I LOVE retro kitchens. There is just something really, really special about them.
But make no mistake…there’s a huge difference between “outdated” and “vintage”. Vintage is an element that calls to mind a positive memory, something that we loved and admired about the past.
Outdated…not so much.
If you feel the same and you’re looking for interesting designs for your kitchen, try mixing some timeless looks from the past and throwing in some modern, contemporary style from the present. Combining the two makes for some cool and fun kitchens!
I’ve combed the internet to find some inspiring vintage kitchens I think you’re going to love, so without further adieu…
Here’s a great example of mixing old and new styles to create one beautiful, functional design space. New cabinets? Check. New stove? Check. Vintage sign? Check. And notice the clock and light fixtures. Vintage inspired loveliness :).
Mixing colors can be tricky, but when done well, such as in this kitchen, the results are quite interesting!
The custom La Cornue stove is the focal point of this vintage kitchen. This kitchen just proves how every detail matters. Check out the hanging pots, which bring in the same metallic and bronze colors and textures.
What’s more retro than a pink fridge? The combination of the blue vintage stove and pink fridge bring a lot of character to this shabby chic kitchen. Have you seen the ‘new’ vintage appliances? Love them!
Speaking of vintage appliances, this kitchen shows that you don’t need them to capture a retro feel. The red and white color scheme, subway tile, fabric and that retro chair are all you need for a nostalgic trip back to the 1950’s.
Sometimes all you need are subtle details to give a kitchen retro appeal. This scalloped valance does the job nicely, and with a little help from some retro pastels, the effect is AHHHHH-DOR-A-BLE.
Here’s another scalloped edge, but this time it spans the width of the kitchen from the ceiling. Speaking of ‘new’ vintage fridges, here’s a pink Smeg fridge that fits the bill.
While you don’t need vintage looking appliances to achieve a retro look, the opposite is true as well. Modern cabinetry benefits from vintage appliances to give this beach home a comfy, vintage feel.
What a stove! This reminds me a little bit of the one we came across in this post. No one could argue that a stove like this would be the center of attention in any kitchen, and definitely give it a vintage feel.
Source
A Wedgewood stove in mint green is the perfect appliance for a kitchen looking to add a little vintage to its personality. (Overlook the snake under the stove. I’m sure it’s fake ;).)
Source
This kitchen is big on color, but it’s done so well!
I’ve always loved eat-in kitchens, but sadly, they’re lacking in new designs. Brightly colorful ovens, even if in a modern style, instantly add some vintage flair as well.
Do you like vintage kitchens?
In other news…
I am writing this while at the clubhouse at the resort. Currently, there is no water throughout the resort as there seems to be an underground leak in one of the pipes. They had to shut off all the water while the leak can be detected. It also happened on Wednesday, which happened to be my birthday (it’s official. Social Security here I come). I was about to shower, so I grabbed a ‘wet one’ and made the best of it ;).
We then went to breakfast at Mel’s Diner, then some shopping and a trip to the zoo. Fortunately when we returned to the resort the water was restored so I got decked out and we went on a sunset cruise to Marco Island and our friends joined us which was a complete but happy surprise. The boat captain gave me an adorable teddy bear that sang happy birthday, complete with moving head and mouth. So cute!
He now has a spot of honor on our bed 🙂
The weather hasn’t been great. I think there have been maybe just a couple of ‘beach’ days, so we’ve been biking, shopping and checking out other resorts for maybe next year. (We like where we are, but not necessarily enough to return.)
Fisherman thinks I have baboon feet. What do YOU think :).
I’ll be back with some more organizing posts and some ideas for Valentine’s Day later this month.
xxx
kim says
Happy B’Day, Dorren!!! I do not believe that you are old enough for SS, you look too young.
I hope you get more sunshine there soon and I really enjoyed the vintage kitchen feature.
Take care-Kim
SharonFromMichigan says
Happy Belated Birthday Doreen! You most certainly do not look old enough for social security! I love retro kitchens too, except my love goes back farther than the 50’s and 60’s – I’m a colonial primitive person myself (but with modern conveniences of course). Do you take your RV down to Florida or do you stay in hotel type accommodations?
Doreen says
Hi Sharon!
Yes, we have the RV with us so we’re staying at resorts and a couple of state parks this year. Nothing is definite, but I’m hoping to get to Michigan at some point, maybe a year or two.
Hope you’re doing well!
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
Happy Birthday, my friend! You don’t look old enough for social security. Love the kitchens. I’ve always preferred eat-in kitchens.
