Tips For Designing The Beautiful '70s-Inspired Kitchen Of Your Dreams

From the glamorous 1920s art deco to the eclectic and quirky shabby chic of the '80s and '90s, vintage styles continue to entice homeowners and offer comforting and nostalgic aesthetics. While there are a variety of styles and decades to choose from, none are as bold and memorable as the post-midcentury. An era of shag rugs, psychedelic patterns, disco balls, and sunken living rooms, '70s styles have seen a resurgence in today's interiors. Folks are particularly embracing retro aesthetics, reclaiming features that, for a time, seemed outdated and tacky. Plenty of '70s-inspired kitchen details are making a major comeback, such as chrome fixtures and rattan pieces, but there are plenty of other features now dominating the hub of the home.

Whether you're honoring your home by re-inviting the retro aesthetic to your space or simply wish to curate a gorgeous '70s-inspired kitchen design, there are a few staples you'll want to include to pull it off. Of course, this doesn't mean you have to throw out your latest kitchen gadgets for appliances that may no longer be operational. Rather, utilize slight design features to create a '70s-inspired design that, while reminiscent of the era, doesn't necessarily take you all the way back to the pre-popularity of the dishwasher or microwave oven.

One of the simplest ways to give your home all of the cozy vintage vibes is to change up the color palette. The 1970s were known for the use of brown in the home, particularly through wood tones. Other muted and earthy colors like avocado green, mustard yellow, and burnt orange were also favorable at the time. Use these hues to create a kitchen color combo to nail the '70s-inspired trend. Start with a brown base and then choose a pop of color like olive green. For a modernized take, add cream and off-white to brighten the darker palette.

Kitchen appliances in the '70s often featured retro color palettes – from avocado green ovens to harvest gold refrigerators. Some appliances, like the dishwasher or toaster, might also feature a wood grain facade, with the goal of making the appliances feel more integrated within the space. Refrigerators with the rounded shape and vintage handles in fun colors are a great choice for your restyling. Though, many homeowners are also seeking out vintage-inspired small appliances like the Nostalgia Retro Microwave or Smeg Retro Style Aesthetic Drip Coffee Machine.

The '70s saw an influx of laminate features in the kitchen. While laminate can seem kind of tacky by today's standards, it wasn't the only material popping up in kitchens of this decade. Wood cabinetry replaced steel, which was used in the 1960s. The '70s saw dark, earthy wood grains on cabinets, particularly from species like oak. These dark cabinets were often paired with contrasting, and sometimes colorful, light laminate countertops. If you want the retro vibe, choosing wood cabinets with a prominent grain and a light countertop can be the perfect combo.

Another simple update that can transform your kitchen into a retro-inspired haven is to upgrade the lighting. Midcentury lighting can offer the '70s vibe you seek. And today, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Classic '70s styles include globe lights and oversized geometric pendants. Look for fixtures with bold shapes and colors. Chrome materials were also a staple of the decade and are returning to today's interiors.

To create a focal point in your vintage kitchen, you might consider upgrading your range hood. While they are a functional piece and a part of many kitchens, stovetop vent hoods don't necessarily scream "vintage." To correct this, consider investing in a retro-inspired range hood like the Unique Appliances Classic Retro Range Hood or Smeg portfolio range hood from Wayfair. You might also choose to hide your range hood by DIYing a cover. While hiding it within a kitchen cabinet can be a sleek choice, others have created a custom frame with a beadboard facade for a gorgeous facelift.

Nothing says '70s retro like wood paneling. While it may not be for everybody, wood paneling has made a comeback in recent years. While slats are slimmer, more tactile, organic, and often sold in a wider range of tones than the faux vinyl paneling of the '70s, we are seeing an increasing popularity of wood materials in our homes. Adding wood paneling to your kitchen, whether as a backsplash or a statement wall, could help you nail that retro, earthy vibe.

