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Have you ever looked at an item and felt it has that "old-school" charm? That's the essence of retro or vintage design. It's all about styles from yesteryears, particularly the 1920s to the 1970s. "Vintage" isn't just about age; it's about timeless elegance from specific periods that never fade, and that’s why vintage appliances are making a comeback in kitchens. Vintage appliances bring the old school charm to your home, and we’re here to show you how with top brands and appliances that fit the mold.
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Capture the essence of vintage charm with our entire selection of appliances at Friedmans Appliance
Shop NowThe Appeal of Vintage Design
There's a timeless allure to vintage design. For many, it evokes feelings of nostalgia, reminding them of cherished memories or times when things were built to last. Beyond nostalgia, vintage design offers a unique aesthetic that stands out against today's modern, minimalistic designs.
The detailed craftsmanship, bold patterns, and unique color palettes offer a break from the contemporary and introduce a distinctive personality into spaces. Furthermore, vintage designs are often associated with quality and durability, making them not just a stylistic choice but also a practical one when looking at vintage kitchen appliances.
Colors in Vintage Design
When we think of vintage designs, certain colors immediately come to mind. Pastel shades like mint green, soft pink, and baby blue were the rave of the 1950s.
Then there's the bold avocado green, mustard yellow, and burnt orange from the 1960s and 1970s that bring warmth and character to any space. And let's not forget the iconic cherry red and turquoise, which were staples in many kitchens and diners of yesteryears, such as craftsman appliances.
Colors to Avoid
While vintage design celebrates a variety of hues, there are colors that might not fit the theme as well. Neon shades or overly bright colors like electric blue or fluorescent pink can feel more '80s or '90s and don't quite capture that vintage essence.
Similarly, overly saturated contemporary colors or minimalist, stark whites and grays might not always mesh well with the rich, cozy palette typical of vintage designs.
Learn More: Colored Appliances
How to Incorporate Vintage Style by Category
Incorporating vintage style in a kitchen can be easily done by following the following tips.
Hardware
✔ Visual cues: Think of hardware as the jewelry of your cabinets and drawers. Look for antique knobs, handles, and pulls that evoke memories of yesteryears in old school appliances.
✔ Go-to details: Brass and chrome finishes are a must when aiming for that authentic vintage feel. Also, keep an eye out for ornate designs, reminiscent of the craftsmanship of the past.
Finishes
✔ Visual cues: Finishes play a pivotal role in achieving that time-honored look. Opt for matte textures and appliances that have a distressed or antiqued appearance.
✔ Go-to details: Materials like porcelain, enamel, and weathered wood can instantly transport your kitchen back in time. These finishes offer a charming, worn-in feel that’s synonymous with vintage.
Shapes and Lines
✔ Visual cues: Soften the look of your kitchen by incorporating curved edges and rounded corners. These shapes were prevalent in vintage designs and provide a gentle, welcoming ambiance.
✔ Go-to details: Patterns like soft geometric shapes, often found in retro tile designs, can add an extra layer of vintage flair. Additionally, consider furniture and fixtures with pedestal bases – they offer both functionality and that quintessential vintage vibe.
Learn More: Expert Tips To Make Your Dream Kitchen Remodel An Easy Reality
Retro Appliances We Recommend
Using vintage appliances isn't just about cooking or storing food; it's about embracing a different rhythm, a different approach to the culinary arts. They stand as testimony to the timeless nature of good design and functionality, making every meal feel like a journey through time.
Bertazzoni Heritage Series 36" Avorio Pro Style Gas Range
This Bertazzoni Heritage Series 36" gas range is a perfect blend of retro design and modern functionality. Its creamy ivory finish color is reminiscent of vintage appliances and brings a warm retro touch to any kitchen.The body of this Bertazzoni range features clean lines and rounded edges, evoking classic 1950s style. Yet, its construction process incorporates modern technology, ensuring efficiency and durability despite its nostalgic appearance.
La Cornue CornuFe 110 43" Stainless Steel Free Standing Dual Range
Shop This Vintage Dual Fuel Range
This La Cornue CornuFe 110 43" dual fuel range is a stunning blend of modern technology and classic design elements. Its stainless steel finish, complemented by polished brass trim, gives it a timeless aesthetic that fits seamlessly into any kitchen decor.
This La Cornue range boasts two electric convection ovens, one with seven unique cooking modes, offering versatility for any culinary endeavor. The free-standing design of the vintage stove adds flexibility for installation, and the dual fuel feature ensures optimal cooking performance, making it one of the vintage inspired appliances. With its style, functionality, and performance, this range embodies the heritage and craftsmanship that La Cornue is renowned for.
