How to use a retro style microwave to shape your kitchen

As far as small kitchen appliances go, the microwave is pretty much the most common. And often the most ugly. Seriously, they irritate me so much for taking up a huge amount of space on a countertop whilst not being beautiful.

They’re almost always grey, rectangular, non-descript boxes.

A retro style microwave can change all that. It can lift the face and tone of kitchen in one go. They inject personality, warmth, color, depth of style… In the place of something that has the potential to suck the life out of the design of your kitchen.

They are seriously beautiful.

How to use a retro style microwave in your kitchen design

 

If you’re designing or decorating your kitchen, then a retro style microwave might be the kitchen appliance to focus your creativity.

Most of us use our microwave all the time, so it needs to be accessible and in your sightline – make the most of the opportunity!

Mid century chic paired with modern minimalism, for example. Your eye is drawn to the most beautiful thing in the canvas of clear space.

Or use the vintage color of your appliance to shape the rest of your design. Mint green, burnt orange – just gorgeous and the opposite of boring.

If you’re in a rental kitchen (like me!), then a beautiful microwave would really help you bring your own warmth and color to a kitchen that you maybe didn’t choose. And it can travel with you if you move on from that house.

 

 1. Daewoo Retro Microwave Oven in mint green

I’m starting with this retro style microwave because it is simple but effective. The powerage is 700w. I like it for being small – even a tiny kitchen countertop will not be overwhelmed by it. I love the vintage color and the just beautiful chrome handle. It has a tidy digital display that doesn’t detract from the retro style of the microwave. 

2. Daewoo Retro Microwave Oven in red

The Daewoo is available in several colors, including Creme White and Black, but my eye also is also drawn to this gorgeous red version. It’s a warm, deep color. Red does have a special way of warming up very functional kitchen. 

 

 

 

3. Swan Retro Digital Microwave in orange

This is my personal favorite. I think Swan have totally nailed the vintage style appliances. This Retro Digital Microwave in orange is just gorgeous. I don’t think I could ever get tired of that color. I love the detail in the grooved chrome handle, and the round display and function dials.

 

This microwave holds 20 liters and is 800 watts, so it packs more of a punch than the Daewoo. 

 

 

4. Swan Retro Digital Microwave in lime green

Swan retro microwaves are available in lots of different colors. Another one which stands out to me as a statement appliance for a kitchen is the lime green version. 

 

The vibrant vintage colors have some much more life in them than the paler alternatives. This would look stunning on a black or grey countertop.

 

 

5. Nostalgia Electrics Retro Series Microwave in red

I love the fun of this design – it reminds me of a juke box or a retro car fender. The red is crimson and classy. This retro microwave has an emphasis on being easy to use – it has 12 pre-programmed settings. The oval window makes it stand out from the crowd.

 

 

6. Kitchen Aid Digital Countertop oven in aqua blue

Kitchen Aid produce beautiful kitchen appliances and their functionality is superb. This aqua blue color is refreshing, and I love the shape of the oven window. Obviously if you have other Kitchen Aid appliances you can have the added advantage of them matching. This is a convection oven rather than a microwave, so it lends itself to even heat cooking. 

 

 

7. Kitchen Aid Digital Countertop oven in majestic yellow

Vintage yellow is a fabulous color for accessorizing a kitchen, but I don’t often see appliances in yellow. So this Kitchen Aid convection oven caught my eye. It’s called majestic yellow. It’s a gentle color and it’ll soften the look of dark kitchens, and add a brightness to light kitchens. It’s beautiful…

 

8. Swan Manual Retro Microwave in creamThis microwave takes the retro style to a whole other level because it’s manual. If you’re looking for a simple but beautiful microwave, then this is the one. It has the gorgeous Swan style – the grooved chrome handle, the clean lines and the true vintage feel. The absence of the digital display makes it in keeping with the mid century look. It’s a 25 liter/900w microwave.

 

9. Nostalgia Retro series 700 watt microwave in red

If you’re looking for a brighter red in your retro style microwave, then this one stands out. It’s glossy and cheerful, with all the distinctive retro style in the handle and the displays. 

 

 

 

 

10. Bella 1000 watt microwave in black and chrome

This is a powerful microwave and highly functional. I wouldn’t normally choose a black microwave, but this one is glossy and has that lovely chrome handle. So I think it’s got a classy, sophisticated edge, in case you need your retro style to be a little more understated. 

 

 

 

11. Farberware Classic 1000 watt microwave in metallic red

It’s the shiny red handle which grabs my attention on this microwave. The metallic red, the rectangular digital display, and the feel of this microwave make is more 1980s vintage than mid century chic. But I can’t help but like it! It would definitely bring character to your countertop. It’s a powerful microwave at 1000 watts.

 

Hopefully there is something here to give you inspiration for your beautiful retro style kitchen. A little mid century chic to brighten your countertop and a gorgeous vintage color to catch your eye. 

 

 

 

About the author

Elizabeth is a writer and a long time occupier of (mostly rental) small kitchens. She delights in making kitchens beautiful, and in helping you to do the same.    Over the past 10 years she has lived in an apartment above a restaurant, a tiny Victorian terrace, an Edwardian (even tinier) home, and a house with a kitchen from the 1980s. She now lives in a 1970s house with lovely natural light but very minimal cupboards.