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!”
vegebrarian says
Great kitchen! Though my kitchen is super brightly colored by design, I also love the subtle, simple background of a pastel or white kitchen.
My Nanna had the same set of Pyrex and seeing it always makes me smile.
Lena_P says
I love the color scheme, but also you’re little Disney touches! It’s weird to say, but I’ve always thought of Disney, or at least Disneyland, as being mid-century modern. At least until they renovated most of it out of the park … *sigh* I’m still bummed Mary Blair’s mural in Tomorrowland was destroyed … 🙁 If only the big wigs at Disney read retro renovation!
Mary Elizabeth says
Lena, I agree. One of the things a trip to Disney or any other theme park is supposed to produce is life-long memories. So it’s hard when they redo something you remember fondly!
Brooke says
Perfection!
Tell me, does that microwave work well? I have it on my to buy list for my Mom’s retro kitchen (not a Reno, just how her sweet kitchen has always been) but wondered if it was functions as well as smashing looks.
Johnny 5 Fachy says
Very well done young lady! Your kitchen is fabulous and it’s obvious you’ve got an eye (and passion) for great retro style. Your kitchen is charming, warm and inviting and although you’re young in years, I suspect you’re an “old soul” at heart judging by your tastes! I LOVE it, thanks so much for sharing Jessica!
Marilyn says
Lovely, it is do nice to see folks embrace an iconic time period…nice job!
Kersten says
Super cute! Love the bottle opener on the forefront right of the first picture! Enjoy!
Nanerpus says
Ahhhhh I have the same exact tile on the counters in my house!! Love it! PS I had that same microwave and it stopped working after a few months :(.
Elizabeth says
I LOVE this kitchen! It’s adorable! I also have a rental and attempted to pull off a retro look with my kitchen as well. I’d love to share it! I have some photos here…
http://www.pleasenotepaper.com/2013/09/kitchen-tour.html
Love your blog!
Mary Elizabeth says
So cute, Elizabeth! You have the same Catherineholm lotus casserole I had in my first kitchen in 1969, Nice job!
Jennifer says
Such a great eye. I love that you’ve assembled your collection over time, that you include your granmother’s things, and that sources like craigslist mix with IKEA. Beaufitul job!
Valencia Bathe says
So cute! Same tile and edge tile in my family’ shout growing up, only ours was turquoise. We also had a drawer right by the back door. Only our door opened from the right side, so we could just pull out the silverware drawer to keep anyone from getting in. Although in that tiny town back in the 50s, nobody tried. Except the milkman…he came right in and put the milk in the fridge. This is a dreamy little kitchen! Thanks for sharing!