Eclectic Colorful Kitchen Paint Colors: Kitschens Trend
There is a new kitchen trend emerging called Kitschens or an eclectic colorful kitchen. Let’s explore this fun new kitchen trend that’s filled with personality and vintage inspired looks.
I first heard of this new kitchen trend from Pinterest, where search volume for Kitschy kitchens, colorful kitchens and eclectic kitchens are at an all time high.
Not only are the younger Gen X crowd looking into and searching for this kitchen design trend, but so are the Boomers! Wow, that’s interesting right?
In this new eclectic colorful kitchen trend, minimalistic decor is being discarded in favor of colorful thrifted finds, vintage inspired appliances, and bright bold paint colors.
OF course since I am a paint color expert and love color trends, I’ll make sure you know exactly how to get this look with paint!
What is the “Kitschens” Trend?
The term Kitsch originated in Germany in the 1860s and 1870s as a term used for overly eccentric taste and mass produced. Now days we’d say cheap and tacky!
This emerging style celebrates all things retro, bringing back the playful charm of bygone eras.
Want to add splash of colorful nostalgia to your kitchen? I’ll share with you exactly how to achieve the look.
The nice thing is with some paint, some inexpensive finds from the thrift store, and some vintage inspired appliances it easy to replicate.
Understanding Kitsch Kitchens or Kitschens
Kitsch kitchens are a fun departure from the sleek and minimalist design.
Instead, they invite you to embrace bold colors, quirky decor items, and a sense of whimsy reminiscent of the 1940s to ’60s.
This new trend helps you infuse kitchen spaces with whimsy, personality and color.
Seriously, I’m staring at my boring white and wondering if I should add a pop of color now!
Key Elements Eclectic Colorful Kitchens:
Let’s look at the essential elements to creating your own kitschen:
- Color: Think vibrant hues and retro-inspired palettes. From pastels to bold primaries, the options are endless.
- Nostalgic Decor Items: Hunt for treasures at thrift stores and flea markets. Look out diner bar stools, Fiestaware or brightly colored tableware and quirky wall art featuring retro motifs.
- Mix and Match Patterns: Embrace polka dots, checkerboards, and geometric shapes. Don’t shy away from layering patterns for an eclectic vibe.
- Embrace Whimsy: Add playful touches with novelty kitchen gadgets, vintage signs, and unexpected decor elements.
Eclectic Colorful Kitchen Ideas: Kitschen Design
Here are some tips to help you bring this colorful trend to life in your kitchen design.
- Retro Tiles: Opt for bold colors or patterns for your backsplash or flooring.
- Colorful Accessories: Decorate with vintage-inspired dishware, curtains, and kitchen linens.
- Playful Decor Items: Layer on retro clocks, quirky wall art, and collectibles.
- Open Shelving: Consider displaying your kitschy treasures for all to see.
Incorporating Vintage Appliances
Ready to add a touch of nostalgia? Here are some creative ways to seamlessly blend vintage appliances with your colorful decor:
- Retro Refrigerators: Opt for colorful vintage-style fridges or Smeg-inspired appliances.
- Antique Stoves and Ovens: Restore vintage stoves or incorporate freestanding ranges.
- Old-Fashioned Mixers and Blenders: Display colorful mixers and toasters on your countertop.
- Toasters and Coffee Makers: Look for vintage chrome toasters or percolators in fun colors.
- Enamelware and Bakeware: Showcase enamel teapots and mixing bowls on open shelves.
- Display Cabinets or Hutches: Use glass-front cabinets to showcase your vintage appliances and colorful dishes.
- Wall Art and Decor: Hang retro posters and metal signs related to kitchen appliances.
SMEG is the perfect brand to shop for retro or vintage inspired look in the kitchen!
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Eclectic Colorful Kitchen Paint Colors
Now let’s look at the beautiful paint colors we see throughout retro kitchens.
The Kitschens trend and the eclectic colorful kitchen often times combines multiple paint colors.
You know how much I LOVE paint colors, so I thought I’d pull together some fun colorful color ideas for cabinets or furniture.
Plus share paint color matches to the most popular SMEG retro kitchen appliances and colorful refrigerators!