Brenda
Poppy says
Happy Birthday, House Honey!! If I looked as pretty as you, I’d be super ‘secure’, too!:)) All the best!!
XXX
Poppy
P.S. Love the last kitchen, of course!
Kimberley says
Hi Doreen,
Happy Belated BDay!! That photo of you and the bear is so cute! 🙂 And I agree with Kim, you do NOT look old enough for SS!!
Baboon feet, say what? Tell Fisherman we would all like to see his feet! 😉 ‘Cause we all know yours are prettier!!
Loved all of the vintage kitchens here…all those pink fridges – wow, love! And I love the scallops!
Sorry the weather hasn’t been so great lately…if it makes you feel any better it’s as cold as the North Pole here! 🙁
Hugs, Kimberley
Pamela says
We spent 10 days on Marco Island and in Naples FL last Feb. This year we are going to Sanibel Island. We loved the flower gardens in Naples. My friend from school lives on Marco Island. I just got my very first SS check this month!!P
Pamela says
That P was the beginning of my name Pamela. Sorry I don’t know why all my name did not post.
AnnMarie says
I love every single kitchen you showed! The first scallop over the window is very similar to mine. I just love the retro appliances too. We are still waiting for our 1989 Amana fridge to die. It won’t let go. I know it is eating up energy but it will be a huge undertaking to get it out. So that is my vintage appliance in the kitchen! How nice to be in the warmth and to be able to wear red nail polish on your toes! Happy Birthday!
Doreen says
Hi AnnMarie,
Thanks AnnMarie! I love the retro appliances too. I guess I’m just getting a little bored with stainless.
I wanted you to know I’ve tried to visit but received a 404 error page notice. It’s probably something wrong at my end but just in case I thought I’d mention it.
xxx
Cecilia says
Hm, I like some elements of vintage kitchens but not all…my tastes are eclectic so a little of this style, a little of that. 🙂
Happy birthday, my friend. Sounds like you had a wonderful evening. Uh, baboon feet? Where in the world does he get that? Lol. I don’t think so.
Linda says
Hi Doreen,
Happy Birthday! Boy I do love all of those vintage kitchens and the vintage appliances. I love the kitchen that used all the different pastels. If you had asked me I would not have thought that I would like the different colors all in the same room, but it is very charming and just so sweet!
As for your feet looking like baboon feet, hmmm. I don’t think so!!! LOL!
Linda
Debbie from MountainMama says
What a lovely birthday you had!!!! And I adore those vintage kitchens….of course, being an Irish girl I’d want an Aga range but I don’t see it happening in my lifetime!
xoxo
tammy j says
well.
I have no idea what baboon feets look like. surely theirs are not as beautifully pedicured!
I know feets is not correct. but don’t you think it makes baboons sound cuter? I DO! anything that helps. LOLOL!
and you certainly DON’T look like a medicare recipient!
and as to those fab kitchens…
OH MY!
yes I like retro kitchens. especially like these you’ve pictured… not covered up with tiny little knick knacks everywhere.
but they’re still colorful and totally cozy and so INVITING! hard to pick a favorite!
a very fun post from a fun “OLD NOW” gal. LOLOLOL! happy belated birthday dearest bean! XOXO♥
Doreen says
Lol! Yes,I’m do think feets sound better!
Just to clarify, I’m eligible for SS, but not Medicare (62). Don’t push it!! lol
xxx
Julie says
Hello Doreen and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I love all of your kitchen ideas. I really love the first kitchen the best. I hope you had a fun birthday and sounds like you are have a grand time away. Take care and have a fun week.
Hugs, Julie xo
Jane says
Happy Birthday, sweet lady! You do NOT look eligible for SS! Seriously—love your big smile and sparkly eyes.
My brother and sister in law have a time share on Marco Island, it’s just gorgeous there, we visited once. I am really longing for a warm tropical vacation but it’s definitely not in the cards. If we get into the lakehouse by summer at least I can park on the dock with a hat and paperback and pretend it’s the ocean and not a lake! lol!
Too bad about the water but you made do. You’re a trooper. When are you coming home?
Jane x
Doreen says
Thank you Jane!
(We will most likely be home the end of March.)
Dewena says
Happy Birthday, beautiful Doreen! And what a nice way to celebrate it.
I love the green Wedgewood stove but especially the white one above it and that hood above it. But the retro kitchen I’ve always wanted is a kitchen with no built-in cabinets and cupboards. Only old pieces of furniture, tables and cabinets and a rocking chair and that white stove you showed would be perfect in it.
