For the uninitiated, the kitschy kitchen trend is literally all about creating a playful, nostalgic, and visually engaging kitchen space inspired by vintage decor, quirky details, and bold colors. It’s a style that leans into the charm and whimsy of retro design, often blending 1950s and 1960s Americana with unexpected elements.
I love this trend and find myself joyful in a kitchen that has utilized the kitschy design elements.
Here are some kitschy kitchen ideas to bring in that vintage, playful vibe:
Kitschy Kitchen Inspo
1. Bold, Retro Colors
Back in the 50s and 60s, colors like mint green, cherry red, mustard yellow, and turquoise were all the rage. It might be a great idea to paint cabinets or add appliances in these colors for a pop of vintage flair. Alternatively, paint walls using these colors and accessorize with complementary bold colors or white appliances.
2. Quirky Accessories
Consider vintage or novelty salt and pepper shakers, retro diner-style napkin dispensers, or vintage-looking wall clocks. Imagine yourself in an old-school diner and try to utilize blocky patterns and angular designs.
Hang funky artwork or old tin advertisements, especially those with food themes, on the walls.
3. Checkerboard Flooring
Go for black-and-white or colorful checkerboard tiles, which scream ‘retro diner.’ Peel-and-stick options are available for easy installation and removal. Mix and match your tiles if you are feeling extra creative and brave.
4. Cute Linens
Swap out plain dish towels, aprons, and oven mitts for ones with kitschy prints. Think polka dots, cherries, gingham, or even a quirky slogan.
5. Vintage Appliances and Decor
Look for retro-inspired microwaves, toasters, or blenders in fun colors. Companies like Smeg and Big Chill offer appliances with a vintage look. They’re often very rounded or blocky in shape with colors pastel colors instead of the shiny silver and black you find in modern kitchens.
You could also try to decorate with old-style tins, tea canisters, or mason jars for storage.
6. Fun Mugs and Dishware
Display a collection of novelty mugs or retro dishes on open shelves. You can often find fun pieces at thrift stores, like old-fashioned milk glass, Pyrex, or unique plates. I have an obsession with mugs, and I have a bunch of Marvel comic-inspired mugs on display.
7. Vintage Lighting Fixtures
Swap out modern lights for retro pendant lights, such as glass globes or enamel shades in pastel colors.
I would even go so far as to add some old-fashioned lamps to the kitchen.
8. Open Shelving with Pop Items
Use open shelves to showcase colorful glassware, diner-style plates, or quirky kitchen gadgets. Stack these items in visible spaces for easy access and added charm.
9. Funky Wall Art and Wallpaper
Add peel-and-stick wallpaper with retro patterns like polka dots, floral, or fruit designs, or try vintage ads or recipe cards framed as art.
Imagine a white and yellow kitschy kitchen style with floral wallpaper on a feature wall—wouldn’t that be cheerful and stunning?
10. Kitschy Plants and Planters
Incorporate small succulents or herbs in unique planters shaped like vintage bowls, teapots, or animal figurines for a bit of greenery with personality.
11. Character-Themed or Novelty Cookware
Look for fun kitchen tools like colorful whisks, patterned spatulas, or even vintage character-themed cookware (like 70s-era Disney plates or Scooby-Doo containers).
These touches can make a kitchen playful, lively, and nostalgic. Alternatively, find cookware that looks like it was picked right out of the 60s to 70s.
I hope you enjoyed this collection of kitschy kitchen inspo ideas. Enjoy creating your cozy, kitschy haven!
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