Vintage design trends are having a major moment in home design. But the element that has designers most excited is the retro kitchen comeback. Pros say they've seen more and more people opting for "kitschy kitchens" and "retro pink kitchens" in the last few years, and the trend doesn't appear to be fading anytime soon. Homeowners today are looking to bring in fun colors and classic looks, while maintaining modern comforts.
The beauty of this nostalgic trend, according to designers, is that it's possible to make it yours. You can go maximalist with all-pink everything, or add a subtle touch here and there. Some of the ways designers are incorporating vintage elements into modern spaces include adding colorful appliances, painting the cabinets, adding a backsplash, updating the flooring, adding eye-catching curtains, or simply finding a creative way to display antique kitchen items like glassware.
Designers say that pink is a hue that "doesn't go out of style," but you could also lean into other vintage color choices like mint green, butter yellow, or even avocado green for a 1970s touch.
Here's everything to know about why designers love the retro kitchen comeback and ideas for how you can add a touch of vintage whimsy to your space.
What is a kitschen?
Kitschens epitomize all things kitchy — they blend old-school charm and retro style with fun colors and a touch of sentimental nostalgia. Describing the throwback design trend, Sydney Stanback, global trends and insights lead for Pinterest, says, "People will elevate their kitchen designs and cooking areas with thrifted finds, vintage appliances and eye-jarring pops of paint as they are looking for 'eclectic kitchen decor,' 'kitschy kitchens,' 'retro pink kitchens' and more."
"Pink provides that unique retro charm and is a hue that doesn't go out of style," says Mattia Salia, product manager at SMEG, known for its vintage-inspired kitchen appliances. "While playful, pink is also a unique and stylish choice for the kitchen, setting it apart from more traditional colors like white or beige."
How to get in on the trend:
Pair pink with neutrals for visual balance.
If you're itching to try the retro pink kitchen trend but are nervous about it being overpowering, interior designer Julie Arnold of J. Raine Design shares practical advice for implementing the color in a balanced way. "Adding neutrals in strategic places and pairing pink with complementing colors in lighting and flooring is a great way to create a well-balanced look," says Arnold.
Juxtapose pink cabinets with the warmth of butcher block kitchen countertops, refrain from using other brights in the space, opt for a soft shade of pink and layer in plenty of white surfaces for an elevated take on retro charm.
Incorporate pink through unexpected accents.
"Incorporating pink into your kitchen can be a fun and stylish way to add personality to the space," Salia says. But, you don't have to go with all-pink-everything to implement the retro color trend. For a more subtle approach, use pink in strategic smaller doses through a contrasting kitchen island, a fun accent wall, a statement backsplash or as Salia suggests, "through small countertop appliances and fridges that do not require a huge financial or design commitment."
Merge charm and character with modern comforts.
As the home's natural gathering spot, kitchens are inherently warm and inviting. The right shade of retro-inspired pink adds personality, a unique mood-boosting energy and a touch of coziness, and Salia adds that "it evokes feelings of whimsy and nostalgia that provide a warmth to the kitchen."
When it comes to blending the old with the new, Arnold says, "Retro-inspired kitchens are a fun option for era-appropriate homes because they blend fun colors and classic looks with modern comforts." She stresses the importance of keeping the original character and charm of the space in mind during the design process and striking the right balance between retro design and contemporary style. "It's all about preserving that original vibe but adding a touch of today."
Maria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.
Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.
