Candace channeling the Marilyn, too!
Is it possible to create a flirty kitchen worth of Dita Von Teese — in a rental apartment? In this week’s Retro Design Dilemma, reader Candace asks us to help her make her basic brown kitchen feel a little more feminine and — yes, retro-sexy. To give us an idea of the look she wants, Candace pointed to burlesque star Dita Von Teese’s retro kitchen. Well, hello, pink! Of course, paint would be ‘most anyone’s first idea to begin to channel the Dita. Alas, Candace is in a rental, and the landlord will not allow her to paint the cabinets or the walls. So, we need to recommend creative decorating ideas that she can remove easily.
It’s time to play decorator, readers — what do you recommend to spice up Candace’s kitchen in pretty pin-up girl style — on a budget, no pink paint in sight? Continue on for Candace’s quandary –>
Candace writes:
I was referred to you by your Facebook page. So here is my dilemma. I absolutely love Dita Von Teese’s kitchen — if you’ve seen it, that’s what I’m going for. This is just an idea that I have, but I am open to suggestions. Unfortunately, I can’t paint the the cabinets. I’m hoping that I can tape or nail in a design — for example, diamond shapes. I want something that would last long — something that I could buy and/or reuse over and over again. I want the kitchen to be in pastel colors… I can’t wait to see what ideas you have.
It’s nice that Candace has a large dining area on one end of her galley kitchen — with plenty of room for a table and chairs. She also has a fun pass-through in the kitchen — peeking into the living room — where she can place a collection of decorative objects. It’s challenging that no paint can be applied, but I think that with readers’ help, we are up to the challenge to suggest ideas to emulate the feminine, flirty vintage feel of Dita Von Teese’s kitchen <– see it here.
Readers — what would you do to add some Dita Von Teese sugar and spice to this rental kitchen?
Watch our uncensored Google+ hangout where we discuss Candace’s kitchen:
Pams mood board for a Dita Von Teese kitchen — Posies and Polka Dots
1. Vintage pink club aluminum dutch oven – Ebay seller r-great-stuff
2. Pink KitchenAid mixer – Amazon.com
3. Jessie Steele pink polka dot apron — Layla Grayce
4. Ticking stripes tailored valance in pink — Country Curtains
5. Vintage metal Tole Dome chandelier embedded Crystal shade light from lampdoctor32 on Ebay
6. Vintage head vase with original plastic flowers – from Ebay seller 2010hamjam79
7. Pink ceramic lady head vase from Ebay seller iisiss
8. Vintage pink dinette set — reader Wendy’s from the uploader
9. Geometric Floorcloth — CanvasWorks (other options are this wool runner on sale at RugStudio or one of these black and white runners at FoFlor.com). Or, you could paint your own faux “linoleum rug” — reader Lauren shows us hers, and we also link to several online tutorials.
Kate’s mood board for a Dita Von Teese: Saucy and Sweet
1. Pink KitchenAid Mixer – Amazon.com
2. Vintage Martex kitchen towel — Etsy seller fuzzandfu
3. Pink Hostess Vintage-Inspired Apron – Sur la Table
4. Pink Vintage Boudoir Slippers — Etsy seller SusanHaywardVintage
5. Pinwheel Pink Fabric Blended Accent Rugs (2×3 and 5×8) — Overstock.com
6. Vintage Pink domed glass ceiling light fixture – Etsy seller ivorybird
7. Too Cool for School Retro Modern Wall Clock — Amazon.com
8. Park B. Smith vintage inspired window valance — Macy’s
9. Vintage pink dinette set — reader Laurie’s from our uploader
In addition to our mood boards — Pam asked her friend Margaret from AWayToGarden.com about the pretty pinky plant that Dita keeps on her windowsill. Margaret’s response:
Caladium. Not really a houseplant — it is an “annual” up North, grown from bulb-like tubers, and can be used in shady pots or the shady garden beds. Down South it can grow in the ground.
The folks over at Caladium World allowed us to use this photo of their pink illusion Caladium, which looks like a pretty close match to the variety on Dita’s windowsill. Adding this bit of “greenery” or “pinkery” if you want to call it that to Candace’s ledge in her pass through would be one more way to make her kitchen a little more like Dita’s.
Finally, Hannah is a super-reader who continually researches terrific etsy finds and gathers them for us to ogle and maybe even buy. Coincidentally, she just told Pam about her latest treasury — pink kitchen finds, above. Click the photo to see that treasury, or click here to see all of Hannah’s etsy treasuries, curated with Retro Renovation readers in mind. Thank you, Hannah!
Well my first thought was paint…but since you can’t do that, go with adding a lot of stuff. Dita’s place has a fun flirty feel with 3 major things – the pink, the flowers, and Dita herself. Since the last one is probably expensive to hire, I’d buy as many decorations as I could afford to do the job for me. Get a piece of furniture for that wall where the round mirror is, paint the piece pink. You might want to paint your fridge pink too, if it’s your own. Get a long runner of black and white lino for the middle of the kitchen, seek out decor, kitchenware and tea towels that all have pasel shades and preferrably a few pin up images, for that flirt emphasis. Also, find a dining table and paint it pink with pale green chairs, and keep a bag vase of flowers on it all the time. Once you’ve done that, you shouldn’t notice the brown cupboards.
