Go Back in Time with a 1950s Kitchen
The 50s was a unique era, wedged between the war and the swinging 60s. It was very much a time of transition for society, but it had a distinctive style that most people would recognise instantly.
Nowhere in the home is 1950s style more fitting than in the kitchen. With retro-futuristic appliances, beautiful colours, and the timeless cool that the decade was known for, a 50s kitchen is a modern classic that will have you wanting to entertain guests every night of the week.
Here's how to achieve the look perfectly.
Walls
There are two main choices when it comes to painting the walls: blue or pink. But not just any shades. If you're going for a blue, you want to choose a pale shade, perhaps straying into cyan territory with something like a robin egg blue. For pink, choose a shade that's fairly pale but warm and comforting – nothing too brash, but nothing washed out, either.
As soon as you see these shades, you'll understand how much they scream 1950s.
Flooring
For the floor, there's really only one option: black and white chequerboard tiles. Preferably glossy ones to really brighten up the room, but you could use matte tiles if you prefer them or if they're the only ones available.
Seeing these tiles working in combination with your walls will transport you back to the 50s right away.
Appliances
There are many retro-styled appliances available, which take inspiration from the 50s. A big refrigerator in a similar colour to the walls is a great choice, and you should be able to find a matching oven. Alternatively, you could go for stainless steel for a modern twist.
Where you can really go to town is with small appliances like mixers, blenders and toasters. Many of these are made to look like they've come directly out of the 50s, and you'll definitely want to leave them on the side instead of hiding them away in cupboards.
Extra touches
A chequerboard frieze adds a touch of detail to the walls, echoing the flooring pattern. You could also add some framed 50s advertisement posters or diner signs. Add in a small moulded table and chairs and you're all set.
If you have space and your budget can stretch to it, you might consider getting a working jukebox to maximise the American diner feel of the kitchen. Alternatively, you could get a miniature jukebox or a vintage radio to sit on the worktop.
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