kitchens in the '50s were fully fitted with cabinets and countertops. Either add new cabinets in retro colors to your kitchen or paint your existing ones. Popular colors for a '50s-style kitchen include pink, aqua, mint green, white and vintage cream, but any pastel color is appropriate. In the 1950s, Formica countertops were standard; many matched the cabinets or were in a neutral color, such as black or white. Most cabinets were white metal.
Flooring
Vinyl flooring was popular in 1950s kitchens, and it makes an ideal choice for a retro renovation since it's affordable, easy to put down and widely available. For an authentic look, choose a checkerboard vinyl floor. A black-and-white checkered floor gives you a classic '50s look, but you could go for something more unusual, like yellow and white or blue and white, to match your cabinets or color scheme. Choose individual vinyl tiles because they're easier to replace should parts of the floor get damaged.
Appliances and Accessories
The main appliance to get right is a big, retro refrigerator. Styles reminiscent of the '50s, such as those made by Smeg, are widely available in most stores that sell kitchen appliances. Choose something in a '50s color, like pale pink, pastel yellow or vintage cream or stark white, which was the most prevalent. Choose small appliances and accessories, such as blenders, toasters and bread bins in chrome or colored plastic to match your color scheme. Kitchen tables should be Formica-topped, with chrome-and-vinyl kitchen chairs.
Diner Style
Vintage diner style is a throwback to 1950s culture. Have some fun with your kitchen by making it look like a '50s diner. Install a seating booth or a long Formica breakfast bar with chrome-and-vinyl bar stools. Put out chunky chrome salt and pepper shakers and condiment containers to give the illusion that you're in a diner. Buy a '50s jukebox, whether an original or a replica, and fill it with hits from the decade -- if you have a spacious kitchen.
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