Totally jealous of your almond oven and fridge. <3
My advice for pink touches is visit Etsy, and do a search for 'vintage pink kitchen' and you'll get a ton of pages with kitschy, pink items. From towels (some never even used!), to dishes, curtains, appliances/utensils, dish drainers, salt & pepper shakers, aprons and more. You can do the same sort of search on eBay as well.
Good luck!
Ok, you can buy a magnetic pink fridge front, just google FridgeFronts, they have pink then you can remove it if you move. Also, I would figure out some kind of removable material for the diamond ish shape on the cabinets cut that out in pink and put that on all the cabinets and drawers. The rest is just decorations, maybe some rugs on the floor and there you go, transformed.
I am so thrilled you mentioned that fridgefront.com! I love it! They have magnetic and vinyl for fridges and diswashers… You could use that same vinyl on the cupboards. Trace and cut out the shape inside the trim like you suggested and that vinyl would be perfect. Whammo, pink cabinets.
I need to research these vinyl things more — maybe removable wallpaper would be less expensive than the vinyl for so many surfaces…
Funny you should mention that, because the first place my mind went was temporary wallcoverings. I did a search for starched-on fabric and also got a couple of articles like this one:
http://blog.homes.com/2012/02/accenting-walls-with-temporary-wallpaper-and-fabric/
There are links to several different manufacturers, but if you scroll down and look at the Warner Wallcoverings examples, there is a perfect pink pattern that would look wonderful on that narrow wall in her dining room.
It’s in one of those stories that I read the hall and foyer cost $600 to wallpaper with temporary wallpaper… worth looking at, maybe you might find it on sale.
I believe that there is a company that makes a repositionable and removable vinyl shelf liner, and I’m fairly certain that you can get it in pink. That would be something that could be cut and applied to the inner areas of the cabinet doors to bring in the the pink color without damaging the finish of the cabinets.
hmmmm — repositionable shelf liner? That sounds promising to potentially use on the cabinet fronts, inside the trim! And I bet it’s not as expensive as removable wallpaper!
Yes!!! I’m right there with Michael and Pam! Its called Contact© paper (which is actually thin vinyl) – and its your FRIEND! Even if you can’t find it in pink – my 1st thought was: Get yourself a fabulous pink Mix-Master (function AND a statement!) and then have a paint store mix up a similar color in satin finish. Roll out some contact paper, paint it pink, and I’d apply it right to the in-sets on your cabinetry. (you can also apply the Contact first, then paint it – but be careful!) I’ve done it before. Its awesome, its inexpensive, and most of all its removeable!
Next: WHO SAYS you can’t paint your kitchen walls a light sunny yellow? In “most” apartment houses, so long as you return it to white when you leave – where’s the harm ?
I’m also on board with the idea of a runner of some sort in black and white check pattern. It’ll add a spark of ‘retro’ – and the black and white will be a neat-o contrast.
Lastly: DON’T cover up those gorgeous Almond colored appliances! I gasped in envy when I saw them – they’re beautiful and they’re so unusual (now) that I couldn’t imagine living without them!
Make sure you post your results, whatever you do! That looks like a lovely apartment! Good luck! M.
I used contact paper on my cupboards when i rented and they turned out great!!
I was going to suggest contact paper too. When we bought our house it even had contact paper on the counter tops…I used them for two years before replacing them and it actually held up quite well!
I actually found at Big Lots (years ago) 36″ wide heavy gauge black contact paper….guess what color my counters are and have been for over 10 years….
This one is a real challenge! For starters, I think those are the contractor basic cabinets with pressboard doors and drawer fronts covered with contact paper that were common in the seventies and eighties, and you can’t paint those. You can see one drawer next to the stove already disintegrated or broke and was replaced by a blank drawer front. They really are best left alone. I am not the least bit decorator minded but I can’t see pink in this kitchen at all. The brown and almond leads me to earth tones. The rental company started off wrong with that color floor, in my opinion, which is too gray or pinkish or whatever with the brown cabinets; it is hard to tell from the photos. If it were my place, I would go with COPPER! My first house had copper cabinet hardware and hinges and I put in alot of copper and wrought iron accents and it came out stunning. Find a copper legged table or spray a black legged wrought iron one with that copper fleck paint, either for dining or for that wall by the living roon. I would decorate the soffits with trivets or copper molds and you can use those stick-on things rather than nails. There are alot of neat mirrors, sconces and big copper trays around too. You can drift off into orange and bittersweet/rust colors too, which are hot right now and maybe even blend in pink here and there. And put down a multi-colored runner with copper and maybe pink as the main colors. Go with Penny’s and Hannah’s further suggestions for accessorizing. This is not your pink dream kitchen, but copper/salmon is close and I think a better choice. I apologize for deviating from the pink, but I would save your dream of a hot or pale pink kitchen for your next place! Rentals are hard to decorate when there are limitations.
Pink and brown are good together. This is a common color combination for modern mothers-to-be for their baby clothes and nurseries.
I think lots of pink would be great. I don’t know if you can get that material they use to cover big buses with ads, but maybe that could go inside the cabinet insets.
