Designing a Retro-Modern Kitchen

Since the start of the recession, the trend for those who can afford to redesign their kitchens has leant largely towards the traditional country feel, with families desperate to introduce an element of comfort and 'old-time' atmosphere into their house at this time of economic uncertainty.

However, for some, bucking the trend (no matter what that trend may be!) is the name of the game, which perhaps explains the growing popularity of the retro-modern kitchen. Here are a few tips that can help you incorporate this unique style into your new kitchen design:

Firstly, purchase "retro" appliances. Obviously purchasing appliances from the 1950s and 1960s isn't a good idea, but buying appliances that look like models from that era but function in the same way as the latest release from one of the major kitchen appliance suppliers is a great idea!

Fridge freezers can become one of the room's focal points if you pick carefully, with a retro chunky style and colour such as dark red (Smeg do a great version) allowing you to experience the functionality and storage of a modern fridge freezer appliance with the external appearance of something from yesteryear.

Make sure you don't neglect the smaller appliances when fitting out your retro- modern kitchen; toasters and kettles can look great in this style.

Stoves are another item to pick carefully at this point; you can get some brilliantly coloured (if lime green is your thing!) modern cookers and ovens that look like stoves from fifty or sixty years ago.

Combining glinting stainless steel with matt colours such as lime green or deep red works very well with these particular appliances.

If you're looking for a cheaper option, have a look at appliance paint. This can be used to give existing appliances of all shapes and sizes a retro feel but do make sure that your old appliance isn't chipped or damaged or else this really won't work well.


As for the colour you decide to paint your walls, choose a shade that clashes with the main colour of your kitchen cabinets. Gone for shiny black cabinets to make a statement? Pick white for your walls (the brighter the shade the better).

When you're deciding upon your cabinets, choose either strong colours or else pick wood but ensure you varnish the bare wood after stripping it so that the look is truly retro rather than "country kitchen".

Keep lighting simple, with fixtures placed close to the ceiling, whilst spotlights can divert attention on to your favourite appliances, such as that lime green stove or your chunky fridge freezer.

Finish off your retro look with a chunky breakfast bar in the form of a kitchen island, with some swivel breakfast stools. White is a great colour for the stools and your kitchen worktops, including the surface of the breakfast bar, but think about painting the sections below the surface a more garish shade.

Other accessories that can finish off your room include patterned tea towels kept on display and brightly coloured tea cosies. A chunky kitchen wall clock can also be a great statement piece.

Thanks - some great ideas and tips here - I love a retro look - so 'timeless' and yet contemporary now!

We actually did our own kitchen in retro style last year - and mixed together that lovely lime green with white kitchen worktops - we love it! Take a look, here...

Thanks for sharing!

Charlotte :o)

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Chained to the Kitchen Sink with Pleasure

by Sarah Shaw
(UK)

I spend most of my day in the kitchen, and if I’m not in the kitchen then I’m in the laundry room or I’m somewhere else thinking that I should be in the kitchen.

I’m one of these people who have housework coming out of their ears, and I love to cook. I food shop far too often as well, so there is always something new poking out of a carrier bag and demanding attention.

I have no idea how so few people can create so much washing and require so much food. Our house has one of those kitchens where it has a constant stream of people through it who are dumping things, collecting things or scouring the fridge because they are ‘starving’.

I am at the centre of this whirlwind of activity most of the time, and this is fine by me because at least it means I get to see everyone and have some clue as to what is going on. And nobody leaves without getting fed!

Luckily, we have enough kitchen units to allow for a ‘treats’ cupboard which as you can imagine sees an awful lot of activity.

The fruit bowl is strategically placed in front of it so that you actually have to move it across the counter to open the door – a healthy-options tactic with limited success.

At least I know I am making a nod in the right direction though, and sometimes it does seem to work.

I love my kitchen, and I hope that everyone that comes to the house feels like they can come in and make themselves at home.

I have a big squashy sofa to flop into, the juiciest gossip magazines and a permanently gurgling coffee machine.

I don’t think I could ever move house as it has taken me years to get the room just right.

Kitchen heaven!