If you want a vintage look but aren't a fan of wood paneling, you could opt for a beadboard backsplash, which is more aligned with modern trends. Beadboard still offers that gorgeous vintage look, particularly when used as a backsplash and painted in a stunning retro color. It can be a good alternative to colorful tile as well, if you're more of a newbie DIYer. Opt for colors like pastel yellow, muted orange, or avocado green to make a retro statement. Or paint it a neutral color and use retro appliances to set the tone.

Wood countertops, like butcher block or laminated hardwood, can be a great choice for embracing wood tones in a vintage kitchen. If you prefer sleeker retro cabinetry like laminate kitchen cabinets, you might not want to opt for an equally smooth countertop. Instead, add some variety with a wood countertop that invites that moodier, earthier vibe to the kitchen that the 1970s were well known for. While not inherently retro, wood countertops do provide a vintage appeal. And with the right decorations and retro-inspired appliances, this countertop could enhance your '70s kitchen design.

Retro patterns often featured bold color palettes and expressive geometric shapes. The era donned a new interest in optical illusions and experimentation, reflecting the psychedelic movement. As you style your vintage-inspired kitchen, seek out patterns like paisley and floral prints, adding them to fabric on furniture or through rugs. Some homeowners utilize these flower prints on backsplashes or as wallpaper over appliances for more visual intrigue. You might also express this retro pattern via accessories like light shades, art, dish towels, or statement bowls.

When styling a retro kitchen, the larger pieces you choose to furnish your space can drastically enhance its appeal and vintage aesthetic. One solution for a classic 1970s look is to invest in an acrylic dinette set. Acrylic furniture flourished in the 1970s with brands like Perspex, Lucite, and Plexiglas. At the time, homeowners craved modernity and simplicity in their spaces, and acrylic pieces offered various shapes and colors on a budget. When choosing an acrylic retro dinette set, consider a tulip table, which can become a stunning geometric feature in your kitchen.

As you're decorating your retro-style kitchen, don't forget to incorporate vintage looks using smaller details. Vintage dish sets are a great choice because they are practical, but also perfect for curating dish displays. Source dishes with patterns and bold colors like the Pyrex Homestead and Old Orchard collections or 1970s stoneware like those from Pfaltzgraff. Show off your pieces on open shelving or in China cabinets where the colors and patterns can be on full display.

Don't make the mistake of using a modern tile, like subway tile, in your retro kitchen design instead of using period-accurate backsplash materials. The '70s were all about color and geometric intrigue. Think: floral patterns, intricate geometric figures, and colors like orange, green, or pastel pink. This time period saw a surge in square tile over the classic 3-by-6-inch subway tile. For a true '70s look, consider using a colorful square ceramic tile for your backsplash or opting for a fun patterned tile instead.

If you're looking for a trendy way to spruce up a vintage kitchen, checkerboard floors are everywhere. The classic black and white checkered pattern is a classic and really gives your space a vintage feel. While it isn't necessarily a '70s style, checkerboard flooring can still invite retro charm and personality to your space. Pairing this flooring with other retro groovy fixtures and appliances could help you create a stunning kitchen design that makes you feel like you stepped out of a time machine.

Macrame was vastly popular in the 1970s, inviting both pattern and textile into home designs. The most common methods for including macrame pieces into the home were through lengthy and intricately-knotted plant hangers or as window treatments. To give your kitchen a captivating retro vibe, consider layering macrame curtains over other curtain panels, hanging macrame curtains in archways into the kitchen, or adding some potted plants in macrame hangers. More modern solutions could also include adding macrame wall art, if you prefer subtle theming.

In the era of futuristic idealism and space-age fascination, this period was notable for its experimental and quirky appliances. Features like built-in-wall toasters or retractable stovetop ranges invite an unusual touch to your kitchen that truly nails the vintage look. Eccentric appliances can become an eclectic touch in your space, wowing guests. To source one of the era's oddity appliances, you can find items on secondhand and vintage sites. Or, DIY your own futuristic hidden appliance by making an appliance garage.