The Fifties Kitchen

The Fifties are back! Whether it's due to nostalgic baby boomers or a younger generation discovering fifties style or kitsch, there's been a surge of interest in all things from the 1950s, especially home furnishings.

Tracking down the elements of the fifties kitchen can involve quite a bit of searching. But I've done that for you. I love all things retro. In my living room I have a pair of Bassett chairs from the period (they're in need of upholstering thanks to my daughter's cat).

In my studio I have a gorgeous blonde wood Bassett desk and two Progressive chrome and vinyl or leather chairs. These were bought at a local thrift store. If you're looking for the original article, thrift stores are a good places to start. The condition can range from good to poor, but if you're handy you can refinish or re-uplhoster them yourself.

I've also found, at thrift stores, a few insulated tumblers (you know the kind--there's a layer of burlap in between clear and colored plastic) a few melamine plates. One week I lucked out and found set of chrome kitchen cannisters. They weren't in the best of condition, but the price was right.

You can find original tablecloths or aprons in an antique store, but they are often fragile and/or stained. Old kitchenware will show signs of use, such as scratching and burning. I haven't found anything worth buying in that category. Fortunately, there are a couple of sources for great retro furnishings. One is original manufacturers which are still in business (such as Bassett); another is modern reproductions. The items I've gathered together here fall mostly into the latter category. I hope you have as much fun looking through them as I did finding them. I'm sure you'll find something you like--I know I have!