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5.09.2013

Retro Reimagined - Inspired by my Grandma

It's funny what inspires us. Yesterday I was visiting my amazing Babcia (which is Polish for grandma) and I thought for the thousandth time just how awesome her house is. Entering her home is like entering a time warp, it is literally untouched design wise from when my dad was a little boy growing up there.We are talking retro appliances, shag carpeting, green floral couches - the works.
I snapped a pic of her original 1950s kitchen with my iPhone while I was there:
Ahh I mean it's truly lovely in it's own way, no?
I'm especially smitten with the fun counter top.
And the fact that the harvest gold oven is still fully operational is pretty cool too when you think about it.
Anyways, it got me thinking about how you could translate something like this into modern design
(avoiding the cheap finishes and obviously thinking more about function and code).
Here are my tips:
1. I love the idea of using the teal color in a backsplash subway tile. High end finish with a punch.

2. Fun ad posters like this one from Etsy ad instant retro charm.

3. My Babcia's kitchen has yellow everywhere. Yellow paint is so sunny and bright for a kitchen!

4. You can see that the edge of my Babcia's counter is stainless steel. Doing an entirely stainless steel counter top will add modern balance but still tie into a retro theme.

5. My Babcia's house has original crystal knobs on every.single.door. This is probably my favourite detail about her home. Another thing she has a bunch of that I love: rag rugs.

6. Keep cabinets simple and white to balance out all the other color happening here.

7. If you are going to embrace the retro look, go smeg all the way. I love this cream fridge (better than the harvest gold appliances, that's for sure!).

I'll have to show you her bathroom next time I visit. It's equally as cool.
Love you Babcia (I say to my beloved stubborn grandmother who doesn't use a computer and would probably disapprove of this post entirely. She really is the best!).
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12 comments:

Albertina M. Cisneros said...[Reply]

SO cute!! Reminds me of my grandma's kitchen!! I love your pointers to get that retro look as well!

Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door said...[Reply]

I love your take on the kitchen. What good memories!

Unknown said...[Reply]

Tiffany, you are brilliant! Love your version and the inspiration kitchen!

Anonymous said...[Reply]

That's exactly how my great grandma's kitchen was! Loving the smeg fridge in your interpretation :)

Unknown said...[Reply]

How cute! I old my grandparents houses and they have so many treasures. Can't wait to see the bathroom, does it have amazing wallpaper???

srldesign said...[Reply]

So sweet! I love when we see those everyday things that take us to a special place :)

jackie jade said...[Reply]

aww her kitchen is so fun! i love a good retro kitchen when it is well taken care of. looove that fun fridge that you picked out too!
-- jackiejade.blogspot.com

Elisa of Fancy Free Me said...[Reply]

I am loving her counter tops! The kitchen is a gem and very fun to look at!

Hannah said...[Reply]

I feel like I just flash-backed in time to the 50's! Love it! They were so much more daring with color back then!

Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget

Unknown said...[Reply]

I love grandma's kitchens...miss mine's so much. And yes to your take on it..the SMEG fridge is perfect!

Julia@Cuckoo4Design said...[Reply]

Love it too! It's fun and cozy!

Anonymous said...[Reply]

Love the idea of Babcia disapproving of this post, she's one of the toughest (and tiniest) ladies I know! Great post Tiff :)
Alicia