If there's one interior design trend that's established itself in recent years, it's that retro and colorful designs are here to stay. Finding ways to infuse color and personality into home decor is a top priority for many people right now, and doing it in the kitchen is no exception. The vintage-inspired pastel kitchen trend takes full advantage of these two aesthetics and is making big waves this spring. .
From a colorful pastel look to small, simple decor swaps, there are many ways to achieve a vintage-inspired pastel kitchen look. Here's what you need to know about this trend, according to interior designers, and how you can try it yourself (no matter your budget).
The timeless charm of pastels
An all-white kitchen is always a safe and elegant choice, but pastel colors in the kitchen are by no means new. If you want to add some color to your space, but aren't sure about bold hues like jewel tones or dark, moody colors, pastels may be the way to go.
“Pastel is a great way to incorporate color without being overwhelming or overwhelming,” says Jenny Muschel, founder and principal designer of New Jersey-based J. Muschel Interiors.
These bright, playful hues can be easily combined with a variety of wood tones, materials, and finishes. No matter the size, you don't have to stress about incorporating it into your space. You don't have to worry about making your small kitchen feel dark and cramped.
If you're worried about the longevity of pastel-colored kitchens (trends come and go, after all), a quick look back at the past few decades will tell you everything you need to know about their enduring appeal.
“Using pastels in the kitchen is timeless,” says Louise Hayne, a South Carolina-based interior designer and founder of Louise Hayne Interiors. You can add interest in subtle ways. I love using soft pinks, blues, and greens in my kitchen, paired with black and white or brown and white checkered floors. ”
The most important thing to consider before trying this trend is: you I love the look of pastel colored kitchens. It doesn't matter what's trending right now as long as you're happy with the results. You won't regret it in the future. Moreover, if history has taught us anything, it's that if pastels ever go out of fashion again, we'll only have to wait a few years for their inevitable return.
Design: J. Muschel Interiors, Photography: Raquel Langworthy
How to try the vintage pastel kitchen trend
If you're looking to try this nostalgic trend at home, there are plenty of options. If you want to go all out with the look, choose a new cabinet color. Pastel blue is trending, but experts say there are no limits to choosing pastel colors for your cabinets. Don't be afraid to choose your favorite color, like light pink, yellow, mint, or even lavender.
Muschel shares her favorite expert tips for choosing new shades. “When choosing a paint color for your cabinets, look at your closet and see what colors you're drawn to and what colors look good with you,” she says.
However, if new cabinets aren't in your future (or budget), you have other options.
“There's a lot more to achieving this look than just painting the cabinets,” says Gaia Guidi Filippi, founder and principal designer of Dallas-based Gaia G Interiors. I am. Lay patterned floor tiles or paint the walls around the cabinets mint green or happy yellow. ”
You can also incorporate nostalgic large and small appliances into your neutral kitchen. Guidi Filippi recommends incorporating a retro Smeg refrigerator or a classic stand mixer in pastel colors. Luckily, these fixtures aren't hard to find, and brands like Kohler and KitchenAid continue to release new products in vintage-inspired pastel colors.
Don't forget about lighting and decorations either. Add pastel retro murals, pastel cutlery, pastel light fixtures, tableware, and more.
