Retro rewind: 35 vintage kitchen designs that should make a comeback

The ultimate kitchen throwbacks

From the slick curves and bold hues of the 1940s to the unforgettable designs of the 80s, the humble kitchen has undergone an evolution like no other. Take a step back in time as we explore some of the most iconic and nostalgic designs from the previous century. Click or scroll for more...

1940s: Red, white and blue kitchen

Here's proof that we've gotten ever-so-safe in our decorating choices. While this denim blue beauty might not be to everyone's taste, you can't help but marvel at the scalloped trim with red edging, curved larder shelving and matching sheer curtains. Published in 'Ideas for Every Room’ by Armstrong Cork Company, it's a safe bet to presume that the statement floor was available to buy.

1940s: Sleek kitchen

Despite the prevalence of steel cabinets in the 1940s, wood was still a popular and reliable choice. With its slab-front units, curved breakfast bar and bent metal counter seats, this kitchen shows the origins of many of today's trends. We can breathe a sigh of relief that the brown-and-yellow colour scheme was abandoned at the turn of the decade though...

1940s: Kitsch polka dot kitchen

Designed by influential interior stylist Hazel Dell Brown in 1941, this pale pink and blue kitchen is polka dot perfection. From the glass-block wall with its artfully mounted flowerpots to the frilled chair and counter stool covers, the space bears witness to Brown's eye for detail. We particularly love the integrated desk with its handy compartments.

1940s: Yellow kitchen with daybed

Another gem from 1940s designer, Hazel Dell Brown, this pale yellow kitchen is chock-full of quirky features. From the glass divider printed with an elegant floral design to the daybed in the corner, the room has everything you'd ever need in one space. 

1950s: Mint green kitchen

This 1950s magazine illustration features a mint green oven that matches the slanted rafters, a polished brass pendant light and elegant wood cabinetry. Note the white-brick wall – a predecessor to the metro tile – and the trendy gold-coloured hardware, which can be seen in many modern homes today.

1950s: American kitchen

Sporting a gleaming stainless steel oven and matching hob, this would have been a cutting-edge kitchen back in its day. The pale yellow units are offset by an orange wall that has been decorated with an eclectic collection of metal trivets, rolling pins and ladles. 

1950s: Turquoise kitchen with gingham curtains

We're firmly in the 1950s with this striking cream-and-red kitchen. A nod to the American diner whose popularity surged during this decade, it features polished steel chairs with cushioned seats, gingham curtains and chequered lino. We love the little gallery wall and red-handled saucepans hanging over the cooker!

1950s: Mid-century wooden kitchen

With its two-tone lino floor, moulded bucket chairs and lace-edged pelmet, this kitchen is a perfect 1950s time warp. Although commemorative plates and braided garlic strings are yet to make a comeback, the sputnik chandelier wouldn't look out of place in a contemporary home.

1950s: Vintage blue and yellow kitchen

A picture of domestic bliss, this magazine illustration features powder blue units and contrasting copper-coloured appliances. Note the archetypal sunburst clock, the under-cabinet dining nook and of course the beaming housewife. An early ancestor of the industrial trend, the image reveals the roots of the exposed brick wall.

1950s: Salmon pink kitchen

The 1950s saw pastel shades aplenty in kitchens, including salmon pink, as we can see in this kitchen straight out of a time capsule. Complemented by white wood panelling, floral curtains and geometric linoleum, this compact kitchen is brimming with vintage appeal. 

1950s: Vintage GE steel kitchen

When General Electric first launched its 'Wonder Kitchen' in 1955, it was an immediate hit. Featuring a slew of the company's appliances and their famous glass-fronted 'cabinettes', this cream-coloured steel kitchen was the model of practicality and ingenuity for its time.

1950s: Bold kitchen

Bold, sunny hues dominated the 1950s, symbolising a more optimistic outlook following the Second World War. With its canary yellow units, coral-coloured kettle and vibrant spice tins, this bright kitchen was an early example of the colour blocking trend. Best of all is the bright red coffee pot – a perfect piece of retro homeware. 

1950s: Pink and green kitchen

Mint green may not be in fashion now, but pastel-coloured cabinets were all the rage back in the 50s. Combined with candy pink walls and accessorised with a trendy sunburst clock and matching copper kettle, this colourful kitchen was bang on trend 60 years ago.

1960s: Charming country kitchen

With its eclectic display of patterned crockery and powder blue chequerboard sink skirt, this charming kitchen offers a glimpse into an old-fashioned country home. Cheerful sunflowers, stripes and bright blue cabinets make this a sunny space to cook and eat. We love the record player – perfect for kitchen parties!

1960s: Retro kitchen with hatch

The handy hatch – an intrinsic feature to many a retro kitchen – takes centre stage in this vintage magazine illustration. With its loud geometric ceiling and pops of red and turquoise, this vibrant image will bring back memories of Friday family suppers and Sunday roasts.

1960s: Mid-century galley kitchen

This trendy galley kitchen boasts many features that would not look out of place in a contemporary home. From the Moroccan-style tiles to the frosted glass pendant lights, the space is a source of inspiration for homeowners embracing the mid-century modern trend.

