Kitchen and Bath Pros Say the Latest Design Trend Goes Back in Time

As the first quarter of a century comes to a close, designs from the past are reemerging in kitchens and bathrooms to create a fun, uplifting environment. According to the National Kitchen + Bath Association (NKBA), retro appliances and fixtures are back in vogue. 

These looks, borrowed from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, tend to feature appliances and fixtures with bold colors; smooth, rounded edges; and shiny chrome detailing. Other popular features include bold brass faucets, pastel-colored refrigerators, terrazzo countertops, colorful cabinets, and midcentury light fixtures. Additionally, instead of touch screens and digital displays, homeowners are craving old-fashioned dials and knobs for controls. 

Keep reading to understand why this style is trending now and how you can make a statement with retro décor in your modern home. 

Why Retro Trends Are Making a Comeback

NKBA believes that “blending these throwback aesthetics with contemporary functionality has resulted in retro styles making a strong return in interior design, particularly for those looking to create a unique, eclectic, or vintage-inspired space.”

We spoke to an interior design expert who is seeing these kitchen trends and bathroom trends firsthand in his work. “Retro-inspired appliances and fixtures are experiencing a big comeback in home design right now,” says Veiko Kallas, interior designer and the founder of JALG. “It’s something I’ve been seeing a lot in recent projects and also at major trade shows like the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.” 

What’s the attraction? “I think this trend reflects a desire for comfort and personalization in home spaces, especially as many of us have spent a lot of time at home in recent years,” says Kallas. “Retro designs evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding people of a simpler, perhaps even ‘feel-good’ era, while today’s versions offer the performance and efficiency of modern technology.”

Kallas also believes retro-inspired appliances and designs offer the best of both worlds. “Retro designs have a distinct, charming aesthetic that appeals to those who want to move away from sleek, minimalist styles towards something warmer and more eclectic,” he says. 

Types of Retro Products Available

Numerous products are available on the market today to bring your retro bathroom and retro kitchen ideas to life. Brands like SMEG are popular for their vintage-inspired refrigerators, which come in beautiful pastel colors and rounded shapes reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s. “I’m seeing brass and chrome faucets with tactile knobs, along with cross-handle designs for both kitchens and bathrooms that mimic mid-century aesthetics,” notes Kallas. 

For lighting, Kallas likes pendant lights with frosted glass and Edison bulbs that give spaces a soft, nostalgic glow. Other great choices are sconces and chandeliers with brass or copper.

“Pedestal sinks and clawfoot tubs are also making a return in bathrooms, often paired with vintage-style tiles to complete the retro look,” says Kallas. NKBA also recommends fixtures with mid-century style, such as cross handles, gooseneck spouts, and polished finishes like chrome and brass to mimic old-fashioned kitchens or baths. 

Caryn Paradis, founder of Studio Paradis in Chester, Connecticut, is currently getting lots of requests for modern appliances and fixtures that have details inspired by the past. “We just put an AGA induction range in a home, at the client’s request, because of its more classic lines and cross handles. It looks vintage but uses completely modern technology,” she says.

How to Incorporate Retro Design in Your Modern Home

If you’re concerned about adding retro elements to your otherwise contemporary home, keep some tips in mind for success. First of all, it’s important to understand that most of the retro-inspired products today are designed using modern technology, so you don’t have to give up functionality and convenience to achieve the retro vibe. 

• Start small. “To successfully blend retro elements with modern design, I recommend starting with small touches rather than going all-in right away,” suggests Kallas. “Consider adding a single statement appliance, like a retro fridge in a fun color, or go with vintage-inspired lighting fixtures to create a focal point.” 
• Consider function and integration. “Make sure any retro-inspired product used in a space has a reason to be there,” says Paradis. “Visually, it should play well with the other items in the space, and that can be through color, scale, or repetition,” says Paradis. This one functional and vintage design element might be all it takes.
• Use a balanced mix of materials. Mixing materials like brass or chrome with wood or glass can also help soften the overall look and ensure that these retro touches complement rather than overwhelm the space, says Kallas. “Also, focus on finding a balance; you can consider combining colorful retro cabinets with a modern, neutral backsplash to keep things cohesive.” 
• Keep texture in mind. Don’t be afraid to play with texture, says Kallas. “For example, a terrazzo countertop or backsplash pairs beautifully with vintage brass hardware, creating a well-rounded look that feels thoughtfully curated.”
• Create some harmony. Kallas also offers some aspects to be cautious about when incorporating retro kitchen ideas into a modern home. “Retro pieces can sometimes clash with other design elements if you don’t choose them carefully,” he says. “If you’re going for a vintage fridge or a brass faucet, it’s essential to harmonize these items with the rest of the decor.” 

Finally, go into your project knowing that genuine retro appliances are usually more expensive, so they might require a bigger investment upfront.