Remodeling Your Kitchen and Bathroom

4 Ways to Give Your Kitchen a Retro Appearance

By now, many homeowners are aware that having a stylish kitchen is a major benefit. An inviting kitchen will increase comfort, resale value and overall health. There are many ways to renovate your kitchen to give it a better look. From changing the flooring to updating appliances, you'll have lots of exciting ideas to explore. But what if you wish to give your kitchen a unique throwback look?

Getting the retro kitchen design correct sounds much easier than it actually is. The secret is to blend many different elements together, from your floors to your countertops. This piece will reveal 4 ways through which you can make your kitchen have a retro 1980s feel.

1. Start with the right colour

Older kitchens were much larger than today's designs, particularly because population levels were lower. If you have an open floor plan kitchen, you may already be 10 steps ahead of the process. White is a nice neutral colour that adds warmth to large kitchens. It also gives the space a timeless feel that transcends decades.

You can give your kitchen a more fitting retro look by adding soft colours such as light blue, green or orange. The idea is to create a smooth blend between these uplifting shades. For example, light green splashbacks work well with natural stone countertops and bold-coloured walls. You can also choose bold-coloured appliances such as red, yellow or purple. Just make sure the colour scheme is consistent.    

2. Install antique appliances

A retro kitchen would be incomplete without installing antique appliances. The 1980s-style single-door refrigerators, large ovens and double-panel stoves will work well in most homes. If you don't already own antiques, you can get them online or from third-party sellers.

Another idea is to use styling to make your current appliances have a retro feel. Install large handles on your refrigerator (or oven) doors and apply a single bold colour such as orange or green.  

3. Go for an authentic touch on your cabinets

Instead of using typical grades of wood for your cabinet doors, consider going with an authentic hardwood such as mahogany, white oak or birch. You can vary textures and sizes to meet the specific storage needs of your kitchen. However, make sure the doors have conspicuous handles to blend with your antique appliances. Large handles give your kitchen a true retro feel.     

4. Don't forget the countertops

Finally, don't forget to complete the retro look by installing quality countertops. Natural stones such as quartz, marble and granite are good options to consider.  

For more information, contact a kitchen renovation professional.