Published: December 06, 2006 11:36 am      

Retro: Fit or Miss your Kitchen?

Canary yellow’s resurgence was only a harbinger of dated things to come. Retro décor has been a consumer mainstay since the first “Austin Powers” film made it hip to look ‘60s again, and products ranging from turquoise Kitchen Aid mixers to classic rotary telephones assumed vibrant hues and a sense of whimsy.

What started small with the revisiting of classic countertop items, such as toasters, juicers, and blenders has now segued into larger appliances and kitchen features. TTanturri also sees the return of cast iron, double-basin sinks and the emergence of enameled microwaves and dishwashers lending modern amenities a bygone style from an era in which they didn’t exist. “There’s a store down the street with these amazing retro displays and people just stop and say, ‘Wow!’” he says.

Rosemary Abell, head designer for DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen, Waco, Texas, says, “What retro does is give you color and punch, but it’s important, from a design aspect, to consider the whole.” Stainless steel, smoked glass and metal are all components to making the room pop, but Abel says that the key is to think hospitality and simplicity.

“There are always a lot of guests in the kitchen, so go for a place where everyone will feel comfortable. All of these colors and textures add warmth, but if you feel it’s too busy, you’ve gone too far,” she says.

Although the major appliances are available in colors ranging from mint green to flamingo pink, Abell suggests adding bolder items such as a powder blue mixer, a retro clock or a vintage painting to carry the bulk of the retro style.

Countertops, where the norm has become granite, also are attempting to go back in time. For its new collection, Formica refreshed its VirrVarr style countertop to feature a powdery blue background with gray lines crisscrossing one another. The pattern also is available in white with gray lines to give a modern update to the 1950s staple.

Here are the questions that I would ask myself. “Would I get tired of it? Yes. Does it make sense for a rental? No. This is for people who collect Betty Boop dolls. Retro is strictly for having fun. It’s pretty much all or nothing the way I see it. It’s like wearing madras with bellbottoms, interesting thought. They just won’t go together,” Tanturri says.