ARTICLE
Back To The Future: Why Everything Old Is Cool Again
January 31, 2024-6 min read
Retro style is back in kitchens and living rooms, with freestanding cookers, pastel small appliances, turntables, projectors and classic gaming all getting a modern update. This article shows how to add vintage charm without sacrificing convenience, colour or everyday functionality.
Key takeaways from this article
Freestanding cookers add colour, curves and a strong retro look.
Choose statement appliances for vintage style without overdoing the theme.
Small appliances in pastel or cream tones can lift a kitchen fast.
Round handles and Shaker cabinetry help create an old-school finish.
Bluetooth turntables and compact projectors mix nostalgia with modern tech.
Can’t resist a good throwback? Well dust off that fondue set and strap on your platform shoes, baby, because retro style is having its moment… again! Whether driven by nostalgia for the ‘good old days’ or simply the appeal of curvaceous mid-century design, trends from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s are making their way back into modern homes.
Take the latest big and small kitchen appliances – they’re a colourful shot of retro-cool design, buzzing with 21st century conveniences for versatile cooking. Living-room entertainment is having a retro revival, too, with turntables and projectors back in a big way and packed with modern perks (here’s looking at you, Bluetooth).
Ready for a touch of the time warp at your place? Check out this groovy guide to all things retro to get in on the trend.
“People are looking for colour and curves in their contemporary kitchens. A freestanding cooker is the perfect, functional way to do that, adding a splash of retro fun without going overboard - Tahn Scoon, interior designer"
”
Cooking With The Classics
For a retro injection in the kitchen, you can’t beat the perennial allure of the freestanding cooker. An oven and cooktop combined in one sturdy, freestanding unit, they’re a statement appliance oozing old world charm and all the latest tech. “Freestanding ovens give off a serious ‘I love to cook’ vibe, plus they come in a delicious range of colours,” says interior designer Tahn Scoon of Tahn Interiors. “People are looking for colour and curves in their contemporary kitchens. A freestanding cooker is the perfect, functional way to do that, adding a splash of retro fun without going overboard.”
Shop Freestanding Cookers
The deep, burgundy colour of the La Germania Americana 90cm Dual Fuel Upright Cooker gives off serious ‘60s vibes and its massive 142L capacity makes it perfect for large families.
The Smeg Portofino 90cm Dual Fuel Upright Cooker is a sunny yellow showstopper primed for centrestage.
For a chef’s cooker with a look-at-me aesthetic, you need the Emilia 90cm Dual Fuel Upright Cooker. Air fry, grill, bake and roast in the electric oven, or fire up any of the five gas burners to simmer, saute and stir-fry.
Retro On A Small Scale
You don’t need to go full-retro with lava lamps and shag carpet to bring a little retro glam to your place. “Simply update your appliances with pastel-toned, shapely, retro-inspired designs,” says Tahn. A toaster and kettle will do the trick. Renovating? Breathe new life into your kitchen cabinetry by adding round, chrome handles for instant vintage appeal. For something new with an old-school vibe, go for traditional Shaker-style cabinetry with glass panes to show off your funky, retro, melamine tableware.
Shop Retro Small Appliances
KitchenAid Artisian Stand Mixer Empire Red Give this one prime bench space for kitschy vintage charm. You’ll want it handy for mixing batters, bread dough and pastry, whipping up fluffy meringue and even mashing potatoes.
Sunbeam Simply Shine Cream 4 Slice Toaster Curved edges, chrome controls and coloured enamel tick all the retro boxes. And nine browning options tick all the breakfast boxes.
Time-Honoured Entertainment
Love a mid-century vibe? Dust off the family record collection and go ’70s suave in the living room with a turntable. Filling your home with the warm, rich audio of vinyl is easy with modern models like the Audio Technica Turntable with Bluetooth which connects to your wireless speaker. Then there’s the undeniable cool of gathering around to flick through records at your next dinner soiree. So what’ll it be? Dancing Queen disco vibes or a serenade from The King?
Projectors For An Old-Fashioned Movie Night
Forget the clunky old machine flicking through black and white slides. Today’s compact projectors are for top quality viewing and versatile screening. You can still turn back the clock with this modern tech though: just invite the crew around for an old-fashioned, outdoor movie night. Set up the projector and a screen, serve popcorn in red-striped boxes and screen a vintage classic. Anything starring Audrey Hepburn or Marlon Brando hits the brief.
Old-School Gaming
No retro revival is complete without some old-school gaming. Download all your childhood favourites direct to your Nintendo Switch Console! There’s nothing like a session of Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros or Banjo-Kazooie to help you relive the glory days of gaming. More of a PC gamer? Kick it old school with ’70s arcade classics like Space Invaders and Pong. You can find them both online. Or get into the game on your smartphone, with Sega classics like Sonic the Hedgehog now in app form.
Feeling retro-inspired? Visit The Good Guys in-store or online for the biggest and best range of appliances and tech to get the look in your home. For more kitchen inspo, check out The Lust-Have Appliance Finishes For 2022.