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Comment
By Charlotte

Hi Sarah

Thanks for sharing your kitchen - it sounds like the perfect heart of a proper family home - wonderful.

If you have a large enough kitchen to cope with it - and you are sufficiently keen on cooking! - it's a great idea to concentrate efforts on the room you spend so much of your time in, and make this an all-purpose room, friendly, relaxing and welcoming - all that your kitchen seems to be!

It's great for all the family to hang out in your kitchen, and if you have kids it means you can supervise homework, and chat about their day, and any concerns they might be having, too. Some proper family time.

A big solid kitchen table is great for this - and hopefully will take everything that the family can throw at it! Quite literally sometimes, I'm sure!

And a comfy sofa in the kitchen - a great idea - no more disappearing into the lounge for 10 minutes while something is cooking to watch TV, only to get engrossed and forget about what's cooking...

You can relax on the sofa instead, and keep an eye on the cooking too!

We have a 'treats' cupboard too - well, a treats drawer actually - mainly full of chocolate - the dog's treats are actually kept in the cupboard below (all his food is) - and he knows very well when the treats cupboard is opening in the kitchen!

Your kitchen sounds very friendly, welcoming and homely - always a cuppa, magazine and a friendly ear and a warm welcome. So important to create just the right atmosphere in your kitchen - and a style that suits both the way you use your space, as well as your own personality.

The perfect heart of the home! Well done!

Thanks for sharing your lovely kitchen.

Charlotte

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Getting your kitchen colour scheme right

Before committing to an expensive kitchen remodelling project, you need to think about an appropriate colour scheme.

It is important to get this right as, not only does the colour set the tone for the room, but kitchens are notoriously difficult to decorate due to the high number of nooks and crannies they contain.

Firstly, you shouldn't rush in when deciding your colour. Ideally, you want to get it right first time, so spend a couple of weeks weighing up your options.

Getting hold of an online kitchen planner and picking up some colour swatches from a DIY store and pasting them on the walls will give you an appreciation of what the finished product may look like.

You will also need to decide whether you want your colour scheme to have a warm or cool hue.

Once you have decided upon a colour, you need to consider shade. This should complement the colour of your floor, cupboards and kitchen work surfaces, so by this stage you need to have a solid idea of how your finished kitchen will look.

The materials you use for the floor and surfaces - rubber, wood, tiles, natural stone, laminate - will go a long way in determining which colour scheme you will adopt on your walls, so affixing swatches to these materials is also recommended.

Once you have narrowed your choice down to a handful of shades, you need to tape swatches of these colours on to your walls.

You then need to look at them critically during the day, evening and night to determine which one best creates the mood you want.

Only when you are completely satisfied should you consider purchasing a particular shade.

Remember that colours can affect the emotions and the kitchen is a part of the house in which you spend a considerable amount of time.

Red and orange can give energy but they can also be overbearing and increase appetite. Greens and blues are more relaxing, with the latter having the effect of reducing hunger.

Combining both sides of the spectrum - possibly through the use of stencils or patterns - can lead to a dynamic yet calming environment.

If you are still struggling to decide then visiting local restaurants, bistros and cafes for inspiration could be an option.

See how the colour scheme affects your hunger and try and adopt the things you like about it. After all, these people are professionals.

Furthermore, think outside the box; if you store apples in a fruit bowl in your kitchen, think how these will complement your design.

Meanwhile, adding oranges to the bowl will enhance a feeling of security and warmth, so you can do worse than considering the colours of appliances and other kitchen ephemera when choosing your colour scheme.

Choosing the right colour for your kitchen can be a minefield but ultimately you need to go with your gut instinct.

As long as you consider the potential overall look, there's a fair chance you will get it right.

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Comment
By Charlotte

Great suggestions - thanks!

A very sensible idea to test out colors and live with them a while before you decide.

Also consider colors in the rest of your home too - as it can be good to give an overall color theme or 'effect' for a home as a whole - to keep it looking unified.

It's very important, like you say, to go with your gut instinct - to make sure you get the color you love!

Lots more ideas for choosing the perfect color for kitchens and any other room in my Decorating with Color Section

Thanks for the tips!

Charlotte :o)

More kitchen decorating tips, here...

