It’s simple but true: Combining white with off-white — be it a soft beige, a yellowy linen, 1960s “bone” or a creamy vanilla — makes for a classic decorating palette that is almost infinitely versatile as well as pleasing to the eye. In today’s story, reader Jessica show us how she took advantage of this restful palette — which came with her rental unit – to create a cheery vintage style kitchen. Okay, she did have a bit more to work with — the red-trimmed tile around the sink. But you get the idea: Add an edited palette of strong contrasts to white-and-off-white foundation — Jessica chose red and black — and you have instant decorating success. Let’s see more of Jessica’s adorable space –>
Jessica transformed here rental kitchen into a charming space by sprinkling bits of color — and pattern — throughout the room. Yes: Checks and polka dots can mix beautifully, when the backdrop palette is restrained.
Jessica tells us more about her love of the retro about her quest to make this rental space her own:
I guess I’ve always have been into the retro/vintage look. When I was a kid I fell in love with watching I Love Lucy. I could watch it all day and just grew a huge love for the 50s. I’m 24 but feel like an old lady (haha), because I love things that most people my age don’t. From the music, the cars and overall feel of that time is where I belong. I was definitely born in the wrong era!
The house was built in the 40s. Not much has been updated other than the floors. I have a whole collection of vintage kitchen goodies: two cookbooks that are vintage, some vintage deer that are salt and pepper shakers.
My pink floral dish is from a set that belonged to my great-grandmother, those are from the 1950s.
I also lined my shelves with gingham liner that I bought at Orchard. I am slowly collecting the spring blossom Pyrex.
My dishes are a mint green (IKEA) that match my KitchenAid perfectly. My glasses with the flamingos are from IKEA too.
My little hand mixer was bought from an estate sale, I believe that is from the 50s.
My formica table was a craigslist find, I bought the chairs from barstoolsandchairs.com. I made my curtains.
The walls are a very light yellow. In the photo you can compare it to the white cabinets.
The tile is yellow with a maroon trim. I am not sure on the exact paint colors, because my boyfriend and I rent here, so we didn’t paint it 🙂 (My uncle owns the house though.)
I also attached a picture of myself dressed up as a “retro housewife” 🙂
We love the contrast of white with an off-white. So if you are in a rental that’s all bright-white on bright-white — and the landlord wants to keep things neutral — and this story convinces you — maybe you can convince her or him to repaint the walls an off-white to provide some additional depth to work with?
Jessica, your kitchen is adorable — and you get major props for sending a photo in which you dress the part. We love it! Thank you so much for sharing your sweet space with all of us and being an inspiration to “Love the house you’re in!”
Susan Griffin says
Jessica…you’re a girl after my own heart! Some years ago, I too, had a 1940s-ish white kitchen with (mostly) red accents and touches of black. I’m a huge Disney person, so I spied your Minnie Mouse potholder on the wall immediately. ‘Love all your posters – what a great job!
And don’t worry that you were born out of place and/or out of time. If you love it, you love it…go with it. This mid-century deco phenomenon is something that resonates with a LOT of people…you’re not alone!
Jen says
Darling kitchen, Jessica, I just love it! It looks just like my apartment kitchens, and of course those things all came with me to my houses. 🙂 It’s such a classic look that never gets old—I’m sure you love it every night when you cook! And that red pepper timer is very cute.
Kathy McRae says
Love your style Jessica! Just like my apartment too! And I always felt I was born in the wrong decade too! I did my apt. last year with white trim and cupboards and red walls and just bought the same microwave in red! I have the same cookbook too! We must be sisters in spirit! Love your kitchen table! That’s my next find. Thanks for sharing. Love this site!
tammyCA says
Adorable! Kitchen and you. I’ve always felt the ’40s should’ve been my era…and, I’m pretty obsessed with reading (and watching anything) about WWII history. You’re lucky that it’s not unusual to dress vintage now.
AH says
Rosie the Riveter poster – nice touch! I’ll bet if you send it to the Rosie the Riveter Facebook page, they will post it. Hey, everyone is invited to come to the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Center in the hamlet of Richmond, CA. Did you know that the whole city is a national park? Do Plan to reserve a spot on the free bus tour of WWII sites with Betty Reid Soskin, the nation’s oldest park ranger, for a good grounding. I especially enjoy the conserved WWII children’s center on site which is still in use as a school.
You can arrive at the visitor center, which is right on the San Francisco Ba Trail, by bicycle, public bus or car, or sail to a point nearby. http://www.nps.gov/rori/index.htm
Jan says
Ahhh! I had (and still have – bought a second copy so I could save my own ragged copy) that Betty Crocker’s Cookbook for Boys and Girls – and used it all the time (and now I don’t like cooking – wonder what that means?)!
I also remember several friends having the avocado Pyrex in that pattern. When they came out, I preferred Harvest Gold – now I’d take either one, along with almost any other Pyrex colorway/pattern.
I love the white and off-white combination. It lends itself to so many different colorful accents!
Joni says
I looooooooooooove this! So cute! This is inspiring me to redo my kitchen! 🙂
lynda says
Very cute. You are very creative. The cute microwave is by Nostalgia Electrics, in case anyone is interested. I bought a white one for my daughter’s house. The red polka dots are a nice touch.
tiffany says
love the red and white theme! but I couldn’t help but notice, there isn’t enough cheese on top of that lasagna! LOL
pam kueber says
cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese!
nina462 says
how SWEEEEEEEEET!