8 Austin Bungalows With Retro Kitchens Full Of Character
Austin’s bungalows aren’t just charming from the curb; step inside and you’ll discover kitchens that tell stories from decades past. I’ve toured countless homes in this quirky Texas city, and nothing makes my vintage-loving heart skip a beat like a well-preserved retro kitchen. From candy-colored appliances to original cabinetry that’s survived countless cooking adventures, these time capsule culinary spaces prove that old-school cool never goes out of style.
1. Turquoise Dream in Travis Heights
Holy guacamole, folks! The moment I stepped into this 1950s Travis Heights gem, I nearly fainted from vintage euphoria. Original turquoise countertops stretch across the kitchen like a Caribbean shoreline, complemented by matching Frigidaire appliances that somehow still work perfectly.
The homeowners, a pair of music producers, maintained every detail down to the chrome cabinet pulls and atomic starburst clock. Their breakfast nook features the original booth seating with sparkly vinyl upholstery that would make Elvis nod in approval.
My favorite touch? A collection of kitschy salt and pepper shakers displayed on custom-built floating shelves, telling the story of road trips spanning four decades.
2. Cherry Red Ranch House Revival
Buckle up for kitchen envy! This Clarksville bungalow rocks a cherry-red theme that would make Betty Crocker swoon. The owners preserved the original 1960s metal cabinets, giving them a fresh coat of lipstick-red paint that pops against crisp white walls.
What really steals the show is a restored O’Keefe & Merritt stove; a culinary workhorse with chrome details that gleam like jewelry. The checkerboard floor (authentic, not reproduction!) provides the perfect foundation for this culinary time machine.
Hanging copper pots and vintage recipe cards framed as artwork complete this kitchen that’s equal parts functional and fabulous. I’d give up my smartphone to cook here for just one day!
3. Mint Condition Mid-Century Marvel
Forget what you know about green kitchens! This Hyde Park cutie sports the most delicious mint-green appliances I’ve ever laid eyes on. The original 1957 GE refrigerator; with its rounded corners and chrome handle, purrs like a kitten despite being older than most Austin residents.
The owners, a retired architect couple, maintained the boomerang-patterned Formica countertops and added period-appropriate lighting fixtures that cast the perfect glow for evening cocktails. A built-in breakfast bar with swiveling stools invites morning coffee conversations.
The best surprise? Pull out any drawer and you’ll find original floral contact paper lining; a sweet touch from the original homemaker that’s been lovingly preserved through generations.
4. Sunny Yellow Craftsman Cooker
Sunshine indoors! This Tarrytown bungalow kitchen sports the happiest yellow cabinetry this side of the Mississippi. Dating back to 1948, every inch of this cooking space feels like a warm hug from your favorite grandma.
The owners scored major points in my book by restoring the original farmhouse sink; complete with drainboard, rather than replacing it with something modern. Butcher block countertops show the beautiful wear of decades of meal prep, telling stories no new installation ever could.
My heart skipped when I spotted the vintage bread box and canister set, still in daily use. The breakfast nook window seat offers the perfect perch to enjoy morning coffee while admiring the garden through original wavy glass panes.
5. Pink Perfection in Pemberton Heights
Pass me my sunglasses! This 1955 pink paradise kitchen made me squeal with delight the moment I crossed the threshold. The homeowner, a retired fashion designer, embraced the original pink tile countertops and backsplash instead of demolishing them like so many would.
A restored white Chambers range takes center stage, flanked by pink metal cabinets that look straight out of a Doris Day movie. The ceiling features a hand-painted floral border that the current owner discovered under layers of paint and painstakingly restored.
My favorite quirky detail? A built-in flour sifter and sugar dispenser in the countertop, clever conveniences from an era when baking from scratch was the norm. This kitchen isn’t just retro; it’s respectful of its own history.
6. Black and White Beauty in Barton Hills
Talk about graphic impact! This Barton Hills kitchen rocks a dramatic black and white scheme that’s straight out of a 1930s film. Gleaming black countertops contrast with crisp white cabinetry, creating a timeless look that’s somehow both vintage and contemporary.
The owners preserved the original subway tile backsplash, complete with black pencil trim that frames the cooking area like a work of art. An antique Hoosier cabinet serves as a baking station, its flour sifter and pull-out workspace still functioning perfectly after nearly a century.
Overhead, schoolhouse pendant lights cast a warm glow on evening meal prep. My designer heart melted at the sight of the original built-in breakfast nook with its curved bench seating; proof that good design never goes out of style.
7. Avocado Green Haven in Hancock
Green with envy! This Hancock neighborhood kitchen proudly sports its original 1970s avocado green appliances; a complete matching set that would make Brady Bunch fans weep with joy. The fridge, stove, dishwasher, and even the range hood are all in this iconic shade that defined a decade.
Wood-grain laminate cabinets with circular pulls complement the earthy palette, while a hanging macramé plant holder adds the perfect bohemian touch. The owners added a vintage record player on the countertop for kitchen dance parties.
My absolute favorite feature? A pull-down kitchen desk where the original owner wrote weekly grocery lists; complete with a cork board still displaying yellowed recipes cut from 1970s magazines. This kitchen isn’t just cooking space; it’s a cultural archive!
8. Copper Country Charm in Cherrywood
Copper lovers, prepare to swoon! This Cherrywood cottage kitchen features exposed copper pipes that have aged to a beautiful patina, intentionally left visible as part of the room’s rustic charm. The homeowners, both history professors, maintained the original butcher block island that bears knife marks from decades of meal prep.
White porcelain farmhouse sink sits beneath a window framed by cafe curtains sewn from vintage flour sacks. Open shelving displays everyday dishes instead of hiding them away; practical and pretty!
A 1940s O’Keefe & Merritt stove with six burners anchors the space, lovingly restored to working condition. The owners added their own touch with a collection of copper molds hanging on the walls, creating a warm glow when afternoon sun streams through the windows.