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Comment
By Pauline

Thank you for so many areas of advice.

I will be re-decorating my kitchen soon, but as I have a huge arch between the living area and the kitchen, the kitchen needs also to complement the living room (which has duck-egg dark/light on opposite walls. Furniture is glossy black and silver.

Really not sure what to do with the arch wall, but that will need to harmonise between living room and kitchen.

Am keeping the kitchen units as they are, but changing the doors. Have not made up my mind yet about colour!!

Charlotte - have been looking at the colour ideas you have placed on your site - so many inspirational choices!!

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Comment
By Charlotte

Thank you Pauline - I do hope some of them are of use - I aim to please! ;o)

Have you thought about using a duck-egg blue for your new cupboard doors?

Great idea by the way about keeping the units but buying new doors - we always do this if the units themselves are solid and sound - you can save a fortune!

I've always wanted duck-egg blue cupboard doors for a kitchen (we might be painting ours duck-egg blue in the next couple of years - when we get round to it!)

Although you might think it might be a 'safer' choice to use a neutral on your cupboard doors (such as cream or white), pale blue does still go with a lot of colors (as I'm sure you know being so fond of blues!)...

-pale greys could look great against the silvers in the lounge

-pale yellow and pale blue are a lovely, fresh scheme

-pale pinks and apricots can give a warm, soft and more feminine feel - and if you like that 'Cath Kidston' 1950's roses feel it's a great choice (we once had a kitchen with that look - loved it!)

-pale greens too give a fresh and spring-like feel

-you can always choose soft neutrals such as whites, creams, warm taupes and beiges

I was just thinking, though, that choosing the blue for the cupboard doors would bring the lounge color through into the kitchen, but without just painting the walls the same...

...so that there would be some distinction between the 2 separate spaces...

...but a unified feeling through the blue too.

We once painted our kitchen cupboard doors in a gloss black - loved it for a short while - but ended up hating it - as it was far too dark for our tastes!

Just a few thoughts - hope some of these preliminary ideas help with the thinking and planning stage, Pauline!

Best wishes

Charlotte x

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Royal Wedding Causes Kitchen Crisis

I have recently discovered that I do not have enough work top space in my kitchen.

I had spent a really frustrating couple of days trying to prepare food for a Royal Wedding street party, and I am literally down to clearing off the draining board in order to have anywhere to work: nightmare!

I am definitely asking Santa for a new kitchen for Christmas.

The kitchen is really important in our home as I love to cook and the family love to hang out and chat.

We have long since outgrown the space but somehow have never got round to doing anything about it – until now.

If I have to ice one more cup cake whilst balancing the tray on my knee I may just explode – or leave home!

So my new kitchen campaign began in earnest with a steady supply of kitchen design brochures on the coffee table where my other half normally leaves his newspaper.

I think it has worked as a trip to the showroom is planned for the bank holiday weekend – hoorah!

I can’t wait to look at kitchen units, work tops and taps.

It has been so long since we did any major renovation that the prospect is quite daunting and I am sure the designs available will be far more exciting than I can imagine.

I am also looking forward to discovering all the latest innovations, gadgets and storage solutions as well as choosing the style.

I have already been briefed not to get carried away and blow the budget, but I am pretty sure we can vastly improve the current situation without going mad.

We have already ruled out an extension after all!

Next will be designing the décor and finishing touches so I am looking forward to searching the site for all the tips I need – any brilliant ideas gratefully received!

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Comment
By Charlotte

Sorry to hear about your kitchen crisis - but hurrah for the new kitchen!

How exciting! That sounds like a great project - and a great opportunity to get the kitchen that suits you, and your own way of working.

As you've discovered, the main interior design thoughts about your kitchen should be practicality - a kitchen is a well-used room, with lots going on, so you want to make sure that your new kitchen can cope with all you have planned for it.

If you love cooking, and/or entertaining, you'll probably need much more workspace than someone who just heats up the odd microwave meal, so your design and layout should definitely reflect that.

The good news is, many kitchen retailers and manufacturers are very happy to work through your plans and ideas for your kitchen with you, to create a proposed design (and quote for their supply and installation).

