Key points
- Otherwise, retro devices give neutral kitchens playful nostalgia and brave color.
- Designers say that they work best if they are used as akent piece to overwhelm the room.
- Their permanent attraction combines the broader shift towards the comforting decor inspired by vintage.
The trends of kitchen designs change over time, but that does not necessarily mean that their retro devices are completely out of fashion. In fact, it has increased popularity in recent years – from refrigerators to microwaves and coffee machines.
“They are nostalgic and funny,” says designer Pamela O'Brien. “You can also bring some color to a kitchen, because in general most kitchens will contain in a fairly narrow range of colors and surfaces.”
How can you add a retro device to your kitchen while you still remain stylish? Our experts say it is feasible, but with some restrictions that you are aware of.
Meet the expert
- Pamela O'Brien is the main designer at Pamela Hope Designs.
- Darlene Molnar is a NCIDQ-certified interior designer and accredited by Leed.
Why are you back to stay
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O'Brien says that retro devices were never technically “in” even though they were considered contemporary at one point. However, they are definitely not “out” when it comes to design, thanks to the feeling of nostalgia and mood that they bring into the kitchen.
“Retro devices are in 'in' for certain reasons,” if you opt for one of the core types of decorating such as cottagecore or lemoncore, these things would make retro devices perfect for you. ”
The interior designer Darlene Molnar agrees that these vintage devices did not come out of style due to the nostalgia factor.
“I have to say that retro devices will never go out of style,” she says. “They are classic and oh, so funny. It is not really a surprise that retro is increasingly popular, according to Grandmillennial trends and everything that returns at a simpler time.”
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So styling retro devices correctly
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Molnar and O'Brien agree that retro devices are in style as long as they are the right way. Molnar recommends using it sparingly in your kitchen and not overloading the room with you.
“I don't particularly love it if every device in the retro or the same color swab is,” she says. “But an interesting retro piece in an otherwise monotonous kitchen is a game-change.”
O'Brien recommends looking at the general mood of your kitchen first. For example, if aesthetics are more modern, retro devices may feel out of place.
“If you have a very, very traditional, beautiful kitchen, it could look a bit silly to have a small miniature fridge in a corner in Robins egg blue, it would simply drop the entire aesthetics,” she says. “It is more for mood and fun when it is your style.”
O'Brien adds that many homeowners have decided to use them in secondary cooking areas or ski lines.
“I recently made a very funny, vintage-looking refrigerator and a powder blue color in a small secondary kitchen,” she says. “A miniature fridge and a funny color were a big accent.”