13 Kitchen Items That Can Add A Retro Touch To Your Space
Cast your mind back to Grandma’s kitchen – the colors, the sturdy appliances, the unmistakable scent of freshly baked cookies. There’s a magic to those spaces, isn’t there?
A warmth and character often missing from today’s sleek, minimalist designs. But what if you could bottle that feeling and bring it into your own home? Good news: you can, and it’s simpler than you think!
These ideas are meant to capture a retro aesthetic. Ensure any vintage appliances or tools are safe for regular kitchen use.
1. Pastel Stand Mixer
Nothing says retro kitchen quite like a pastel-colored stand mixer sitting proudly on your countertop. These workhorses have been kitchen staples since the 1930s and continue to blend style with functionality.
Modern versions come in mint green, baby blue, or soft pink that perfectly capture that mid-century aesthetic. The rounded, curvy design elements make these mixers instant statement pieces that work hard while looking pretty.
2. Smeg Refrigerator
Candy-colored Smeg refrigerators bring instant 1950s flair with their curved edges and chrome handles. Available in cherry red, pastel blue, cream, and other vintage hues, these fridges make a bold statement.
Despite their retro appearance, they offer modern cooling technology inside. Their compact size works well in smaller kitchens where you want maximum style impact. Many homeowners use them as supplementary refrigerators for beverages or as the centerpiece in a retro kitchen remodel.
3. Analog Kitchen Timer
Before digital timers and smartphone apps, these wind-up mechanical timers kept track of cooking times with their satisfying tick-tick-tick. The classic egg-shaped or round designs in red, white, or chrome add authentic vintage charm to any kitchen counter.
Many home cooks find the physical act of turning the dial more satisfying than pressing buttons. The loud ring when time’s up can be heard throughout the house – no batteries required! Find them at antique stores or in modern reproductions.
4. Jadeite Dishware
The soft green glow of jadeite glass dishware instantly evokes 1940s American kitchens. This milky, mint-colored glassware was originally made by companies like Fire King and became popular during the Depression era when manufacturers added color to glass to hide imperfections.
Collectors hunt for authentic pieces at flea markets, but many companies now make beautiful reproductions. Mixing a few jadeite cake stands, measuring cups, or serving bowls with your everyday dishes adds that perfect vintage touch without overwhelming your space.
5. Checkered Tablecloth
Red and white checkered tablecloths instantly transport your kitchen table to a 1950s diner or Italian restaurant. This classic pattern has been a kitchen staple for generations, bringing warmth and nostalgia to mealtime.
Modern versions come in vinyl for easy cleaning or cotton for a more authentic feel. For a subtle nod to retro style, try gingham patterns in different colors like blue and white or black and white. Some homeowners even frame vintage tablecloth fabric as kitchen wall art!
6. Milk Glass Cake Stand
Elegant milk glass cake stands with their creamy white color and often scalloped edges were fixtures at grandmother’s Sunday dinners. Originally popular from the 1800s through the 1960s, these pieces add instant vintage charm.
Beyond displaying cakes, use them to elevate fruit displays or hold decorative items on your counter. The pedestal design saves space while drawing the eye upward. True vintage pieces can be found at antique stores, while beautiful reproductions are widely available from home goods retailers.
7. Rotary-Dial Wall Phone
Remember when kitchen phones were fixtures mounted on the wall with extra-long curly cords? These functional conversation pieces now serve as charming throwbacks to simpler times.
Modern versions combine vintage styling with updated technology – some even connect to your cell service! Choose classic black for authenticity or candy colors like turquoise or pink for that perfect 1950s vibe. The satisfying click of the rotary dial brings back memories for older visitors.
8. Bread Box
Practical and decorative, vintage-style bread boxes keep your baked goods fresh while adding authentic mid-century charm to your counter. Popular styles include roll-top wooden designs and colorful metal boxes with “Bread” stenciled across the front.
Beyond storing bread, these versatile containers can hide snacks or kitchen gadgets. Vintage enthusiasts love the rounded corners and bold colors of metal versions from the 1950s. Look for reproduction models in red, turquoise, or cream!
9. Pyrex Mixing Bowls
The colorful nested Pyrex mixing bowls with their bright primary colors or pastel hues have been kitchen workhorses since the 1940s. Many families have passed down these durable glass bowls through generations.
Vintage patterns like “Butterprint” with its Amish-inspired folk art or the “Gooseberry” design fetch high prices from collectors. The bowls’ practical sizing allows them to nest for storage while their cheerful colors brighten any kitchen shelf. .
10. Chrome Toaster
Gleaming chrome toasters with rounded edges and mechanical levers capture the essence of 1950s breakfast time. Unlike today’s plastic appliances, these sturdy metal toasters were built to last decades while maintaining their mirror-like shine.
Modern reproductions from brands like Smeg and Russell Hobbs combine vintage aesthetics with contemporary features like wider slots and digital controls. The satisfying pop when toast is ready remains one of life’s small pleasures. Place one on your counter for an instant conversation piece.
11. Diner-Style Salt And Pepper Shakers
Those iconic glass shakers with metal tops and tiny holes bring instant diner charm to any table setting. Often sold in matched sets with “S” and “P” embossed on their lids, these simple containers have remained virtually unchanged for decades.
Beyond the classic design, look for novelty shapes popular in the 1950s – everything from vegetables to cartoon characters. Some collectors display dozens of vintage shakers as kitchen decor. Modern reproductions capture the nostalgic feel while meeting contemporary food safety standards.
12. Vinyl Bar Stools
Chrome-legged bar stools with vinyl seats in cherry red, aqua blue, or black instantly create that soda fountain feeling in your kitchen. The spinning seat adds playful functionality while padded vinyl provides comfortable seating for quick meals or coffee breaks.
These space-saving seats tuck neatly under counters or kitchen islands when not in use. For true authenticity, look for designs with footrests and backless styles. Modern versions maintain the classic look while offering improved comfort and durability for today’s busy households.
13. Enamel Coffee Pot
Speckled enamel coffee pots in blue, red, or green bring campfire nostalgia into your modern kitchen. These durable stovetop percolators were staples in mid-century homes before electric coffee makers became common.
The distinctive bubbling sound and aroma of percolating coffee create a multi-sensory experience that automatic machines can’t match. Many outdoor enthusiasts still swear by these pots for camping trips. They make charming vessels for displaying fresh flowers or kitchen utensils on your counter.