First I would pinkify the floor with removable carpet tiles like these from Flor You can mix in some black ones for checkerboard. http://www.flor.com/catalogsearch/result/?order=relevance&dir=desc&q=pink&search_submit=Search The advantage of this is they can be lifted up and washed and they won’t slip on the tile. You can get some magnetic panels printed for the fridge. Find a cool retro design and take it to a place where they make them for cars. I’m not sure how they would stand up to the heat of an oven.
Go to a fabric store and check into removable adhesives that you can spray on fabric so that you could attach it to the insets on the cupboard doors. You need something like they use on post-it notes that won’t leave a residue…be sure to test! Then you can find a cute print and cover the center part of the cupboard doors. I envision poodles or a retro Paris theme. You can make a table cloth out of the fabric to tie in the dining area.
Next you need some pink or white appliances. I have seen Kitchen Aid blenders and mixers in pink. You can also find some vintage stuff but check the wiring!
For the pass-thru I envision some vintage planters in pastels. Be sure to get them big enough that the plants stay healthy.
Looks like a fun project!
I’ve heard you can use spray starch to attach fabric to surfaces. When you’re done, you just peel it off and wipe clean.
You could also hang a curtain with a retro print over the little window or over the doorway to (what may be) the washer/dryer. And get some fun rugs — Target had flower rugs that were sort of retro and you might check The Company Store, they sometimes have good colors. You could replace the cabinet pulls with something glittery. You might find a retro light shade at the ReStore, too — a light fixture could make all the difference.
Totally off topic … but this would be an easy kitchen to Go Hawaii! in. You could hula girl it up really easily and inexpensively with a beaded curtain, maybe some grass skirt stuff over the soffits, and a couple of prints of Gauguin (which aren’t in Hawaii, but look like they could be.) Add a little grassy rug and there you are.
Kate H
Thanks, Kate — I agree, Target has retro decor and the Company Store is a great tip, too. It’s also good to hear ideas about non-Dita ways to go! I agree, this kitchen could “go tiki” in a heartbeat!
People are pretty obsessed with decorating temporarily with washi tape. You could try that on cabinet fronts or walls.
They also do make removable wallpaper. Not sure if it would work on cabinets, but you could do an accent wall or all walls. From what I hear, it is worth it.
Then, just like everyone else said.. colorful accessories! I see a metal wire shelf with painted pots of colorful plants in them (whew, say that 10 times fast!) Vintage pyrex can do a number too, it is so classic and bright!
Bright rugs will help a lot too.
Oh man I was so out of the loop on this washi tape you speak of but a quick google search and wham! Love it, will have to get a few rolls!
Thanks for these ideas, Bandita, I have never heard of Washi tape!
I have a friend who did this, lacking a window in the kitchen she hung a window frame mirror (found on ebay). She then hung Vintage curtains in red and white on a curtain rod.
Terrific idea. Some window frames even have ledges — great for tchotchkes.
It would take some precision work, but you might consider covering thin foam board/gator board panels with fabric or painted design (seal to preserve, especially in kitchen). If you cut the panels to match the decorative trim on the front of the cabinets, you could hang inside of each cabinet front using the 3M brand Velcro strips. (These have a great, removable adhesive backing. One side will stick the Velcro to the cabinet – and can be removed when you relocate – the other will stick the Velcro to the back of the panels you create.)
Sound like a good idea — as long as the velcro comes off!
From this fine blog I’ve seen ideas using painted stencil that might look good. Also, there was a post about a transfer you could make to put on the front of your dishwasher too; that was good. If you can replace your light fixtures inexpensively I’d do that along with adding a MCM clock of your choice. A touch of MCM aqua and orange is always good for me as well and I think it would go with the browns but I’m no decorator. Good luck, it looks like fun!
Yes — here’s the story about Kathy and how she made a custom dishwasher panel — http://retrorenovation.com/2012/08/06/make-a-decorator-dishwasher-panel-from-a-vintage-cookbook-cover/
Dang it! Can’t view Dita’s kitchen, so I’m having to imagine it in my mind’s eye.
Great apartment, Candace. “Pink up” your kitchen with accessories. It truly will take on a rosy glow. I concur with the idea of using copper. There is a set of vintage cannisters made by Mirro, Westbend (?) in a pinkish copper color metal which I can visualize on your counter. Pink Pyrex, too.
If it would give you enough light in your kitchen, maybe install a pink light bulb in the overhead fixture just for fun. And, how about a pink laminate and chrome dinette set? Good luck with your project. We’d all love to see its outcome.
One thing to do is to remove the cabinet doors and put up some small tension rods and hang curtains over your cupboards. (you can store them in the back of the closet and put back when you move) That gives you the oportunity to reduce the brown and infuse your color choice. As far as the sides of the cabinets, since you can’t paint, again I would use fabric. By stretching the fabric from above the tops and pinning down with tacks, coming down the sides then pinning under, you won’t be leaving any visible marks on the cabinets, yet you’ll have the color you want. Using some inexpensive broad cloth gives you loads of color choices. Basically you’re gift wrapping your cabinets in cloth which can go when you leave. This leaves you with minimal brown on drawer fronts, and very neutural countertops, floor and appliances. Use your vintage collection or find some goodies at a thrift shop to add your personality and check out Pinterest for some great DIY ideas on a budget. I too, have a ’70′s tiny galley kitchen that I’m in the starting phase of remodeling back to the 40′s. Have fun! P.S. taking off the cabinet doors over the fridge and leaving them open gives a great space from displaying some awsome vintage cookware or cookbooks.
