call it old fashioned.

remember those images of the nuclear family, with a mom, perfectly curled hair, sporting a floral dress, standing amongst pastel shades in the family kitchen? what ever happened to those 50’s novelty stoves and fridges in soft hues of yellow, green, turquoise, blue and pink? would you be surprised to hear they were on the turn for comeback?

the “atomic age” colors are on the rise yet again with modern brands like smeg and big chill bringing the style back. both companies aim to create “colorful, retro-style appliances that fit in perfectly with modern design.” these quaint appliances were originally brought about as a way of recovery into joyful tones while families lived through world war II. the cheery colors were acceptable as kitchens were a separate part of the home and colored appliances and even cabinets were never perceived as overwhelming. as time progressed, kitchen hues became more neutral due to the changing landscape and increasing size of the home. the kitchen became more of a focus and appliances became more like furniture and thus needed to be more elegant and blending.

however, smeg and big chill have begun to restore the revolution. with big chill advertising a “retro fridge combining the iconic look of a 50’s style vintage refrigerator with the amenities of contemporary appliances” and smeg pushing forth “vibrant colors, rounded curves and smooth lines,” their retro appliances (including refrigerators, dishwashers, toasters, blenders, kettles and stand mixers) “truly embody the glamour and form of the 1950’s.” they aim to make the 50’s style are more than just an icon and more of a lifestyle. combining the pastel tones with neutral hues, they create a calming atmosphere with a spark of color to add visual interest. they have allowed the kitchen to once again be utilized as an artistic palette, incorporating color into the space.

be sure to keep an eye out for these “retro” kitchens and don’t be surprised if you find yourself loving the trend too.