What is the Kitschens style?
The Kitschens style is a delightful and whimsical interior design aesthetic that fuses “kitsch” with retro kitchen decor. It features playful and quirky elements that celebrate humour, nostalgia, and a hint of irony, resulting in a lively, retro-inspired environment. Here’s a closer look at the defining characteristics of the Kitschens style:
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Bold and Bright Colors
- Vivid Hues: Bright, eye-popping colors like teal, pink, yellow, red, and mint green are common in Kitschens decor. These bold shades are often combined in ways that might feel unexpected but add to the quirky charm.
- Contrasts: Pairing high-contrast colours like red and white checkered patterns or bright turquoise cabinets with chrome finishes gives a lively, retro vibe.
Accessorise with this Retro Set of 3 Canisters, Orange. From Amazon.
Nostalgic and Retro Elements
- Vintage Appliances: Iconic 1950s or 1960s-style appliances, such as retro fridges, toasters, and mixers in pastel colors, are signature pieces in Kitschens.
Like this Haden Dorchester 4 Slice Toaster. From Amazon.
- Diner-Inspired: The style often mimics the feel of an old-school American diner, complete with chrome barstools, Formica tabletops, and checkerboard flooring.
This 50’s style bar stool would fit right in.
Kitsch Decor
- Quirky Accessories: Kitschy decor like ceramic figurines, novelty salt-and-pepper shakers, colourful dishware, and retro signage (e.g., vintage advertisements or food-related puns) play a major role.
- Fun Patterns: Bright, playful patterns such as floral, polka dots, or fruit motifs (like cherries or lemons) on curtains, dish towels, or wallpaper add to the fun aesthetic.
Take a look at this Vintage style retro walpaper. It is a Peel-And-Stick Wallpaper or Self-Adhesive Water-Activated Wallpaper.
- Themed Decor: Common themes might include mid-century pop culture references, cartoon characters, and humorous decor items (e.g., flamingo statues or cat-shaped clocks).
This cat shaped clock can be personalised.
Mixing Styles and Eras
- Eclectic Feel: Kitschens embraces a mix-and-match approach, combining different periods of design like the 1950s diner vibe with kitschy 1970s decor. This layered look is part of what makes it feel personal and quirky.
- Unexpected Combinations: You might see a mixture of classic vintage items with modern kitsch pieces, blending functionality with fun.
Louis Wain Psychedelic Cat Art Print.
Playful Functionality
- Fun Meets Practical: In a Kitschen, everyday items like toasters, tea kettles, or coffee mugs double as quirky decor. Even practical items might be bright or oddly shaped, adding an element of surprise.
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven.
- Vintage Furniture: Retro dining sets, chrome-legged tables, diner booths, or cushioned bar stools in bright vinyl give that classic feel while being fully functional.
Patterned Floors and Walls
- Checkerboard Floors: A black-and-white or red-and-white checkerboard floor is a common feature in the Kitschen style, adding to the diner-esque charm.
- Patterned Wallpaper: Fun, retro wallpapers with vintage-inspired patterns (floral, fruit, or geometric shapes) give the room character and depth.
Light Fixtures and Finishes
- Retro Lighting: Vintage-style pendant lights or neon signs are common. You might find colorful enamel lights or chrome fixtures reminiscent of old diners.
This is cute this dimmable drinking cat neon sign.
- Glossy and Chrome Finishes: Chrome or shiny metal accents are a key feature, used in everything from cabinet handles to appliance finishes, adding that classic retro feel.
Changing the handles on your cabinet doors can make a difference.
Humour and Personality
- Humourous Touches: There’s always an element of playfulness and humor in a Kitschen, whether it’s in the form of quirky magnets, humorous signs, or a playful mismatch of kitchen gadgets.
- Personalised with Collectibles: Many Kitschen enthusiasts display collections of vintage kitchen gadgets, novelty items, or retro dishware, creating a unique and personalised feel.
DIY and Upcycled Items
- Repurposed Finds: Part of the charm of a Kitschen comes from the inclusion of upcycled or DIY items. You might see old vintage items transformed into decor or functional pieces (e.g., a retro door turned into a kitchen table).
- Charity shop finds: Many items in a Kitschen are charity or second-hand, adding to the eclectic and personal aesthetic.
Vintage Collection of Kitsch Mice.
Overall Vibe
The Kitschen style is all about embracing whimsy, nostalgia, and individuality, with a design that feels fun, a little bit over-the-top, and full of character. It’s a space that doesn’t take itself too seriously and encourages creativity in decor, color choices, and accessories.
Vintage tea towels.