Retro Kitchens
By
User:riverajessica @timeAndDate(1303155886)
It's not that you resent the present day. There's lots of pretty cool stuff around these days (MP3 players, the Internet, being able to watch other people's hilarious cats at any time and at any place) we know you wouldn't trade for the world. But looking into the past, there's a certain sense of style, a defined look that you can't help but be intrigued by. None of this contempo-transition, wicker and chrome nonsense you see in department stores. No, you crave a style that hits you in the gut and makes you want to say "Gee, this toast sure is swell!" A retro kitchen takes the various styles from the late forties to as late as the early seventies and creates a space that pays tribute to the past, whether you mean it genuinely or ironically.
The True Meaning of Retro
What exactly is retro? You can wander around a flea market and declare this lamp an antique or that radio vintage, but really, retro encompasses a few styles from our not-terribly distant past. Check them out below.
The tricky decision here is figuring out what retro look you're hoping to achieve. If you go too far in one direction, you may find your kitchen resembles a diner, or if you head in another, it might come across as badly outdated. A balance between the three would be the most effective. A Space Age fixture here, a reproduction there, and a vintage sign used as an accent piece can really help spell out your retro intentions.
Color
Appliances
You'll definitely want modern conveniences from your appliances: lots of storage space in the fridge, energy efficiency, compatibility with modern outlets, and so on. For electrical purposes, stay away from true vintage; there's a lot that can go wrong with the wiring. Stick to reproductions and cool style; quality should be of equal value to appearance when it's time for you to make your purchases. That retro mixer may look good, but how well does it work?
Big Appliances
'''We Recommend''':
Small Appliances
'''Jonesin' For Java'''
No kitchen is complete without a coffee maker! You have a few options to consider, depending on where you fall with the various retro sub-styles and how you prefer your coffee.
Seating
Even if you have a dining area all planned out, it couldn't hurt to make a little room for a breakfast nook in the kitchen. A small dinette set or some stools at the breakfast bar or island can add appealto the room. Let's take a look at some of your options.
Decor
The little details will help make the kitchen's identity more definitive. Without the right minutiae on your walls and counters, you can use all the reproduction appliances and retro colors you want and still come off as very contemporary. This is where bargain hunting can really pay off; some sites will charge quite a lot for vintage pieces, but you can get the same quality at thrift stores or online auctions for a majorly marked-down price. Look for vintage curtains and place settings, colorful bowls, and so much more to make your kitchen come alive!
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