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!
char says
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
char says
…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
Raina says
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. 😉
pam kueber says
$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
Candace says
I love that design! That’s amazing! Thanks!
pam kueber says
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.
LoquaciousLaura says
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!
Teresa says
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.
Teresa says
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
pam kueber says
Gorgeous!!!
Kate says
Those are all perfect for a vintage pink kitchen — good work! 🙂
Candace says
@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!
pam kueber says
Fantastic ideas, all, Teresa!!!!
tammyCA says
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
tammyCA says
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.
tammyCA says
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
tammyCA says
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).
pam kueber says
Beautiful, yes you are quite right, going pink-and-brown would work beautifully! Golly, pink is a “neutral”
pam kueber says
YUM!
tammyCA says
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
tammyCA says
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
tammyCA says
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?
Candace says
@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!
tammyCA says
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. 🙂
pam kueber says
Wonderful!
lisa says
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.
pam kueber says
Yes, I think all your pink & brown recommenders are making a great point — it’s a great color combo.
JKaye says
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!
pam kueber says
JKaye, your comments are spot on! Very insightful — made me go back and look at the photo again.
Candace says
@ 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.
Robin, NV says
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.