1960s: Julia Child's kitchen

Now on display in the National Museum of American History, the kitchen of celebrated chef Julia Child epitomises the sleek designs favoured by homeowners in the 1960s. Complete with butcher-block counters and stainless steel range, this was every home cook's dream kitchen and Julia designed it with her husband Paul, including the ingenious pegboards for hanging her gleaming copper pans. 

1960s: Utilitarian white kitchen

Sleek and utilitarian, this all-white kitchen is offset by brown-tiled floors and the bright green leather seat cushions. Complete with patterned wallpaper, lemon yellow curtains and strip lighting, the space is a perfectly preserved 1960s relic.

1960s: Industrial-style kitchen

With its curved counter, stainless steel splashback and cluster of pendant lights, this kitchen shows off a number of 21st-century kitchen trends. The wood-panelled walls and ceiling fan were typical of the 1960s, as was the open-plan layout. With dinner parties becoming increasingly popular, kitchens were built to facilitate entertaining.

1960s: Cream kitchen with retro booth

What better way to bring a pop of colour to a boring beige kitchen than to add a vibrant lime green? With its diner-style booth, curved counter and lemon-print curtains, this retro kitchen would have been the epitome of cool back in the day.

1960s: London kitchen

With its neon yellow sink panels, bright orange cookware and jazzy curtains, this cheerful kitchen symbolises the liberal mindset of the swinging 60s. The quirky mix of pastel and fluorescent hues has sadly not stood the test of time, but there's no reason why it can't make a comeback. 

1960s: Bright kitchen with patterned tiles

The designer of this kitchen certainly had no qualms about mixing and matching. With its bright wooden cabinets, trompe l'oeil tiles, faux marble counters and floral pelmet, this room is nothing if not original. The pièce de résistance is the turquoise shagpile – one trend that has not dated well!

1960s: Wooden kitchen with multi-tier island

Bright yellow counters, green chairs, red rug and blue crown moulding – it sounds like a garish nightmare, but it weirdly works. Throw in faux wood units, lace curtains and some utilitarian-looking appliances and you've got yourself the perfect 1960s kitchen.

1970s: Wooden kitchen with bar

Wood was king in the 70s as designers moved towards natural hues and organic materials. With its wooden beams and rich grained cabinets, this time-capsule kitchen is a prime example of late 20th-century design. Warm and homely, this space would have been perfect for entertaining.

1970s: Sunny yellow kitchen

The 1970s were all about the hippie movement and this sunny yellow kitchen pays homage to the decade of flower power. The mismatched hanging mugs match the tea towel and chopping board, while the colourful Kellogg's Corn Flakes box adds the perfect finishing touch to this retro throwback.

1970s: Blue kitchen with floral ceiling

Now here's a kitchen to challenge even the boldest of decorators. While the handleless electric blue units are cool and curved into this round space, that flocked floral splashback and ceiling treatment are beyond redemption. 

1970s: Avocado kitchen

This kitchen encapsulates everything we love to hate (or actually, just love) about the late 1960s and early 70s design. From the avocado green units dressed in a smart white and wooden stripe to the outrageous floral tiles, it's a vintage lover's dream scheme.

1970s: Monochrome designer kitchen

This drop-dead gorgeous kitchen has designer pedigree written all over it. Of course, black kitchens are also a huge trend now but it's also those block metallic handles and the horizontal wooden cladding that's really got us. 

1970s: Pastel pink kitchen

We're back to pastels with this eye-catching green-and-pink kitchen. Complete with matching plaid wallpaper and multi-stripe blinds, this image highlights the mid-century penchant for matching powder-hued fittings and appliances. Even the milk jug matches!

1980s: Brown tiled kitchen

A slightly more austere style, this 1980s Australian kitchen champions the new taste for minimalism. A hangover from the 70s where earth tones were on-trend, it features mottled brown tiles with matching accent shelving and cabinet trims. The suspended oven is a great space-saving feature and child-friendly to boot.

1980s: Rattan kitchen

Proof – if any were needed – that there's nothing new in design, this rattan kitchen has bounced right back into fashion in the 2020s. The gorgeous honey wooden cupboards have a central panel made from wicker, which adds texture and depth to the overall look. Even the dishwasher has been given the same treatment!

1980s: Red and white kitchen

Now, this is what a kitchen looked like in the 1980s! The red and white colour scheme was a hot favourite of the decade and yet, those biscuit coloured square tiles still made it into this scheme.

1980s: Tiny pink kitchenette

Small kitchens are nothing new, and this tiny set-up looks incredibly modern with its millennial pink cabinetry. We do love the letterbox titling though, that's such a hallmark of 1980s design, and the double round stainless steel sinks. 

1980s: Wooden kitchen with TV

This amazing wood kitchen has tons of retro style, thanks to this statement lozenge-shaped breakfast bar and integrated TV nook. Those rattan and chrome bar stools made an appearance in many an 80s household, too!

1980s: Coral wallpapered kitchen

This 80s kitchen certainly has the wow-factor thanks to this incredible arched glass roof which lets the light flood in. A mish-mash of traditional design elements, from the lanterns and swagged blinds to the punchy coral wallpaper, this kitchen manages to pull them all off with style. We particularly love the oversized ferns at the top of the cupboards. Stealing this idea!

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