Classic American Style: How To Create A Retro Kitchen Vibe

America isn’t really well-known for it's original decor styles, it's more likely that we've borrowed much from European styles. However, the US did see a decor revolution that started in the late 1950s,  with shapes that were more geometric and pastel colored (commonly known as atomic age design), along with the now-classic red, black and white American diner-style. The classic American style kitchen is quite popular in other various forms, such as French bistros and Italian cafes.  Here's how you can incorporate some of that classic, mid-century retro decor into your own kitchen.

How To Create A Retro Kitchen Vibe

Purchase dining room sets on Houzz

Think Red

For a room to be truly living in a classic American style, you need to incorporate red leatherette somewhere. Remember, you’re somewhat copying what an American diner would look like in the 1950s. Therefore, to copy diner seating (somewhat), you should consider a sleek banquette in bright red. If a pricey banquette is out of your budget (the one above is over $3gs!), why not recreate the look with a red leather loveseat and retro formica table?

Alternatively, a dinette set of chrome and white formica with red leatherette chairs would set the tone for a retro kitchen quite nicely!

5pc Retro Dining Set, amazon.com

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3pc Bistro Set, amazon.com

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A Piece Of History

Checkered Flooring

Antique stores, thrift stores, flea markets and even tag sales are the best places to shop for authentic retro home decor items.  From housewares to cookware, kitschy kitchen decor and knick knacks, you're certain to find items that are from this era to add to your home. We love this collection of vintage-inspired home decor pieces that Happiness is Homemade put together.  They sure are swell!

During the 1950s, checkered linoleum flooring became de rigueur among restaurants (such as diners!) and homeowners alike. This pattern was incredibly popular, and worked really well with red and white kitchen decor.  Today, we love the look of a black and white tile floor because the look is timeless and works effortlessly with so many kitchen decor styles.

Oftentimes, interior designers like to mix retro-classic decor with modern and chic. However, nothing can beat the original charm of black, white and red in your home, peppered with colorful pops of color like bright turquoise, butter yellow and pastel pink. Of course, the diners of the 1950s have remained popular in culture for a reason, and it's their classic design that has kept them this way.

​Not sure if you're into the 50s kitchen vibe?  Use this infographic to determine what style of kitchen is right for you:

Shop For Your Retro Kitchen:
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