Since the first quarter of a century has come to a close, it seems that plenty of designs from the past have reemerged in kitchens and bathrooms to make a fun and uplifting environment. According to the National Kitchen + Bath Association, retro appliances and fixtures are back in vogue.
These looks that were borrowed from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, sometimes tend to feature appliances and fixtures with bold colors, as well as smooth, rounded edges, and shiny chrome detailing. Other, more popular features also include bold brass faucets, pastel-colored refrigerators, terrazzo countertops, colorful cabinets, and midcentury light fixtures.
Besides, instead of touch screens and digital displays, homeowners are wishing old-fashioned dials and knobs for controls. Here’s what you need to know to understand why this style is trending now, and how you can make a statement with retro decor in your extremely modern home.
Why retro trends are making a comeback
NKBA thinks that “blending these throwback aesthetics with contemporary functionality also resulted in retro styles making quite a comeback in interior design, especially for those who are looking to create a unique, eclectic, and vintage-inspired space.”
We also spoke to an interior design expert who seeks these kitchen trends and bathroom trends firsthand in his work. “Retro-inspired appliances and fixtures are also experiencing a big comeback, especially in home design at the moment.” according to Veiko Kallas, interior designer and the founder of JALG. “It is something I have been seeing a lot in recent projects, as well as major trade shows such as the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.”
What’s the main attraction? This trend could reflect a specific desire for comfort and personalization in home spaces, especially since so many of us have spent quite some time at home in the most recent years.
Retro designs also bring a certain nostalgia, reminding people of a simpler, ‘feel-good’ era, as today’s versions offer the performance and efficiency of modern technology.
Kallas also thinks that retro-inspired appliances and designs can bring the best of both worlds. “Retro designs have quite a distinct, charming aesthetic that seems to appeal to those who want to drift away from sleek and minimalist styles towards something warmer and more eclectic.
Types of retro products available
Numerous products are also available on the market today. Now, you can easily bring your retro bathroom and retro kitchen ideas to life. Brands such as SMEG are extremely popular for their vintage-inspired refrigerators, which come in beautiful pastel colors and rounded shapes reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s.
I am also seeing brass and chrome faucets with unique tactile knobs, along with cross-handle designs for both kitchens and bathrooms that could easily mimic mid-century aesthetics.
As for lighting, Kallas prefers pendant lights with frosted glass and Edison bulbs that also give spaces a soft and nostalgic glow. Other great choices could also include sconces and chandeliers made of brass and copper.
Also, pedestal sinks and clawfoot tubs also make a return in bathrooms, and they are often paired with vintage-style tiles to effectively complete the retro look.
NKBA also recommends various fixtures with mid-century style, like cross handles, gooseneck spouts, and polished finishes such as chrome and brass to mimic old-fashioned kitchens and baths.
Caryn Paradis, founder of Studio Paradis in Chester, Connecticut, is now getting plenty of requests for modern appliances and fixtures that have details inspired by the past.
“We have recently put an AGA induction range in a home, at the client’s request, since it has classic lines and cross handles. It also looks quite vintage, but it still uses modern technology,” she explained.
How to incorporate retro design in your modern home
If you are deeply concerned about adding retro elements to your otherwise contemporary home, you should keep a series of tips in mind that would turn out to be successful.
First things first, it’s also important to understand that most of the retro-inspired products nowadays are made using modern technology, so you don’t really have to give up functionality and convenience to effectively achieve the retro vibe. Here’s how to do that:
- start small – To effectively blend retro elements with modern design, the best thing to do is to start with small touches rather than going all-in from the start. You can also add a single statement appliance, such as a retro fridge in a fun color, or simply go with vintage-inspired lighting fixtures to effectively make a focal point.
- consider function and integration – You need to make sure that any retro-inspired product used in a space also has a reason to be there. From a visual perspective, it should play quite well with the other items in the space. That can either be through color, scale or simply repetition. This one functional and vintage design element could be the only missing piece.
- use a balanced mix of materials – Mixing materials such as brass or chrome with wood or glass can also soften a bit the overall look and ensure that such retro touches complement rather than overwhelm the space. Moreover, you should focus on finding a balance. You can simply consider combining colorful retro cabinets with a more modern, neutral backsplash to keep things cohesive.
- keep texture in mind – You shouldn’t be afraid to juggle with texture. For instance, a terrazzo countertop or backsplash pairs quite nicely with vintage brass hardware, which makes for a well-rounded look that feels rather thoughtfully curated.
- create more harmony – Kallas also has a few aspects to be more cautious as far as retro kitchen ideas are concerned, especially when it comes to a more modern house. Retro pieces might, at times, clash with other design elements, especially if you don’t have the grand picture in mind.
Get yourself a fritaire!
What about colorful kitchen appliances? We surely need those if we really want to have the ideal kitchen, right?! Well, Fritaire is a peppy small kitchen appliance brand with an interesting hero product that comes in a range of bright and fun shades.
The Fritaire air fryer looks great to display on your counter at all times, because of all the colors like sage green and fiery orange. Besides, it’s also wonderful at its job. The appliance also has a 360-degree window, so you can easily check your food’s progress at every step of the cooking process.
Like some of the best air fryers out there, it also comes with a rotisserie accessory for roasted meat, and it has a self-cleaning feature.
Or a Simpli Press
This sleek and simple manual coffee maker comes in a bold fire engine red that adds a subtle pop of color to your kitchen. This is a wonderful way to dip your toe into the trend without actually committing to an attention-grabbing built-in appliance.
In today’s fast-paced world, Simpli Press is a wonderful blend of convenience, quality, and vibrant design. The French press also makes robust and fresh hot, or cold-brewed coffee. The brand donates 10% of its profits to charitable causes.
Nowaday consumers are always looking for brands that align with their values, supporting all kinds of social causes and diversity. All in all, Simpli Press embodies all these amazing principles.
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