There’s something magical about bringing a little 1950s charm into the present day. When I first bought my home, built in 1959, I instantly fell in love with its vintage personality — the pastel wallpaper, the pink countertops, and, of course, those bright turquoise cabinets. But the kitchen needed a little refining to strike the right balance between retro and refreshed.
The Before: Too Much of a Good Thing
When I moved in, the cabinet doors were painted a vivid turquoise, while the boxes were white. The wallpaper circling the ceiling — an original floral print from the late 1950s — was charming, but the overall look felt overwhelming. The first order of business? Paint.
I repainted all of the cabinets solid white, keeping that crisp mid-century feel while letting the pink countertops and floral wallpaper shine. Suddenly, the space felt lighter, brighter, and more intentional.
Creating Function Without Losing Style
Counter space was limited, so I decided to remove two sets of cabinet doors and knock out a lower shelf to make room for a microwave and toaster. This little DIY moment gave me a built-in feel — and just the right excuse to bring in some retro-inspired appliances that fit both the space and the aesthetic.
Adding Retro Turquoise Touches
Here’s where the fun began. I found a turquoise retro microwave that perfectly fit the new shelf — small enough to be functional, but stylish enough to make a statement. I paired it with a matching retro toaster, and suddenly the space started to come alive again with that vintage color I loved — this time in all the right doses.
From there, I layered in my favorite turquoise accents:
- My vintage Pyrex Butterprint mixing bowls, which have been with me for years
- A few turquoise kitchen utensils — tongs, pizza cutter, spatulas — all displayed in a brass utensil canister
- The Martha Stewart knife set in turquoise (beautiful and surprisingly functional)
- A Dash blender in the same cheerful hue
- And finally, my turquoise Fiesta Ware dishes and butter dish for that finishing touch
Balancing Color and Classic Charm
Not everything in my kitchen is turquoise — and that’s the key to keeping it from feeling theme-y. The clean white cabinets and new white marble-look tile flooring bring balance, while the original pink countertops and floral wallpaper tie the whole palette together.
The result is a kitchen that feels like me — nostalgic but fresh, colorful but calm, and filled with pieces that make me happy every time I walk in.
Shop the Look: Retro Turquoise Kitchen Favorites
You can recreate this look in your own space with a few key finds:
- Retro Turquoise Microwave
- Retro Toaster
- Martha Stewart Turquoise Knife Set
- Dash Blender
- Fiesta Ware Turquoise Dinner Set
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Styling Tip:
If you love color but don’t want to overwhelm your space, think of turquoise as an accent tone — not the star of the show. Pair it with whites, soft pinks, or warm neutrals to let it shine while still feeling timeless.