Re-creating a 1950s Kitchen
- Select a color scheme for your 1950s kitchen. Kitchens of this decade featured vibrant color schemes, and incorporating one into your present-day kitchen will help to create an authentic look. Popular colors used in 1950s kitchens include fire engine red, robin's egg blue, canary yellow and bubble gum pink. Couple the chosen color with black and white and incorporate it throughout the tiles, flooring, walls and textiles in the space.
- To add to that authentic 1950s vibe, add materials that were commonly used during the decade. Formica, vinyl and ceramic tiles are materials that were often featured in kitchens of this period. Lay black and white vinyl tiles on the floors. Install a countertop made of Formica. For the backsplash, use subway tiles that coordinate with the chosen color scheme; black and red or pink and white, for example.
- Furnishings that were used during 1950s are essential for creating an authentic retro look. Install modern, energy-efficient appliances such as refrigerators and ovens that are designed to look like 1950s models. Bring in a Formica-topped table with stainless steel legs. Surround the table with chairs that feature vinyl seats and stainless steel legs.
- Pull the look of the kitchen together with retro accents. Illuminate the space with pendant lamps that feature glass globes. On the windows, display cafe curtains that feature geometric prints or a checkered pattern. Use stainless steel canisters to store flour, sugar and coffee and set them out on your countertop. A circular, stainless steel clock hung on the wall adds a vintage look to telling time. Frame Norman Rockwell prints and display them on the walls of the kitchen.