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Retro Charm: 20 Kitschy Kitchens You’ll Love

by on Jan 22, 2024

In the world of interior design, trends definitely come and go, but some styles, like the kitschy kitchen or kitschen makes a come back again and again. This whimsical, retro-inspired design approach brings a burst of color, quirky patterns, and a touch of nostalgia to modern kitchens.

Bright and clean kitschy kitchen from alexabchambers.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the charm of the kitschy kitchen trend and how you can infuse your culinary space with a delightful dose of personality.

How to get the Kitschy Kitchen Look

A Splash of Color

One of the defining features of kitschy kitchens is the vibrant and bold color palette. Think cheerful yellows, vibrant reds, and playful pastels. Embrace the spirit of the trend by incorporating colorful appliances, utensils, and even wall decor.

Retro-Inspired Patterns

Bring back the nostalgia of yesteryears with retro-inspired patterns that scream kitsch. Polka dots, checkerboards, and geometric shapes are all fair game. Consider incorporating these patterns into your kitchen curtains, tablecloths, or even backsplash tiles. The key is to mix and match patterns fearlessly for a playful and eclectic vibe.

Whimsical Wall Art

Transform your kitchen walls into a gallery of kitsch with whimsical and retro wall art. Consider framed vintage recipe cards, quirky food illustrations, or even retro advertisements. This personalized touch adds charm to the space and creates a focal point that reflects your love for the kitschy aesthetic.

Playful Flooring

Don’t neglect the floor when embracing the kitschy kitchen trend. Consider bold and patterned flooring options, such as checkered tiles or colorful linoleum. This not only ties the entire look together but also brings an element of surprise to an often-overlooked area of the kitchen.

Vintage Accessories

Scouring flea markets and thrift stores for vintage kitchen accessories can be a treasure hunt in itself. Look for quirky salt and pepper shakers, colorful mixing bowls, and vintage glassware to add character to your kitchen. These unique finds not only serve a functional purpose but also tell a story of a bygone era.

Modern Finds to Get the Retro Kitchen Look

If flea markets aren’t your thing or you just want a handful of reliable, modern home appliances that keep the the retro look, try some of these:

Kitschy Kitchen Inspiration

Vintage Charm

This sweet little teal kitchen from @hopegoesthrifting is bright and inviting with it’s original white cabinets and teal stove.

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A post shared by hope holubowicz✨ (@hopeygoes_thrifting)

Her stovetop stylings are worth including as a close up to admire all of the unique elements happening here.

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A post shared by hope holubowicz✨ (@hopeygoes_thrifting)

Vintage Stoves Make the Kitschen

This pink vintage stove has been beautifully kept and restored. It makes our modern appliances look rather dull. It’s the perfect focal point for any true kitschen! So many buttons! What do they do??

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A post shared by 𝐜𝐜 (@schmisschmina)

Goth Kitschen

It’s dark, it’s bright, it’s working! Leopard print curtains and pink Smeg appliances never knew a truer home.

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A post shared by Claire Goodchild (@angelvintageinteriors)

Modern Kitschen

This kitchen from @the_flat_that_rosie_built blends the convenience of modern kitchen cabinets and appliances with look and feels of eclectic vintage vibes, using a little paint, some very cool hardware, cute pink tiled backsplash, and a floral print refrigerator cover. Follow her on IG for all the details!

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A post shared by Rosie Dickens (@the_flat_that_rosie_built)

A Bright and Airy Kitchen with a Vintage Touch

@emilypertzborn is a vintage collector and uses her thrifted finds to style her clean, vintage kitchen. Don’t miss that red and white poodle toaster cover!

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A post shared by Emily Vallely-Pertzborn | Interior Design (@emilypertzborn)

Retro Pink Marvel

This is peak pink retro kitchen! This wonderful little time capsule from @vinneboyvinatge will make you think you’ve just walked into your grandma’s kitchen, circa 1965. Jello for everyone!

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A post shared by Unique boutique of cuteness (@vinnieboyvintage)

Retro Renovation

This retro renovation from @vintagegirl80 features her painted appliances, including this teal fridge – the perfect solution when you don’t have a Smeg in the budget anytime soon!

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A post shared by Vintagegirl80 (@vintagegirl80)

The Sunshine Kitchen

We’re loving the way the sunlight dances through this retro inspired kitchen from @homeofcharl! Bonus points for that perfect pink door!

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A post shared by Charlotte Cannon 🌸 DIY, home & lifestyle (@homeofcharl)

Kitsch Deco

While maybe not entirely kitsch, this is one of our favorite retro feeling kitchens. That bubble hood and matching pink stove are… chef’s kiss!

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A post shared by Alexandra Poster Bennaim (@alexandraposterbennaim)

Pastel Retro Kitchen

This retro pastel kitchen from @my_colourfulsquares is proof that you can never have enough pink or teal in one kitchen!

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A post shared by Kerry Lemon (@my_colourfulsquares)

Toddler Kitsch

Even the little ones can use a little kitsch in their kitchen and this setup from @pinkandhank is one of the cutest things we’ve seen in quite some time, especially those little teal salt and pepper shakers.

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A post shared by Pink and Hank (@pinkandhank)

Party Kitsch

Everything about this collection of vintage bowls, canisters, pyrex, and dishes brings a smile to my face.

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A post shared by KelseyMariahVintage (@kelseymariahvintage)

Maximalist Retro Kitsch Style

Everything about this kitchen take me back in time. A true time capsule, down to the littlest details, like that avocado television set and the floor motif! Definitely worth a click-through to admire all of the details.

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A post shared by Ricky Saetta (@ricky.teevee)

Bright Kitschy Vibe

One of my favorite parts about the whole kitschy movement is their willingess to work with what is already there, like these perfectly painted cabinets from @alexachambers. A little new mixed with a little old is the perfect balance here.

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A post shared by Alexa Chambers (@alexabchambers)

Peekaboo Kitschy Cabinets

Not ready to go full retro in your kitchen? Try adding a few peekaboo elements, like these vintage lined shelves from @alexachambers.

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A post shared by Alexa Chambers (@alexabchambers)

Modern with a Kitschy Flare

This modern kitchen pairs perfectly will these vintage finds to bring a little more style and personality to this space.

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A post shared by ⠀ོ ͏ ͏b͏i͏r͏t͏u͏r͏u͏n͏c͏u͏e͏v (@birturuncuev)

Sweet, Classic, Romantic Kitschy

If romance kitsch is a thing, @thevettelfarm has it covered – roses, picnic baskets, milk glass, and that amazing shake machine.

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A post shared by Courtney Vettel | The Vettel Farm (@thevettelfarm)

Bold Colors

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A post shared by Janet (@fiesta.etc)

70s Kitsch

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A post shared by Delia May West Ryder (@honehilldreaming)

The kitschy kitchen trend is a journey into the past, where charm and personality take center stage. By infusing your space with bold colors, retro patterns, vintage accessories, whimsical wall art, and playful flooring, you can create a kitchen that not only serves as a functional space but also tells a story of your unique style. So, dare to be bold, embrace the kitschy, and turn your kitchen into a whimsical haven that celebrates the joy of retro charm.

20 kitschy kitchens

70s Interiors That’ll Make You Say, “Groovy, Baby!”

Looking for more kitchen and vintage inspiration?

Are you looking for more retro charm? Here are 70s Interiors That’ll Make You Say, “Groovy, Baby! and some of our favorite tips for Styling a Credenza: Mid-Century Modern.

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