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 (go look online readers, we don’t have photos to post here). 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 –>
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?
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 (company now closed)
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 [link now gone] — 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 [product no longer available/link gone] — 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.
Head over to Caladium World to see 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: Click here to see all of Hannah’s etsy treasuries, curated with Retro Renovation readers in mind. Thank you, Hannah!
June Cahill says
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!:)
June Cahill says
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:)
pam kueber says
These are all terrific ideas and I agree, a lot can be found vintage — plus the hunt is fun!
db says
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.
retropink57 says
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.
Lynne says
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,
pam kueber says
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?
Darlene W says
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.
lady brett says
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
pam kueber says
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?
Karen says
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.
Maile says
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.
Annie B. says
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.
midmichigan says
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!
pam kueber says
Yes — here’s the story about Kathy and how she made a custom dishwasher panel — https://retrorenovation.com/2012/08/06/make-a-decorator-dishwasher-panel-from-a-vintage-cookbook-cover/
Jennifer says
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.)
pam kueber says
Sound like a good idea — as long as the velcro comes off!