Smeg 50's Retro Style 9.9 Cu. Ft. Pastel Green Top Freezer Refrigerator
Shop This Vintage Refrigerator
Smeg is known as one of the best vintage appliance brands, and its appliances like this pick that show just why. Featuring a playful pastel green finish, this Smeg 50's Retro Style refrigerator has all the elements of vintage charm. Its pastel green shade instantly transports you back to the 1950s, adding a splash of retro color to your kitchen.
The vintage refrigerator features curved lines and polished chrome handle echo classic aesthetics, while the top freezer design nods to traditional American home appliances. Despite its nostalgic exterior, the interior boasts up-to-the-minute technology for efficient cooling and food preservation. This Smeg fridge truly exemplifies how style and functionality can harmoniously coexist in one design.
Café™ Professional Series 30" Matte White Single Electric Wall Oven
This Café Professional series wall oven is a great mix of old and new. Its matte white color of the vintage oven reminds you of classic kitchenware, giving your kitchen a cool, retro feel.
The sturdy handle on the Café French door oven looks like something from an old-fashioned commercial kitchen. But don't be fooled by its vintage look—this oven has the latest technology for accurate cooking from convection baking to Wi-Fi connectivity. It's proof that old-school style and modern function can work together perfectly.
Featured Café CTS90FP4NW2 review: “Our existing ovens were not functioning well after 13 years of hard use. All the reviews on the Cafe ovens were so positive and we LOVED the styling of the Matt white and bronze handles! I didn't shop for any other ovens! We have since bought the toaster oven and the toaster! I want the fridge and dishwasher too!!! So beautiful!”
Monogram 24" Custom Panel Built In Dishwasher
Stainless steel appliances are everywhere these days, but they don’t exactly add to the appeal of a vintage kitchen. One of the ways to get around that is with panel ready appliances like this Monogram dishwasher. Its custom panel design allows it to seamlessly integrate into your kitchen decor, paying homage to the skilled cabinet makers of the past.
Yet underneath its classic exterior lies innovative technology that delivers exceptional cleaning performance. This vintage dishwasher is quiet, energy-efficient, and offers multiple wash cycles, embodying the conveniences of modern day appliances. This Monogram dishwasher is a testament to how traditional craftsmanship can beautifully coexist with contemporary functionality.
Featured Monogram ZDT925SINII review: “Great cleaning function. Drying is exceptional. Love the interior lights. Could not be happier with this dishwasher.”
La Cornue CornuFé 90 36" Morning Dew Wall Mounted Range Hood
You may not think of range hoods when it comes to adding a dash of retro design to a kitchen, but they’re great opportunities! Take this La Cornue CornuFé 90 36" range hood, for example. Finished in a crème tone, its appearance harks back to traditional kitchen aesthetics, offering a touch of nostalgia for the La Cornue range hood.
This vintage range hood features a sleek wall-mounted design that gives it a contemporary edge. Equipped with top-of-the-line ventilation technology, it ensures your kitchen stays smoke and odor-free. It's not just a range hood, but a statement piece that adds a dash of old-world charm to your modern kitchen setup making it one of the best vintage appliances.
Retro design captures the charm of the past and brings it into our modern homes. Every detail, from classic hardware to timeless finishes, counts in creating that nostalgic ambiance. If you're contemplating a vintage-inspired kitchen makeover, remember to harmoniously blend the charm of the past with contemporary functionality.
For those on the hunt for vintage appliances Bay Area stores, there's no better place than Friedmans Appliance. With a curated selection of the best retro appliance brands that seamlessly meld vintage style with modern utility, Friedmans Appliance ensures your kitchen stands out.
Why Trust Friedmans Appliance?
Established in 1922, Friedmans Appliance has been the most trusted name in the Bay Area for over 100 years. What started as a small appliance store in Oakland has expanded to include every appliance you need for your home. Our commitment to value, inspiration, and character has only grown, creating an unbeatable reputation for top-notch appliances. At Friedmans, we strive to give our customers the best of the best, including our selection of top appliance brands and our exceptional customer service. Speaking of which, we offer a 100-day price guarantee on all our products — the longest in the industry!
Our wide selection of appliances is just one of the reasons we’re the best Bay Area appliance store. We carry refrigerators in every style, every cooking appliance to show off your chef skills, and every dish care and laundry appliance you need for cleanup.
Shop Vintage Appliances at Friedmans
See for yourself why Friedmans is a trusted name in the Bay Area and shop appliances online. While we are located in Pleasant Hill, we deliver to all of Northern California — even Reno! If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help you capture the charm of yesteryear with vintage appliances, whether you call us at 925-808-2950, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our appliance store in Pleasant Hill to experience the quality in person. Visit us today!
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