Cindi says
you do NOT have Baboon feet!
LOL!
Happy Birthday! you definitely look much younger than your #!
Sounds like you had a good time even if the weather and plumbing wasn’t perfect.
Some of those kitchens I loved
(photo # 1 and #3)
but I’m not a fan of the 50’s, especially the red one.
Great post!
xoxo
kelly says
Happy Belated Birthday!!!!! You are living the good life right now and I’m VERY jealous. Your vacation sounds amazing. Glad that the water got turned back on for you. Btw, your feet are perfectly normal looking to me. I don’t know what you husband is talking about! At least your toes are straight. My feet are ugly. I have flat feet and crooked toes. Ha! They are my least favorite feature. I loved the first pic of your vintage kitchens. The others had more color than I like but I do appreciate the retro look.
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Oh this was TOO FUN!! I’m with you in that the mix has to be “just right” – whether color or style. But I love retro kitchens and having character!! Such great examples you picked out. I love color so much – but I’m always a chicken to do it myself. Maybe someday when I grow up…
Happy birthday you hot Mama you!!! Looking GORGEOUS! I think your feet are positively adorable (& I want that hat!). Sounds like overall (minus some water outages) you’re living the dream Lady! Try not to think of me up here in my 30 below weather. ::sigh:: – Feel sorry for me yet? 😉
Blessings on your week Babes! xoxo
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Happy Birthday… You look fabulous!! And like everyone else above me said no way do you look old enough for SS!! I guess they didn’t know otherwise they would have taken care of that leak before. I love your kitchens, there is such a comfty feeling I get when I’m in one of those kitchens, like being in my childhood home. Enjoy the beach!!
Jemma says
Happy Birthday Doreen!
I loved seeing you on IG too, enjoying your evening of pampering and fun!
Looking beautiful as always!
Have Fun,
Jemma
Amy @ StowandTellU says
These remind me of the vintage stove I had in the apartment my son and I loved in for years. I loved that old thing, it had all kinds of storage compartments and it was just so solid. The landlord got rid of it on me and replaced it with one that was half the size and practically made of plastic in comparison. He said it wasn’t safe anymore, ah well, what do I know, anywho, I love your round-up of retro and vintage kitchens. They all have such personality, so much fun.
Happy Belated Birthday, Doreen, enjoy that sunshine, when it shows itself, lol. xo Amy
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Happy BIrthday, Doreen! You look like a young girl in the photo with your teddy! The vintage kitchens were fun to look at. I’m partial to the first and third. Sorry to hear about the water woes. Wishing you sunny beach days ahead!
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Love the vintage kitchen inspiration! Happy late birthday!
handmade by amalia says
Happy Birthday, Doreen. You are sharing some gorgeous eye candy today. I didn’t know so many people had pink fridges 🙂
Amalia
xo
Elaine @ sunnysimplelife.com says
I love vintage too. I have pinned so many of those same pictures. In fact I have a vintage kitchen. Original stove and oven and tile and cabinets from 1958. Still in great shape. Don’t make things like they used to.
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
you and that teddy are so stinkin’ cute!!!! 🙂
I HAVE a retro kitchen sized 8 x 12 lol / a true blue old bungalow galley kitchen
rue says
I hate vintage kitchens. Wait, is that lightening I hear? :p Those are all really cute 🙂
Baboon feet? No LOL You have cute feet and you looked super cute on your birthday. I sent you an email on your day, but in case you didn’t get it… Happy Birthday!
xoxo,
rue
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
I’m not crazy about vintage kitchens although there are a few details I like in some of these kitchens. You look so cute holding that teddy bear. I’m glad you had a good birthday. And you do not have baboon feet! Ha, ha!
Red Rose Alley says
These vintage kitchens are darling. Love that pink fridge! Happy Birthday, Doreen. Hope you had fun shopping and on your trip to the zoo. Do you know that the zoo is one of my all-time favorite places to go? A very cute picture of you. : )
~Sheri
Doreen says
Thanks Sheri, and no, I didn’t know that about you. I have to admit I have mixed feelings about zoos. I love animals and while I appreciate the fact that at a zoo we get to see them up close, I do feel badly that they’re basically held captive and aren’t living their lives out in the open. I keep telling myself that at least they’re not being hunted!
xxx
Benita says
Happy belated birthday! I’m glad the water issue was fixed so that you could actually shower for the big night out! Wet ones only go so far…LOL. LOVE all of these kitchens…each one has something I like. And no, you do not have baboon feet…LOL Hugs!