Wow! The kitchen is very cool! Best of luck using ideas from everyone.
As far as pastels, they work best when balanced with bold colors, such as pink and yellow with hints of red and black. Adding green will create a more soothing atmosphere, use plants and accessories for this.
You might consider removing a set of doors from the upper cabinets, and use contact paper with a bold graphic to draw your eye away from the doors. Cover the back, sides, and shelves of the cabinet with the contact paper. Add a stick on light to the inside top for drama. Maybe remove the doors on either side of the oven, and maybe the 3 near the sink. I would hang a tension rod across the area in front of the sink to create the illusion of a window. Use ruffled retro cafe style curtains and hang a mirrored window frame there. Divide the end large opening (wash/dry/?) with another tension rod, but hang floor length drapes with coordinating fabric from the other curtains. There should be detailed pull backs both areas, like red ball trim or dark green velvet trim. Hang a set of vintage plates (pick some up of you haven’t started collecting!) across the ugly soffit above the oven area. Get a custom piece of mirror glass cut to place in the peek a boo opening, and use pink depression glass and other small accessories such as cherries in a glass bowl or red ladybug themed items to add some red into the mix. The floor should have black and white checkerboard, up to you but a long carpet runner or peel n stick tiles would work great. The inspiration kitchen had a lot of plants, if you can hang some plants or add a plant table with fun planters to the entrance this will add life and dimension. The table could be a black curved wire style, simple detailing or it could have a cute sewn skirt. Another idea is to find a small buffet server for the entrance to the kitchen. They open up on the top for more surface area and you could use it as a beverage station. The counters are great, dress them up with a well placed trivet or cutting board. A pink kitchen aid appliance, many small appliances are offered in pink for breast cancer support. Hang vintage trays above the table seating area, they add vertical impact if they are large, and you can put them to use when you entertain. If possible, add a round dining table. It will feel more retro and the shape echoes the past. Repurpose the oak colored chairs and find some second hand vintage chairs, they do not need to match but you can add some Dita charm using fabric seat cushions. If you must have a tablecloth, find a black one and set it up with light colored pastel dishware and glasses. Old fashioned pink rubber gloves could be hung on a clothesline in your washer dryer area. Add curtains to the washer dryer area window. Ask your landlord about adding door pulls, you could use some bling if allowed. Finally, pick up a vintage looking apron for yourself to wear while you are in there! Hang it in a spot where you can admire it, and the kitchen.
i’m on board with the contact paper idea – or, for more color/pattern options, you can use non-contact paper:
http://offbeathome.com/2011/08/color-kitchen-cabinets
hmmmmm, that link is very interesting. I would be concerned that double sided tape would wreck the finish of the cabinets. As I mentioned in another response — maybe one roll of removable wallpaper cut to fit the insets?
Since there can be no paint or wallpaper, what about fabric on the walls? I think it goes up with regular old liquid starch. Then when you leave, you just pull it off the wall with no damage and then wash the wall. She could at least do this on the soffit. has she asked the landlord about paint? When we rented, we were allowed to paint, but had to RE paint white when we left.
I guess if none of the above is an option, then think pink for everything else. Canister sets, mixer, dish towels, throw rugs, dishes, etc. Look at Salem’s Pink Bamboo. Look for some awesome pink dishware at estate sales too,
Yes, fabric applied with liquid starch has always interested me. There are also “removable wallpapers” now, but I think they are pretty expensive. Maybe one roll of removable wallpaper (if Candace can find a pattern she likes) cut in pieces to fit the insets on the cabinet doors?
I did this when I had to deal with military base housing, and it works great! Soak the fabric in the cheapo liquid starch until saturated, squeeze out the excess, and smooth onto the wall. Let dry thorougly. Not good in bathrooms just because of the humidity. When you’re ready to move, just peel the fabric off and wash the walls with a sponge to remove any starch residue.
I know this isn’t the answered desired, but given the difficulties of changing a rental, why not embrace what is already there? I can easily envision a mix of burnt orange, avocado green and harvest gold. Mod, funky mushrooms, owls, and pop flowers, seventies soul, copper accents.
db…I second that! The brown cabinets would look amazing in a sea of avocado green, yellow and orange items. For example, Sears Merry Mushroom kitchen canisters…swoon.
When I look at Dita’s kitchen, I see LOADS of pinky, girlie accessories – she’s got the hanging tole fixture over the sink, a pink ‘kitchen timer’ and even the plant behind her has pink in its leaves.:) I love the idea of the copper/pink combo – especially if you can’t paint the cabs – why fight this? copper/brown/pink – love the idea someone gave about the ‘fake vintage window’ over the sink? – Maybe with a built-in sill for some frilly pink ‘lady heads’ – just like Dita! Also, the window towards the back of the kitchen needs some vintage pink-based fabric curtains – I’m seeing lace down the edges and having them pulled back – like in all the 40′s movies. Area rugs to cover your floor – look at the thrift stores, estate sales, garage sales to keep your costs low. Can you take the front of your cabs down? Would it be possible to have open cabinets on some of your shelving? That way you could store maybe pink/copper dishes, glasses, etc? Love the idea of the pink Pyrex too!You have a darling set-up – and a great kitchen! I’m a realtor and many of my clients who are purchasing homes would love to have that kitchen!!:) Enjoy:)
These are all terrific ideas and I agree, a lot can be found vintage — plus the hunt is fun!
btw, I JUST saw Dita on an “Oddities” episode – she was looking for another bird for her collection and settled on a (what else?) flamingo! I thought her FABULOUS!:)
I can’t view the photos of Dita Von Teese’s kitchen, so I’m flying a little blind. My first thought was to add pink panels to the existing cabinet insets. There has to be some sort of product you can stick to the cabinets without damaging them. I also like the idea of removing the existing cabinet doors and putting up pink curtains. The problem with Candice’s kitchen is that the biggest surfaces are all brown. Adding a few accent pieces isn’t going to alleviate that. She needs to do something pretty drastic to get the look she’s going for.
