If there’s one thing the interior design trends of recent years have established, it’s that retro and colorful are here to stay. Finding ways to infuse color and personality into home decor is now a top priority for many, and doing so in the kitchen is no exception: The vintage-inspired pastel kitchen trend gets you the best of these two aesthetics, and it's making waves this spring.
From color-drenched pastel looks to small and simple decor swaps, there are many ways to get the look of a vintage-inspired pastel kitchen. Here’s what you need to know about this trend and how to try it yourself (regardless of your budget), according to interior designers.
The Timeless Allure of Pastels
All-white kitchens have always been a safe and elegant choice, but pastels in the kitchen are certainly nothing new. If you’re looking to add some color to your space but aren’t sure about bolder shades like jewel tones or dark, moody colors, pastels may be for you.
“Pastels are a great way to incorporate color without making it feel imposing or overwhelming," says Jenny Muschel, founder and principal designer of New Jersey-based J. Muschel Interiors.
These lighter, playful shades pair easily with a range of wood tones, materials, and finishes. You don't have to stress about incorporating into your space, no matter the size—they won’t threaten to make a small kitchen feel dark and cramped.
If you’re worried about the longevity of a pastel-colored kitchen (trends come and go, after all), a quick look back through the last several decades tells you all you need to know about its longstanding allure.
“Using pastels in a kitchen is timeless," says Louise Hane, a South Carolina-based interior designer and founder of Louise Hane Interiors. "Making their debut in the 1950s, they are a charming choice for appliances, cabinets, trim, or ceilings and can add interest in a subtle way. I love using soft pinks, blues, and greens in a kitchen paired with a black and white or brown and white checkerboard floor."
The most important thing to consider before trying this trend is whether or not you love the look of a pastel kitchen: As long as you're happy with the result, it won’t matter what’s currently on-trend, and you won’t have regrets down the line. Plus, if history has taught us anything, should pastels fall out of style again, you need only wait a few years until they’re inevitably back.
DESIGN: J. MUSCHEL INTERIORS, PHOTO: RAQUEL LANGWORTHY
How to Try the Vintage Pastel Kitchen Trend
When it comes to trying this nostalgic trend at home, you have lots of options. If you’re ready to fully commit to the look, go for a new cabinet color. Pastel blues are on-trend, but experts say there's no limitation for choosing a pastel shade for your cabinets. Don’t be afraid to go with your favorite color, whether that’s light pink, yellow, mint, or even lavender.
Muschel shares her favorite expert trick for choosing a new hue: “When selecting a paint color for your cabinets, look to your closet and see what colors you gravitate to and even look good in,” she says.
However, if you don't see new cabinets in your future (or budget), you have other options.
“There’s much more to do than just painting your cabinets to achieve this look," says Gaia Guidi Filippi, founder and principal designer of Dallas-based Gaia G Interiors. "Think about a pink subway tile backsplash in a white kitchen, a light blue patterned floor tile, or painting the walls around the cabinets in a minty green or happy yellow."
You can incorporate nostalgic big and small appliances into a neutral kitchen, too—Guidi Filippi recommends channeling a retro Smeg refrigerator or classic stand mixer in pastel colors. Luckily, these fixtures aren’t difficult to find, with brands like Kohler, KitchenAid, and more continuing to release new offerings in vintage-inspired pastel colors.
And don't forget about lighting and decor: Add pastel retro-inspired wall prints, a pastel utensil crock, pastel-colored light fixtures, dinnerware, and more.