5 Vintage-Inspired Kitchen Colors To Infuse Your Space With Retro Charm

It's no secret that old is new again when it comes to home decor. Just take the trend of using vintage lighting to brighten kitchens, or including retro appliances to add some old-school charm. There's even a 1950s food revival coming in hot, bringing back the nostalgia of old-school desserts like Jell-O molds and ambrosia salad.

So while we're inspired by vintage everything right now, Food Republic chatted with Michele Iapicco, principal at Iapicco Design Studio, to find out which kitchen colors she thinks could work to bring retro charm into a modern space. And of course, she didn't disappoint. According to Iapicco, there are a handful of colors that work to bring that nostalgia into a kitchen, but without making it feel like you're just playing up a theme. Instead, these colors are timeless, evoking feelings of yesteryear while still being able to be updated. Think vintage and classic, but elevated and retro-chic.

Mint green tiles with black trim transport us right back to grandma's. When using it today, though, drop the black for a more modern spin. "A classic soft mint on lower cabinets or even a vintage fridge instantly says 1950s, but pair it with natural white oak cabinetry and brushed brass hardware[,] and the vibe becomes elevated, never kitschy," Michele Iapicco said.

When adding this to your kitchen, she also suggested including either a crisp white or subtly patterned tile backsplash to really pull the look together: "Think classic American diner, but subtle and sophisticated."

According to Michele Iapicco, buttery yellow is currently having a moment. "Warm, buttery yellow is reminiscent of mid-century kitchens but not overpowering," she said. "It pairs beautifully with deep green or navy for a more eclectic, layered look."

When using it in your kitchen, Iapicco recommended trying it out on your walls, pairing it with dark cabinets or shelves, like a deep walnut or mahogany. She also suggested adding a rattan pendant light and an accent wall dressed in floral wallpaper. "This mix is cheerful and welcoming, with just enough retro to feel fun," Iapicco said.

This color is bold yet subtle, and Michele Iapicco mentioned that it brings in both versatility and timelessness into a space. She said that it complements various colors and materials, "[pairing] just as well with crisp white tile or honed marble as it does with warm, natural woods like maple or white oak."

If you're looking for an old-school farmhouse look, she recommended installing a deep farmhouse sink coupled with "polished nickel or unlacquered brass hardware." You can also add in a schoolhouse pendant above your island or kitchen table. "If you're after a 1930s cottage vibe, layer in beadboard, open shelving, and delicate floral wallpaper in the breakfast nook," she added.

Another color that works overtime to bring retro-chic to the forefront is, of course, pink. "A pale blush or powder pink on cabinetry, tile, or even small appliances is such a lovely nod to 1950s pastels, especially when you mix in terrazzo or marble countertops," Michele Iapicco said.

She mentioned that if you're looking for a vintage vibe, but one that's a little more eclectic, using coral instead is a brilliant move. This is because, she noted, coral is both playful and elegant, which can work in various ways, including as an accent tile, door color, or even as a statement appliance. "It's just the right shot of energy to wake up a neutral palette, and it plays well with both vintage finds and modern touches," Iapicco explained.

No matter what trend or kitchen style you're going for, a warm cream will forever be a perfect base for you to choose. While it can be used for all kinds of styles, Michele Iapicco suggested pairing it with checkerboard floors or soapstone countertops when looking to create a vintage vibe.

Additionally, since cream allows other elements of the kitchen to stand out, she recommended going a little less traditional when choosing your cabinet doors. "Think beadboard, raised panel, or even inset doors — for a little extra visual interest beyond a basic shaker," Iapicco suggested. "Add in some unlacquered brass hardware and you'll have a space that feels both nostalgic and inviting."