Hi Candace. Thanks for sharing your kitchen.When I look at the photo of Dita’s kitchen, I see that Dita (or her photo stylist) has been very clever in creating a luxurious, hazy pink backdrop that showcases the real star, Dita herself. That big swath of pink allows the sharp red, black and white palette on Ms. Von Teese to really pop. The decorations around the kitchen all place emphasis on Dita, too. The little face figurines are like mini Ditas. There is the face of the dog, gazing with adoration at Dita. His sharp little nose is like an arrow pointing right at her, and it directs all eyes toward her. The variegated plant is lush and organic, and is positioned to embrace Dita like a mink stole.
So, if Dita had your kitchen, she would decorate in a way that made sure she was the main attraction. All of the decorative objects and colors would be chosen not simply because they are from a certain era, or are a certain color, but because they help create an atmosphere that emphasizes her particular type of striking beauty.
You, too, are a very striking person, with a real sense of style. The photo of you shows that you are daring, sexy, and confident with your appearance, qualities shared with Dita Von Teese. You have decorated your apartment with objects that are well placed and not cluttered. I think that even with the current wall and cabinet colors, you can create an environment that is as luxurious and sexy as in Dita’s kitchen, but which reflects your striking personality as well, and puts the emphasis on you!
Both you and Dita are dressed in red, black and white in your photos. I think you could use those colors, as well as pink and silver, to create a luxurious environment. For instance, you could get some black and white photos or posters of Hollywood stars such as Jean Harlow and Lena Horne, and hang them in the dining area over the table — maybe one big poster of a star, or a grouping of four smaller photographs. You could get a silvery tablecloth, and use pink or black cloth napkins and table accessories. You could repaint the round frame of the mirror, perhaps painting it one solid color such as red, or, leave the black triangles and paint the beige triangles in silver. Over the sink, you could put a grouping of pink flowered plates from the 1950s, or some old silver trays. You could fill that glass candy jar with red or pink candies. I love the green glass jar, and I’d leave it on the pass-through and add a pink ceramic planter holding a pink-and-green variegated plant such as Dita has in her kitchen. Then, you could use these same colors in your living room.
Please share photos of your new look when you’ve pulled it together!
JKaye, your comments are spot on! Very insightful — made me go back and look at the photo again.
@ JKaye
Oh my gosh you have my mind! lol. I have a very big poster of Audrey Hepburn sitting at the table from Breakfast At Tiffany’s I was going to put that above my dining room table. And I was also wanting a few pictures of retro diners there are some that have the LED lights so the car lights, stars, and signs light up. It’s really cool. Thank you, and thank you for the compliment. All I did was take a picture. lol.
I think you should let go of “all pink” and embrace pink & brown as a combination. Find a runner rug with that combination (or use Flor as someone already suggested). I’ve seen lots of rugs that combine pink and brown in a polka dot pattern — that could be ideal! Often this design is intended for kids’ rooms, so it is not too expensive.
Next put pink curtains on the window. If you can’t put holes in the wall, maybe a magnetic curtain rod will stick to the blind header. A frilly cottage sheer with ruffles would be my choice.
Remove the plates even though they are cute, and replace with a large canvas that is mostly pink. I just saw instructions on Apartment Therapy for how you can make an inexpensive poster into a fake “painting” by wrapping it on a canvas frame. Or buy fabric that works with your theme (pink & brown poodles?) and stretch it on a frame. Or maybe make your own abstract art. The idea here is to fill up most of that space above the sink with pink that has just a few touches of brown to carry the theme through.
A few pink and brown accessories on the counter and I think you are good to go.
Yes, I think all your pink & brown recommenders are making a great point — it’s a great color combo.
Think Chocolate/Vanilla/strawberry for your kitchen…like this apron:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/123404373/retro-pink-cupcake-apron-premium-fabric?utm_source=googleproduct&utm_medium=syndication&utm_campaign=GPS&gclid=CKaqvca-2bUCFW3ZQgodGEEAjQ
Pink and copper canisters: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Beautyware-Lincoln-Pink-Copper-Kitchen-Canisters-Flour-Sugar-Tea-Coffee-/111015416413?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d908d25d
I’ve seen other vintage canisters aluminum maybe, with a pinkish tinge.
