‘Kitschy’ Kitchen Inspiration

If you have hand-me-down ornaments or crockery from your grandparents and parents, then display them proudly, because kitsch is all about harking back to ‘better days’ when a pint of milk cost less than 20 pence and you still had enough change for a loaf of bread. You don’t have to confine yourself to one decade; take inspiration from whatever era you like, whether it’s the iconic forties or the swinging sixties. 

Of course, if you don’t have anything passed down to you, you’ll have to go thrifting for your vintage finds. Look for tea sets with distinctive patterns and kitchen accessories in vibrant colours. Whatever you pick, it should reflect your individual style. Kitsch is all about personality, and this is the ideal way to show off yours.

The bold colours and clashing combinations of kitsch draw inspiration from Maximalism. But when it comes to kitsch, more isn’t always better. Instead, pick two or three complementary colours from opposite sides of the colour wheel to create a playful contrast. Balance your vibrant colours with a neutral palette to give the finer details of your decor equal emphasis. 

Your kitchen splashback, cabinetry, and even appliances are all places you can add pops of colour. Pink and green are a well-proven kitchen colour combo, whimsical enough to invoke interest without overpowering the space. But you could also opt for a vivacious bright orange and fuchsia or retro cherry red and aqua blue.

Retro appliances are the ideal addition to the kitsch style, combining nostalgic charm with cutting-edge technology. SMEG does this brilliantly with its collection of retro appliances, from coffee machines and grinders right up to the iconic fridge freezer. Blending curves with chromatic accents in a range of trending colours, nothing screams kitsch like a 1950s-style SMEG fridge freezer.   

Add to your appliances with retro diner-style bar stools and colourful glass canisters. These elements not only complement the kitsch style but also create a quirky, fun atmosphere that injects creativity into the heart of your home.

Your kitchen cabinets are a canvas for creativity; bring them to life with clever colour choices. This is an opportunity to showcase your personality on the largest surface in your kitchen. Make the most of the opportunity by separating your cabinetry into two parts for a dual-toned kitchen. 

Opt for different colours on the top and bottom, or style the largest section of your kitchen in one colour and use a different shade for the island. Dual-toned kitchens are the perfect partner to the kitsch style, giving you the space and freedom to create playful contrasts that reflect your individuality.

When it comes to kitschens, there are no strict design principles that you must adhere to. Rip up the rulebook and embrace individuality, because as long as your kitchen says something about you, you’ve encapsulated the style perfectly. Fill your kitchen with unique pieces that bring you joy and curiosities that tell a story. 

Whether it’s artwork, ornaments, crockery, or textiles – the more eclectic your collection, the better. Find ways to display your individual pieces in unique ways, whether it's a selection of novelty cups on a mug tree or a Frido Kahlo bust that doubles as a vase on your countertop.

Whimsical patterns and bold prints are at home in a kitsch-style kitchen. Just like colour combos, a mix of eclectic patterns creates visual interest that uplifts the space. Combine playful polka dots, Gingham, and retro florals for a fun kitchen aesthetic. The best way to treat patterns is to balance them with bold, solid colours and other design elements for an eclectic ensemble. 

From your splashback to wallpaper and textiles, you can add patterns across the kitchen. For textiles, consider layering different textures to create a tactile combination that invites comfort, adds depth to your decor, and enhances the kitsch aesthetic. This approach not only makes the space feel warm but also uniquely yours.