In many cases this is free, even if you ultimately decide not to proceed with the order (do check though!), so take advantage of these to get plenty of ideas and layouts that (hopefully!) fit with your budget.

Most manufacturers are very scrupulous and will help to create the kitchen you want, to your specified budget, but do remember that they are selling a kitchen, and aiming to earn money, so make sure they aren't pushing you towards something that doesn't quite suit your budget, or seems a little extravagant for your needs...

...although the thought of getting carried away creating your own dream kitchen is lovely - but do be realistic as well!

Take some time to prepare your own thoughts and requirements about your kitchen before you visit the kitchen shops, and you'll be in a much better position to get exactly what you want and need for your own perfect kitchen - not what the sales assistant might think you need!

I've written a page on starting your own kitchen interior design project, which has some useful thoughts on how to think about your kitchen design.

My page on kitchen layout and the work triangle should also help you to think about the layout of your ideal kitchen

And this page on more practical aspects and positioning of appliances could also help.

My main kitchen section has also got lots of ideas about style and finish, that I hope will help, along with inspirational photos, too.

I hope some of these ideas for your new kitchen help you with your new design.

What an exciting project! Do come back and tell us how you get on, or even show us a photo of your finished project, we'd love to see it.

Thanks very much for your thoughts - and good luck with your kitchen decorating project!

Best wishes

Charlotte :o)

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Glass Fronted Show-off

Having lived with it for far too long now I have decided to ditch the pine from my kitchen and go all sleek and modern.

It is a radical move, and I can’t wait! I feel like I am coming out from under the cloud of the previous owners of the house and finally making the place my own: about time too.

One of the key features of my kitchen design is to include lots of glass fronted wall cabinets.

Not only are they an on-trend style at the moment but they will also allow me to display my china and glassware to best advantage as I have been acquiring some fabulous pieces for quite some time.

The collection I am most proud of and also the one I have the most of is a china range with a red accent line.

I have decided to pick out this colour in the rest of the scheme to really see the design idea through, and highlight the room further.

As well as the glass fronted kitchen units there will be glass covered splash backs with a red lacquer behind.

This is going to make a very bold statement which I am quite nervous of but am reassured that it will be the very thing to hold the design together.

Add in some red ornaments and bar stools with red seats to the overall look and I think I am onto a winner.

To keep the background neutral, everything else is grey, white or black – including the appliances which have a grey finish.

I have kept the high-shine down as well by only going for gloss on the red and not everywhere which would be too much, and a nightmare for fingerprints!

I can’t wait to bring my new look kitchen to life and surprise a few visitors who don’t know the work is being done.

Who knows, it may even influence the kind of food I cook, and I know I will want to spend more time in the room. Bring on the builders!

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Comment
By Charlotte

Wow!

I love your ideas for your new kitchen - sounds very modern and striking! I know what you mean about making your own mark on your home - however nice a kitchen is, unless it's the exact one you would have chosen, it doesn't feel like your own...

Well done - now you've chosen a very lovely kitchen that reflects your own tastes and style - the red sounds a bold and dramatic choice - it should be very striking - I love gloss red in the kitchen - if we were having a very modern, contemporary styled kitchen in our home, it's definitely one of the styles we'd consider.

The gloss helps the red not to dominate the room, as the glossy surface reflects light, and makes the room feel lighter, brighter and more spacious - a good choice.

Accessories in red will look stunning too! And bring the red theme into a cohesive look for the whole room.

It sounds a good choice to mix with neutrals - red is definitely the statement color here - and as such a bold choice can carry the look off on its own, for sure!

How lovely that your kitchen has been inspired by, and can include, the china pieces you love, too! I think they'll look stunning, combined with the red glossy surfaces and accents.

Glass fronted cabinets are a great idea - we have just a couple in our kitchen (we bought end of line cabinet doors, so had to make do with what was still in stock) and they really help lighten the look. Sadly we don't have our pretty china behind it - just run of the mill stuff.

Our 'display' china is actually out on open shelves - but I do think glass fronted cabinets probably have the advantage, through keeping off kitchen grease and dust, and creating more of a streamlined appearance, too (less 'cluttery'!)