Vintage pink/brown serving trays..I hang mine for decoration:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/95484418/vintage-metal-serving-trays-shabby?ref=sr_gallery_24&ga_search_query=brown+pink&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=vintage
Finding lots of pink and brown vintage goodness:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/113198459/mid-century-mosaic-pink-brown-glazed?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=pink+and+brown&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=XX&ga_vintage_rewrite=vintage+pink+and+brown&ga_original_query=2&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=vintage
BTW, I nearly bought the pink KitchenAid but finally decided on the cool aqua…the queen of the kitchen (I call mine Grace Kelly).
Beautiful, yes you are quite right, going pink-and-brown would work beautifully! Golly, pink is a “neutral”
YUM!
Yes, yum indeed…I keep thinking Bon Bons & Neopolitan Ice Cream…but, one more for the Diva look…oh, so “I Love Lucy” entertaining dress: http://www.etsy.com/listing/122537383/vintage-1950s-party-lines-brown-and-pink?ref=sr_gallery_35&ga_search_query=brown+pink+vintage&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=XX&ga_search_type=all
Ack, somebody stop me…can you just see this Retro Mod fabric on a lamp drum shade? I sure can:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/111512412/great-retro-mid-century-mod-barkcloth-in?ref=sr_gallery_16&ga_search_query=brown+pink+retro+fabric&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=XX&ga_search_type=all
And, the seller also has this vintage curtain turned into pillows…I’m in love..heavy sigh: http://www.etsy.com/listing/24191423/60s-mod-geometric-pillow-eco-friendly?
@TammyCA Oh my gosh I love it! I love Lucy’s party dresses! She wore this black sheer party dress with black pants and the dress had black dots on it. I just love it! Hopefully, when I do buy it (not at the moment) it will be available if not I will have someone make it for me if I don’t have time to make it myself
Thanks for the idea! I’m so happy!
I know which one you’re talking about…it’s the Lucy in Hollywood episode..my favorite episode. You can find a mini version of the Lucy/Barbie doll on eBay wearing it…complete with the fake nose.
Wonderful!
1. Replace the overhead light fixture with a vintage Italian tole chandelier.
2. Those lady-head planters by Lefton are pretty inexpensive on eBay. A row of them on your pass through would be tres Dita.
3. There is a line of pinkish kitchen accessories, (vintage 50′s), by Randsburg… breadbox, foil/saran wrap dispenser, canisters, etc… The color scheme is pink, brown, and light green… perfect to coordinate with your cabinets. I had the complete set. Found on eBay.
4. Find a bold black/white diamond or checkboard runner… or paint one on canvas!
5. Create a view! Hang a lush oversized nicely framed picture over the sink.
6. If you are brave… find a pinkie brownie greenie wallpaper and cut to fit within the trim on your cabinets. Make sure it is peelable and be prepared for a little trouble to remove when you move out.
7. The right vintage tea towels hung on your oven handle will help transform the appliance.
Sorry, the spelling is Ransburg…
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ransburg-Pink-Retro-Rooster-Canister-Set-/261174779978?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ccf3ae04a
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fab-Rare-Vintage-PINK-Chrome-Retro-Ransburg-Canister-Set-/251234959873?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a7ec54201
http://www.ebay.com/itm/REDUCED-SET-OF-2-RETRO-RANSBURG-CANISTERS-METAL-SPOONS-TEAPOT-CRUETS-ON-/251235937338?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a7ed42c3a
Gorgeous!!!
Those are all perfect for a vintage pink kitchen — good work!
@Teresa I love the cannister set! My Grandmommy still has hers and it’s red with white lettering and white top. Those are really cute! Thanks!
Fantastic ideas, all, Teresa!!!!
For shapes on your cabinets, how about pink/patterned washi tape? There’s tons of it on Etsy. If you cut it out carefully you could create a repeating diamond design, and it’s a paper tape, so it comes off (maybe a little goo gone to remove residue).
Love the inspiration boards!
I have continued to hunt, based on some reader comments. Maybe this “self adhesive shelf liner” would work — it’s relatively inexpensive, I *think* it is removable, and it may come in a pink that would work: Self Adhesive Shelf Liner – 2 Pack – rugby chevron graphite – Buy 4, pay for 3 Promotion!
*amazon affiliate link, a girl’s gotta live
This blogger used it, she says *removable*: http://thedecorologist.com/how-to-spruce-up-a-hutch-with-shelf-liner
Okay, I’m reading that Con-Tact paper is REMOVABLE today. This was news to me. See:
Solid Pink Contact Paper
and in general:
Search Con-Tact paper on Amazon
both are affiliate links
I still think I’d start with accessories and maybe even first-first, a vintage dinette
Yes, it appears that Con-Tact is saying their “Creative Coverings” are removable! http://www.contactbrand.com/product-category/adhesive-shelf-liners/
I really need to compare this to “removable wallpaper” but I *think* that this Con-Tact, if it really works on walls, would be way way cheaper.
$20 fr 75 linear foot roll at Wal-Mart! http://www.walmart.com/ip/Con-Tact-Creative-Covering-Multipurpose-Shelf-Liner-18-x-75-Roll-Mirabella/20895776
I love that design! That’s amazing! Thanks!
This kitchen reminds me of the kitchen in Cliff Barnes’ apartment on the original Dallas, or maybe even The Jeffersons. If it were my place and I couldn’t paint I would turn this into a disco retro kitchen with lots of Harvest Gold and one of the Bauhaus knockoff rattan dinettes.
Then I’d go buy myself a wardrobe worthy of Dita herself.
