Everyone Had Them In The '50s — The Retro Kitchen Cabinets You'll Recognize From TV

The 1950s offered no shortage of iconic and memorable design choices, from the origin of mid-century modern style to eye-catching color and pattern trends. These days, there are a number of old-school decor items people loved having in their homes in the '50s that pair perfectly with modern aesthetics. One of these trends that you may recognize from retro TV shows is English Rose cabinets.

Featured on a number of British shows like "Our Welsh Chapel Dream" and "Call the Midwife," English Rose kitchen cabinets were a huge trend in the 1950s across England. They were made from extra aluminum left over from manufacturing during World War II, so they were cheap to produce. English Rose cabinets were the first modular cabinet system available at the time with a metal frame that can be bolted together, so they can be customized to fit perfectly into any space.

A major perk of the vintage English Rose cabinetry is their curved front drawer panel, which offers extra countertop space to work on without sacrificing floor space. Because they're made from aluminum, they're generally very sturdy and can stand the test of time. In fact, aluminum is a durable cabinet material to consider for an outdoor kitchen, too. Finally, English Rose cabinets are extremely customizable because they can be spray painted in almost any color. If you decide to remodel your kitchen using English Rose cabinets, you're sure to instill some vintage charm, personality, and practicality into the space.

For folks who are trying to create a vintage kitchen design that'll never go out of style, English Rose cabinets are worth considering. They offer a wealth of customization, space, durability, and a unique retro aesthetic. But the challenge with English Rose cabinets is that they aren't manufactured anymore, so finding viable options can be challenging.

If you're on the hunt for English Rose cabinets made in the 1950s, you may have to exercise patience during your search. Check sites like eBay, Salvoweb, or other marketplace sites frequently to see if any units are available. You may also get lucky at antique stores or vintage roadshows. Keep in mind that there's a really good chance you'll need to refurbish any original English Rose cabinets that you're able to find. This can take some time and effort because each unit is made up of a number of panels, hinges, and handles that may need some TLC.

Some designers specialize in creating custom cabinets that capture the vintage charm of English Rose cabinets without the uphill battle of refurbishing. Keep in mind that this route could result in a significantly higher price tag. However, it could be worth it if it means you're able to design English Rose-style cabinets that perfectly match your vision.