Watching the series “Mad Men” has gotten me really nostalgic for the interior design style of the 50s. Halls are painted with blues or yellows, powder rooms are thoughtfully designed, and interesting wallpaper designs just seamlessly work with standout furniture.
Grays and whites are the dominant colors of today’s interiors. Not that there’s anything bad about going for neutral colors, it’s just that watching these historical shows got me raving for more colorful spaces.
Especially in the kitchen. If you’ve ever picked up cooking as a hobby, the kitchen becomes this magical space to unwind, a place where you also prepare food as a love language to yourself and your family. This experience can have a more colorful backdrop, adapting finishes and styles from the 1950s.
50s Inspired Finishes for A Nostalgic Kitchen
Painted Walls
Homeowners of the 1950s were definitely less color-allergic, and this logic should be your principle when choosing colors for your kitchen. Repainting walls with bright or pastel hues can instantly bring a nostalgic air to your kitchen.
Try going for paints with an easy-clean yet matte finish. Style shouldn’t sacrifice functionality when designing your kitchen space.
Cabinets and Drawers
Cabinets are essentials in a kitchen and color on these fixtures are non-negotiable for that 50s-inspired vibe. Colors can pop, especially when you go for a more neutral wall color.
You may also carefully combine color with the natural grainy texture of wood. Get further inspirations in this article on styles that go with wood stain. Two of those moodboards match the aesthetics of the 1950s.
Tiles
While paints are quality finishes for a kitchen, tiles are more practical in a space where spills can happen. Backsplashes are often tiled over which makes for a great focal point. Even countertops can match the tileworks on the walls for a more cohesive look.
Floorings shouldn’t be an afterthought. While checkerboard tiles are diner-esque, the nostalgic appeal can be a choice of finish for your kitchen floors.
Wallpapers
A classic way to bring color and patterns to your kitchen is through wallpaper. It’s not as popular as it used to be, but it’s a throwback finish that would undoubtedly be nostalgic.
Some designs just feel perfect for the kitchen. Chinoiserie or grandmacore patterns that could feel “too much” would be sensible for styling a mundane space.
Essential Products for a Nostalgic Kitchen Transformation
For your walls
A nice matte finish for your kitchen is best achieved using the Virtuoso Silk Touch paint line. It’s particularly great due to its additional antibacterial and mold-resistant properties, so your kitchen becomes both gorgeous and safe. It has a few readily available colors, but you can get even more (thousands!) in a Boysen Mix & Match Station.
For your cabinets and drawers
The duco finish achievable through the Boysen Automotive Lacquer when tinted with its respective colorants can feel nostalgic with the right accompanying fixture. For a paint line with more readily available colors, Boysen Quick Drying Enamel provides a still glossy finish. Both product lines are reliable for their durability on wood cabinets and drawers.
For your tiles
The Konstrukt Tileworks line is the recommended product for installing tiles in your kitchen. Konstrukt Tileworks All-Purpose Tile Adhesive (K-302) is the designated cement-based adhesive for fixing ceramic tiles or vertical and horizontal surfaces. Pair this with Konstrukt Tileworks Tile Adhesion Promoter (K-321), an acrylic-based liquid emulsion that is mixed with K-302 for heavy-duty applications, or when you want to apply tiles on already existing tiles.
For your wallpaper
For wallpaper finishes to last long, watch out for dampness that may arise from concrete walls. Boysen Clear Acrylic Emulsion is the designated product to serve as a protective intermediate coat for moisture. Check out the FAQs article to be guided on what to expect on Clear Acrylic Emulsion.
Materialize Your Nostalgic Vision with Boysen Products
Your kitchen would heavily benefit with trusted products to create long-lasting and beautiful finishes. Aesthetics of interiors from the past eras, if it resonates with you, can make for an attractive kitchen.
For more kitchen design ideas, subscribe to the blog. If you have questions about products, send us an email at [email protected] and our technical team will be happy to help.