And a very good idea not too overdo the glossy finishes - don't want too much of a good thing! Less is often more!

And, like you say, glossy finishes do, sadly, show the fingermarks really well - so it sounds like you've made a very practical and sensible choice there!

Don't be scared of the red - it might take you some time to get used to initially, but I'm sure you'll love it, and you, your friends and family will all find it a very dramatic and striking look!

I hope the project goes well - do come back and let us know how it turns out - and how you like it! Plus if it surprises any visitors!!

You can share photos of your red kitchen project, here...

I'd love to see it!

Thanks very much for sharing your wonderful plans for your new red kitchen - it sounds simply stunning! Very contemporary!

Good luck with the makeover

Charlotte :)

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Creating a Romantic Booth in Your Kitchen

by Jessica Ackerman

Have you ever been to a restaurant where you were seated in one of the coziest, most romantic booths ever?

The seats were comfortable, the lighting was low, the restaurant wall decor was perfect, and it felt like you were the only people in the entire room.

If you love the intimacy that a booth and quiet corner provide, why not replicate it in your own kitchen.

There are some easy ways to make your kitchen come alive with romance in the form of a restaurant-style dining booth.

The Corner

If possible, design your room’s layout so that there is a large corner where a quiet booth can be located.

It should be away from appliances, doors, and heavily trafficked areas of the room.

Make sure that there is ample space for two benches and a table in-between. Leg room, especially if people in your family are tall, is especially important.

Selecting the right corner can make a world of difference in the look and feel of the booth atmosphere itself.

The Benches

Restaurants have the luxury of buying their seating and restaurant decor in large quantities from wholesale suppliers.

This cuts down on the cost of high quality pieces. For home use, you can still get the same style booth seating as restaurants have, but it may come at a slightly higher cost.

The benches that you select for your romantic booth should be comfortable and plush.

Vinyl is nice if you are going for a 50’s decor, but for a romantic setting, leather or fabric benches are much more appropriate.

Find booths that are comfortably padded, but not so filled with stuffing that they pop up in the center. There is nothing more unromantic than trying to stay seated and having the cushion of the booth popping up around you.

The Table

The table does not have to be a traditional booth diner table or built-in, but can be made from wood or metal.

Choose a table that fits the look and style of your kitchen first. Be sure to measure it to make sure that it will fit comfortably in the space without overpowering it.

The right table will fit the space and leave enough room between the tabletop and the benches to sit comfortably.

Accessories

The home owner has the advantage over the restaurant when it comes to kitchen wall art.

There are many different choices that you can select from that can be found in many different stores.

It is important to pick the wall art that exemplifies the romantic mood you are trying to create.

Lighting is also key, so be sure to invest in a romantic light fixture that hangs down from the ceiling at just the right height.

Install a dimmer switch so that you can control the intensity of the light.


Creating a romantic booth in your kitchen can be a great way to reconnect with a spouse at the end of a long day.

The quiet corner can be a place where you can rest, relax and enjoy a delicious dinner over conversation.

Enjoy the romantic space that you create and use it to its full potential.

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Comment
By Charlotte

Hello Jessica

Thanks very much for your ideas and tips - a great suggestion - I do like the idea of creating a separate little eating area in your kitchen, that's just for meals and relaxation, and away from the preparation and cleaning areas of the kitchen...

...like your own private dining room, in miniature! A place to enjoy your dining, and savor your meals!

Like you say, comfort is key, so make sure your booth is cosy and comfortable. As a rather separate area of your kitchen, you can decorate the booth somewhat separately, if you like, and indulge in some colors complementary to your main theme, that look good in small accents - perhaps something brighter, or stronger, than you would normally choose?

As a separate part of your kitchen, you do need to make sure it is adequately lit - as you say a pendant light hanging over the table area is a great idea. If it can also be switched separately this can be useful too (consult a qualified electrician for any electrical work required). You can also consider lighting your kitchen booth from wall lights, too, which can give quite a soft, ambient lighting, but right where you need it.

Thanks very much for the ideas - some interesting suggestions - and I think a booth would be a very good addition to any suitable kitchen.

Thanks for sharing :)

Charlotte

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