I found retro tropical repositional wallpaper and also used it as shelf liner, you can get new drawer pulls, i had never heard of the fridgefront but i have a white fridge so just change pix around, i usually print out something like a a great vintage movie poster but i had always wanted a cobalt blue fridge – i’ve also discovered the great selection of tape now which can resemble metal – those faux tin ceiling tiles can be used as backspash, also decals of everything you can even make your own including “mosaic” decals, i put up the turquoise diamond shapes everywhere – all removable
…and LED lighting is way cool, so inexpensive now, i found these round LED lites that can change color, very indirect glow, for $1.99 at walmart – i do mix old with new
Dita’s kitchen is pink AND yellow, so don’t forget to integrate this color, too, because it will work beautifully with your existing brown cabinets! I don’t know what your budget is, so I’m going to lean towards inexpensive and you can splurge more where you’re able. Here’s what I’d do. Remove the cabinet doors on either side of your range hood, cover the backs of this inside exposed area with the pale yellow seen on Dita’s counters and walls (perhaps a painted piece of posterboard stapled up?), and use these two areas to display pretty pink things like mixing bowls and also vintage cookbooks. For the rest of your upper cabs, find something pink for the door fronts (wallpaper, contact paper, or even painted posterboard), like others have suggested, and for at least SOME of your bottom cabinets, especially those under the sink, remove the doors and use a tension rod with tier/cafe curtains in either solid pink or a pink/yellow pattern (in a matching or coordinating pattern to the valance you will use on the window). If it seems the window is too far away from the kitchen, I’d even throw the valance up on a tension rod in the doorway to bring the color closer. Adhesive pink covers for the range front, dishwasher, and fridge doors would help a lot towards removing the earth tones and bringing in the pastels. For the soffits over the cabinets, could you buy a roll of paintable wallpaper, paint it yellow (because you will have a lot of pink), cut it to fit and staple it up there instead of applying it wet? A dab of paint on the staples would hide most sins. I agree that the lady head vases would be perfect for your pass-through, and I think a large canvas art piece or even a framed poster using pink, yellow, black and a vintage theme, would be gorgeous over the sink — I just bet you could get a 24×36″ up there and make a big fat statement. If you change a light fixture out (if your landlord will allow that), do the one over the kitchen sink. If it’s not allowed, get a little floral chandelier (maybe a candelier?) and hang it over the sink all the same. Perhaps get some Homco or Syroco floral wall art or sconces, and spray paint them in aqua or jade green (colors I notice Ms. Von Teese has for accents) to bring in that sculptured floral look while adding color and a vintage accent. A nice scrolly piece of ironwork would be pretty over that back doorway to give that wall some oomph and tie into black/white checkerboard (look at Hobby Lobby). I love the idea of a black/white checkerboard rug with a pink/chrome vintage looking dinette set in your eating area, and here’s my final tip: you might consider going to the dollar store and looking for faux greenery that resembles her pink/green caladium, because it would go a long way towards softening all the square, hard edges if you had it cascading out of a few areas (such as in the display cabinets, over a shelf edge where you have your mixing bowls, or in an arrangement on the table, etc).
Note, I think that when I looked closely, the soffits have popcorn ceiling on them — so they couldn’t be temp-wallpapered. There are vertical walls that could take it, though.
I found this adorable pink and gold urn hidden away in my favorites today and thought of this story. I use something similar to put my wooden spoons, spatulas and utensils in next to my stove.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/103364553/vintage-urn-vase?ref=usr_faveitems
Beautiful!
The Club Aluminum dutch oven came in pink!!!!?????? I love my aqua one, but pink is too cool!!
So I FINALLY read through all the comments and links oh my gosh! Thank you so much! The pink and brown aprons, and sorry I can’t remember who posted this link: http://offbeathome.com/2011/08/color-kitchen-cabinets but that is a great idea! I was thinking maybe having it pink pastels with a flower in the middle or pink and brown polka dots inside and outside the border. I’m so excited! My head is spinning with so much help from you all, now I have to sort everything out and visualize how I want this to look. Once I’m finished with the kitchen the rest of the apartment will scream retro. Except for my bedroom, I’m going to make that Victorian
Thank you all! <3
It’s a challenging project, but that just means you have to be more creative.
On Painting. Depending on how long you are planning to be there, a trick I’ve used in the past is you can probably get permission to paint the walls IF you agree to restore them to the present color when you move. In fact, you can even sell it as an incentive to the landlord, they won’t need to repaint after you move as you will have already done that. You get to enjoy pink walls while you are there, they save time and money on getting the apartment ready to rent again after you move.
Light Bulbs… they don’t put off as nearly as much light, but a pink GE Party or Stained Glass bulb in your dome fixture will make an amazing transformation at night, the entire space will have a delightful pink or pastel glow. The bulbs themselves look really garish but here is what the stained glass light looks like installed in a fixture.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd0BgYV6zFw
Accessories will really turn back the clock. Clear the counters and stock up on chrome! Nice examples of Lincoln Beautyware can be had for very reasonable prices, cake plates, kitchen canisters, combination paper towel/foil/wax paper holders. Pink/chrome variations exist too. The nice little space as you enter the kitchen would be a great place to park a pink Cosco stepstool or serving cart… I was able to find nice examples of both in red for less than the asking price for the repro stepstools.