Colorful Kitchen Cabinet Paint Color Combinations
- Baby Blue with Flamingo Pink
- Dusty Rose with Sage Green
- Sunny Yellow with Vivid Blue
- Tropical Teal with Soft Peach
- Bubble Gum Pink with Mint Green
SMEG Appliance Paint Color Matches
- Pastel Green: Breaktime SW 6363 (buy sample)
- Pink: Irresistible SW 6562 (buy sample)
- Pastel Blue: Rhythmic Blue SW 6806 (buy sample)
- Red: SW Real Red 6868 (buy sample)
- Yellow: Confident Yellow SW 6911 (buy sample)
- Blue: Delphinium Blue CC-872 (buy sample)
- Cream: Medici Ivory SW 7558 (buy sample)
- Veuve Clicquot: Osage Orange SW 6634 (buy sample)
- Orange: Copper Harbor SW 7734 (buy sample)
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Creating Harmony in an Eclectic Colorful Kitchen
Worried about how to mix and match the vivid colors? Well I have some simple rules for you to follow.
There is a way to balance out the colors even when they are bright and bold to create harmony!
Plus combine a variety of patterns, so they work in combination with each other.
60-30-10 color rule
Use the 60-30-10 rule when combining different colors. This means that one color is dominate or used in 60% of the room (like the walls or cabinets).
The next color would be 30% and ideally a neutral base to balance the dominate color, so it doesn’t overpower the room. Think black and white large tile floors.
Finally, pops of color are the 10% which can be used for appliances, fabrics, seating or even the backsplash. Think toasters, bar stools or a colored tile.
- Choose a Dominant Color: Start with one bold hue to tie everything together.
- Add Secondary Colors: Complement the dominant color with softer tones or contrasting shades.
- Neutral Base: Use neutral tones for larger surfaces to provide a canvas for your colorful items.
Mix and Match Patterns
- Vary Scale and Style: Experiment with different patterns, but ensure they complement each other.
- Common Color Thread: Incorporate at least one common color across multiple patterns for visual continuity.
balance materials
- Metallics: Mix copper, brass, and stainless steel accents.
- Wood: Incorporate wooden elements for warmth and texture.
- Glass and Ceramic: Add glassware and colorful ceramic dishes for visual interest.
Grouping and Clustering
- Create Visual Clusters: Arrange similar items together for impact.
- Odd Numbers: Group items in odd numbers for visual appeal.
Focal Points and Anchors
- Statement Pieces: Introduce standout items to serve as focal points.
- Anchors: Use larger furniture pieces in neutral tones to anchor the space.
Layer with Textiles
- Rugs and Runners: Add colorful rugs or runners to tie different areas together.
- Curtains and Seat Cushions: Choose fabrics with coordinating colors or patterns.
Art and Wall Decor
- Gallery Wall: Create a gallery wall with mismatched frames and colorful art prints.
- Vintage Signs: Hang retro signs or quirky artwork related to food or cooking.
Remember, vintage appliances add character and charm to your kitchen. Embrace their uniqueness and let them shine alongside your colorful decor!
So there you have it, a colorful journey into the world of kitsch kitchens or kitschens. Are you ready to infuse your kitchen with retro charm and vibrant personality?
Hopefully, the kitschens trend inspired a fun way to update your kitchen and make it more colorful! Want more kitchen trends?
Classic and Timeless Cabinet Paint Colors
This eclectic colorful kitchen trend not for you? I’ve got LOTS of kitchen cabinet paint colors to explore:
- 12 Classic Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors
- 15 Green Cabinet Paint Colors Designers Love for Kitchens
- Ultimate Guide to Updating an Outdated Kitchen
- Two Toned Kitchen Cabinets: 54 Paint Color Ideas
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I personally feel the examples shown are the result of the Barbie craze. I love updated kitchens but because it involves a lot of work I wouldn’t go this trendy ! Touches of pink , aqua or whatever could be added but the pink appliances ,tiles and painted cabinets are too much for my liking!
I do love your input and advice .
It’s an interesting perspective! I’ve been watching my son’s generation and younger love the idea of thrifting and flea markets. They seem to gravitate to the vintage look, color and pattern. Pink cabinets? Not for me, but I LOVE the fact that color is back and we can add it in small ways. No more all white kitchens…
Back in the 80’s when everything was mauve and blue with lots-o-geese, I had pink kitchen walls and almond everything. When I decided to mix things up I went to yellow walls. Everyday after that I missed the pink walls. It really was a calming color and I would have a pink kitchen in a heartbeat if it would work in our next house.
Vicki, I love this perspective! I agree pink is such a calming paint color and especially love it in a bedroom because it’s so soothing 🙂
No thanks! I grew up under the harvest gold and avocado green appliance trend. What’s interesting is I rented a duplex in my 20’s back in 1973. It had all pink appliances! Very hard to decorate around. Pink sink, pink electric cooktop and pink wall oven! The adjoining duplex was all turquoise. So I guess that was a tend back when it was built. Amazing that is making a comeback. People love novelty and I guess that’s why.
It’s so interesting to see everything come back even in fashion! Yep, I like your take that it’s all about the novelty.