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  • Writer's pictureMaria Nicholson

Why are Retro Kitchens Back in Style?

Are you in the market to remodel your Coto de Caza property? Perhaps you’re interested in redesigning your kitchen but don’t know where to start. One of the most popular styles for redesigns today is that of vintage style kitchens. But as you probably know, fashion and design trends are cyclical. That means when remodeling your home, you want to be careful. Unlike an outfit, you can’t just take the design of your kitchen and swap it out for a new one at will. You want to find a design that is current and trendy this year. At the same time, you don’t want to run the risk of your kitchen looking out of style next year. One way around this problem is to choose designs that have already withstood the test of time. This might be the reason why retro kitchens are all the rage recently.



Characteristics of a Retro Kitchen

You might be wondering what makes a kitchen retro or vintage. This is understandable because those words could mean anything. Someone might refer to a Victorian-style kitchen as vintage. Then, in the same breath, they might refer to a 1980s-style kitchen as retro. When we talk about retro kitchens, a lot of the time we are referring to mid-century styles. This includes things like cottage-style wooden cabinets or metal cabinets, vintage appliances, and Formica countertops. Of course, this is in great contrast to more contemporary looks. These tend to incorporate minimalist aesthetics, kitchen islands, marble countertops, and technologically advanced appliances.

So, you might be wondering which parts of the retro look you should keep and which ones you should toss. One of the biggest things you can do to create a retro kitchen is to focus on color. Choosing bright and cheery colors will mirror the optimism of the mid-century. You can also experiment with colorful wallpaper, which adds to the look of vintage style kitchens. In addition to colors, you want to think about the materials that are going into the project. Wood paneling is a hallmark of the mid-century aesthetic, as are laminate and butcher block countertops. And of course, there are the classic appliances. If you are completely dedicated to the look of vintage style kitchens, you can even find a retro-style refrigerator. Matching appliances like refrigerators, coffee makers, and toasters also goes a long way toward building the retro look.



Why Choose the Look of Old Fashioned Kitchens?

You might want to consider the look of old fashioned kitchens for your home simply because it’s more affordable. Materials like wood and laminate are going to be cheaper than contemporary countertop options like marble or granite. And, vintage or secondhand appliances tend to be cheaper than their contemporary counterparts. Another reason to consider creating a retro kitchen, cost aside, is that looking to the past can help predict future trends. You might think that purposefully creating old fashioned kitchens out of modern ones is going out on a limb. However, taking design tips from the past is actually a great way to create a timeless look. By pulling from mid-century style, you can ensure that it will be many years before you have to renovate again.

In addition to these reasons, retro kitchens are a lot of fun. Going vintage allows you a lot of room to incorporate your personal style into the design. Since mid-century style celebrated kitschiness, this kind of design allows you to be bold. You can hang thrifted plates or pictures, color coordinate, use fun patterns, and choose decor or accents that stand out. You spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so it’s important to make it a space that you enjoy.

Retro Kitchen Cabinets

Counters and cabinets are the focal point of many kitchens. There are so many different cabinet designs, materials, and styles to choose from to create retro kitchen cabinets. Cabinets are definitely a place where you can experiment with color. Be bold and choose a bright color for your retro kitchen cabinets. Or, go all white and create colorful accents out of the hardware. A lot of the time, you can get away with simply painting your pre-existing cabinets rather than replacing them. Pastel colors tend to be the best for cabinets. Or, if you want to get rid of the old cabinets, try a different material.

After World War II, the United States had a surplus of steel. Naturally, steel made its way into our homes via the production of cars and interestingly enough, kitchen cabinets. Steel kitchen cabinets are a staple of the retro kitchen. It’s also worth noting that many vintage appliances are also made out of steel. These kinds of additions give a kitchen a sleek and clean look.



Renovating Your Coto de Caza Property’s Kitchen? Go Retro!

If you’re thinking of renovating your Coto de Caza property’s kitchen, consider giving it a vintage flair. Retro kitchens are the perfect choice if you want your home’s design to have longevity. Plus, you can end up saving a lot of money. Retro design elements are far cheaper than many contemporary design materials. Plus, you can more easily show off your personal style and interests if you opt for a retro look. Now that you know all of the benefits having a retro style kitchen provides, you’re probably ready to get started.

If you believe your Coto de Caza kitchen is in need of a makeover, consult us at Project Build. We are dedicated to making the kitchen of your dreams into reality. Our team is made up of experts who are incredibly passionate about design. And we will work with you to achieve your vision to the fullest extent. For more information on remodeling and other home renovation ideas, feel free to peruse more of our blog posts. If you are interested in working with us to start your remodeling project, take a look at our services on our website. We look forward to helping you create your dream home!


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