Most of all just have fun with it!
I think we all agree on the fact that pink and brown go well together. I love the comment about vanilla-choco-strawberry Ice cream!
The mood boards are nice, like always… but how can you say “Dita von Teese’s kitchen on BUDGET” when you suggest retro dinette and KitchenAid mixer??? I was expecting more tips about giving a retro touch without spending to much. Like instead of a nice retro pink dinette, going for pink chair cushions to pimp normal chairs.
And for the cabinets and walls, I’ve been using those for years: http://www.wallpops.com/wall-pops.aspx
I moved them in 3 apartments and they are still good!
Change the pulls of the cabinets. And use retro postcards or retro style pinup calendar.
And of course, cute rugs and curtains will smooth the brown!
I LOVE the ‘Wallpops’ I’d never heard of them – thanks!:)
That’s so cool! I love it! I’m thinking about white dinette set with sapphire blue chairs and silver crushed chairs around the dinette table with maybe pink flowers on top and and maybe black and white checkered vinyl floor tiles.
Yes, you are right. I was thinking about this last night. Kate found her dinette for $165 — and vintage mixers can be found — so it is “possible” to get these items for less, if you are willing to invest the time to search.. We also talk about making your own “faux linoleum rug”, or watching for rugs at thrift stores, and also, ways to avoid having to buy relatively-expensive removable wallpaper. Overall, our point is: If you are going to spend some money, do it over time, by acquiring beloved collectibles that can move with you to the next place. But yes, your point is well taken –some of the items we should could get spendy…. Also, I like your ideas! Another twist on your idea to add pink cushions to existing chairs would be: If you already have a dinette, and it’s wood, paint the dinette. Thanks for your reality-check comment, Geraldine!
My first thought is…. the landlord should PAY HER to paint those cabinets. They are in desperate need of some sort of updating. I’m sure the next tenant will appreciate it. Maybe she could draw up a little proposal of what they will look like after her make over. Maybe the landlord will see that she is actually improving the space.. at no cost to the landlord. Otherwise she might try decorating the fronts with contact paper or contact paper cut into fun shapes like boomerangs, poodle silhouette, long thin diamonds etc. Perhaps she could even unhinge the cabinet doors and wrap in fabric or colorful vinyl fabric (easy to wipe clean). Then of course add whatever accessories, furniture and vintage small appliances.
You look like a student or a young professional, and I think you really want to do this on the cheap. So here’s my ideas from my single days (1) I couldn’t help but notice the soffits all around the kitchen and the large wall area in the eating area.You also have a nice area above the stove for hanging things. You can get plate hangers at Bed Bath and Beyond and a few other places and put up a collection of tag sale, Goodwill, and Home Goods pink plates in different designs. Some of them could even be Melmac patterns! Also, set your table with mismatched china in 50s patterns, keeping the pink and black and white theme. (2) If you can’t afford a pink retro chrome kitchen set, paint a Goodwill table and random wooden chairs pink with black legs. (3) Look at antique shows and little retro shops (and online) for those old fashioned ssquare tablecloths with a pink and black border design, and put it on the table at a katty-corner angle.–I used to have one with dogwood and another one with Parisian scenes, but I gave them up to my friend’s daughter when she set up her first apartment. But they are still out there, even on Etsy and eBay. (4) I liked the canister set idea several people mentioned. Keep your eyes peeled for a pink pig cookie jar. Wish you had been with me when I saw one at Goodwill in Connecticut, but I bet they come up all the time on line. (5) One of the easiest things to put up and remove is a prepasted vinyl border in whatever design you like. Don’t try to do everything at once, but make your weekends about tag sales. Enjoy the process of putting together your glam kitchen as much as living in it when it’s done.
My mother’s kitchen has too much dark wood, too. I had the idea of taking some nice placemats of colored bamboo, and fitting them into the framed inset of each door (hers were rectangular).
These would require more cutting to fit, but you could find a nice wallpaper and cut some inserts to double-stick on (not sure how safe it is to use spray adhesive or maybe rubber cement), for inset in the centers of each cabinet door. Cheap to replace when dirty, so no worries about spills or fingerprints. You could even change them by season.
It might help to paper over a piece of cardstock and stick that on.
Who can forget Club Aluminum? I remember my mom’s saving up so she could buy the complete set back in the late ’50s–in avocado, no less! Then we found out it caused Alzheimer’s. But another ubiquitous item was the West Bend electric griddle. People used to store them on top of the cabinets when not in use. They had the little glass container to collect the grease after cooking bacon. My dad used it to make pancakes every Sunday morning–back when the entire family used to eat breakfast together.
Hi Pam;
Someone may have already suggested this:
Remove a couple of the Kitchen Cabinet Doors (store to put back when she moves). Then she could display some retro Pink Treasures on the shelves.
ps
I found the same pink Dutch Oven at a Thrift Store recently, I am shocked at the amount of money the one you posted sold for. wow I am only using it for storing smaller kitchen items in.
How about using double sided command strips to put up the place mats that Sandra mention above … that way the cupboard doors won’t be damaged …At the craft store you can get all sorts of beautiful vintage style papers as well as balsawood with some decopodge she could make panels to cover the fronts of the cupboard doors or she could use fabric to cover the balsawood panels. put them on with the command strips and no damage done.