Add These Nostalgic Design Ideas to Your Space

Retro kitchen designs are making a comeback, adding a touch of nostalgia and an unexpected dose of color to the heart of the home. In recent years, the world of kitchen design has largely been dominated by neutral colors and classic materials, making this playful trend a fun and welcome change. It’s bringing back a vintage-inspired color palette of blues, greens, and oranges, as well as retro-style appliances, nostalgic decorative elements, and design features such as curved lines.

The good news is you don’t have to remodel your entire kitchen to incorporate the retro kitchen trend into your space. The best way to implement a trend in a way that won’t make your space look outdated the second the next big thing comes around is by going small—whether that’s adding retro-inspired countertop appliances such as a toaster or a coffee maker, displaying vintage cookie jars on open shelves, or using a nostalgic color as an accent. To learn more about the retro kitchen trend, we chatted with interior designers Rebecca Ward and Allison Garrison, who share why the trend is hot right now as well as practical ways to implement it into any space.

Why Are Retro Kitchens Trending Right Now?

“Retro kitchens are making a vibrant comeback, largely driven by a renewed desire for color in our spaces,” Ward says. Neutral color palettes have dominated kitchens for the last few years, and Ward believes that homeowners are craving the lively and nostalgic energy that retro design brings. “The bold color schemes, playful patterns, and distinct character of retro designs are a great way to inject warmth and personality into modern homes,” she says.

In addition to the lively colors and whimsical elements of the retro kitchen trend, Garrison points out another key reason why the trend is big right now: It’s rooted in comfort. “Retro designs bring both a sense of fun and a sense of comfort, which is something a lot of people are craving right now,” she says. And as more people are interested in furnishing their homes in sustainable ways, this trend can be a good way to do so. “If you are sourcing actual retro or vintage pieces there is the benefit of being sustainable which is always a major plus,” she notes.

How to Incorporate the Retro Trend Into Your Kitchen

You don’t need to embark on a full-scale kitchen renovation to add retro style to your space. “Start by introducing retro-inspired appliances, such as those from SMEG, which blend modern functionality with vintage aesthetics,” Ward recommends. If you want to add a splash of retro style in the form of color and pattern, she recommends switching out the kitchen backsplash.

“Consider updating your backsplash with tiles that feature geometric patterns and atomic-era colors,” she says. It’s a good way to add a big dose of color and personality without the cost and commitment that’s involved in painting cabinetry. “These small yet impactful changes can instantly add charming retro vibe,” Ward says.

For an easier and more inexpensive route, Garrison suggests looking to kitchen decor which can easily be switched out seasonally. “For something simpler, try updating your kitchen towels—there are so many fun colors and patterns that will have your kitchen leaning retro in no time,” she says.

Retro-Inspired Kitchen Color Palettes

Color plays a significant role in implementing retro style and a touch of nostalgia into your kitchen. “I love a good retro green,” Garrison says. If you want to add a groovy nod to the ’70s, avocado green accents are a great way to infuse the space with a vintage feel. “Blues mixed with orange are also a great retro combo,” Garrison adds.

Orange is Ward’s pick for channeling the retro aesthetic in your kitchen. “Orange is a fantastic color choice for achieving a retro vibe in your kitchen,” she says. The color is surprisingly versatile, ranging from bright and bold tangerine hues to more moody and welcoming rusty shades. “Its uplifting and energetic qualities not only stimulate creativity but also enhance appetite—making it the perfect hue for a space where you cook and gather,” Ward says. She recommends pairing the color orange with complementary shades like turquoise or avocado green in order to fully embrace the retro spirit.