HOW TO CREATE A RETRO-STYLE KITCHEN
Keen to tap into the style of Camilo Torres’ kitchen? A few key touches are all it takes
Characterful kitchens are headlining right now, including those that give a nod to the past by referencing mid-century design. Try balancing the practical elements in your scheme with a retro-style aesthetic to get the look.
Old school
Retro kitchens are a winning choice because they deliver personality and style, and are well suited to the openplan living areas that many of us enjoy. The key to getting this look right is to avoid being a slave to the style, which can result in an overly dated finish. Instead, incorporate subtle design references with lighting, accessories and colour – details that can easily be substituted without having to replace costly worktops and units, should you wish to change your scheme in the future. Retro kitchens rely on an element of fun, so be playful with the finishes, opting for statement flooring, such as graphic tiles, and fittings with an old-school edge, such as vintage-style fridges and appliances. Painting wooden units in a pastel or bold colour will add a retro vibe, as will opting for a combination of fitted and unfitted pieces to create an eclectic look.
All in the detail
Before you start planning your kitchen, gather inspiration from magazines, moodboards and Pinterest. Scour antiques stores for dining tables and former school chairs for a unique mismatched look and create an informal feel with glass-fronted cabinetry and open shelving. Use variety to keep the effect contemporary, mixing original pieces, such as Hans Wegner Wishbone chairs, with modern elements, like pendant lights. If your budget won’t stretch to original classics, pick new pieces in a retro shape, as Camilo did with his mid-century-inspired Ikea table. And do mix materials, too. Camilo has paired oak touches with white cabinetry for a retro feel, carrying that combination through to the floor.