I like the retro diner vibe in kitchens, but it's easy to overdose on reproduction chrome furniture and 1950s kitsch. So for this Get the Look, I decided to create a modern and sophisticated kitchen with subtle nods toward diner style. Here's how to recreate it.

The palette: Avoid cute overload by steering clear of bright and/or primary colors. Instead, opt for understated white-and-silver appliances, and throw in some darker tones like brown and forest green.
The furniture: Rather than go for a matching table and chairs with typical chrome accents, I decided to pair diner chairs with a modern wooden table that merely takes its design cues from the '50s.
For the rest of what you need, read more
The lighting: Look for hyper-modern and luxurious light fixtures and fans that echo art deco and retro styles.
The accents: Here's where you can let a little bit of kitsch into your kitchen. Scour for vintage clocks, napkin dispensers, metal signs, and the like on eBay and other antiques sites.
The appliances: There are tons of reproduction vintage appliances available nowadays, including countertop electrics, stoves, and fridges. I love these refrigerators from Big Chill.
For all of my picks, click on the photos below.

Isabella Oliver
Matthew Williamson
Boden
I like this more understated diner look. It's much better than my parent's stuck-in-the-70s kitchen, and less kitschy than the red/blac/white you usually see when you think diner.
1we have the big chill fridge in blue... i love it. to play up our diner vibe we got one of those kit-cat clocks as well as the origional chrome accent counter top that came with out 1950's house. yay for kitsch-ens.
2Oh I love those kit-cat clocks!! Those big chill fridges look really cool also!
3I love this look - it's exactly what I've been putting in my kitchen for years. It kitch-y but also very practical! All the stainless steel makes cleanup really easy!
4Love it! Of course I love the retro look. Oh the napkin holder is 2 cool, never thought of using 1 in my own kitchen, will have to look into getting one.
5I love the diner look and if I could would work a booth into my kitchen.
6I LIKE
7love the fridge but with this texas heat i need one with an icemaker.
8the table is very suburban white family
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