If modern interior classics with laconic forms, clear lines and a restrained palette of colors are not for you, we suggest adding a little extravagance, boldness and unusualness to the interior with the help of stylish colorful objects, accessories or equipment. Today we will talk about bright and extraordinary retro refrigerators. Why are they so charming and what kind of kitchen are they suitable for?
Retro refrigerator - a way to create a beautiful kitchen
The retro refrigerator is an attractive solution, especially in the case of a classic kitchen appliance. Nowadays, furniture styles are increasingly being mixed to give it a personal touch and make it unique. What can you expect from retro refrigerators?
Of course, rich colors, high quality workmanship and modern technology. What types of devices are available? This could be a bottom freezer, top freezer, single door, countertop, or even a double door refrigerator.
These types of solutions should interest you if you care about unconventional designs and want to further highlight the design of your kitchen.
Most retro refrigerator models refer to the appearance of equipment from the 60s and 70s. Of course, such a device is suitable for a country kitchen. However, if you want it to be part of a modern kitchen , add another element that is characteristic of this style.
Most of these devices are round in shape and are available primarily in colors such as white, cream, green, copper or black. A characteristic element of a retro refrigerator is the handle located on the door.
Retro or modern refrigerator? What are the differences?
In terms of functionality, retro-style refrigerators are in no way inferior to modern types of these devices. They are energy efficient and feature technologies such as No Frost (one of the best cooling systems on the market) or Multiflow (maintaining an evenly low temperature throughout the device). So what are the differences? They are here:
- Appearance – as we already mentioned, retro refrigerators have a round shape. The door of the device is rounded and has a handle.
- Freestanding only - these devices are not available in a built-in version, as their feature is their appearance.
- Number of Doors – Most retro refrigerators are single door, although as we mentioned, you will find other types as well.
It's important to note that the selection of retro refrigerators is definitely smaller than with modern appliances, but that doesn't mean you won't find a unit that will meet your expectations. Manufacturers are adding new models to their offerings.
SMEG
The retro series of this manufacturer looks peculiar because the style itself is far from what the Russian user imagines. They are not large in size and single-chambered. One of the models has a British flag design on the entire panel, while the ends are painted blue. The second model in the series is finished in a fusion style, which consists of multi-colored stripes and resembles a children's mattress. At the same time, the technical parameters of both refrigerators are the same: automatic defrosting, small size freezer compartment, three mobile shelves.
What to look for when choosing a retro refrigerator?
Have you already decided that you want to install a refrigerator in a retro style? As we already mentioned, there are definitely fewer models to choose from than with modern ones. Pay attention to:
- Brand – not all popular manufacturers offer retro refrigerators. The Italian brand Smeg provides the largest selection of such devices.
- Energy class - marked with a letter from A to D, in addition, it can be A +, A ++ and A +++, with the most energy efficient device being energy class A +++. And ++ means 45 percent. energy savings compared to class A.
- Dimensions of the device - it can be a refrigerator 2 meters high, but also a device one meter lower. For example, SMEG FAB10HLR is only 96 cm high.
- The presence of a solution that prevents the formation of ice on food products and inside the device. Not all retro refrigerators are equipped with this system.
- Noise level – the quieter the device, the better. It is stated in decibels and indicates the maximum noise level produced by the equipment.
- Door opening direction – the ability to change the direction of door opening so that it opens in the other direction. Not all devices offer this feature.
- Useful capacity - indicated in liters, separately for the refrigerator and freezer.
- Additional functions - for example, LED lighting, Multiflow (a system for evenly distributing cold air throughout the refrigerator, at the level of each shelf), electromechanical temperature control, a CrispZone drawer (a special container for storing vegetables and fruits) and others.
- Opinions and reviews - find out what people think about the refrigerator and what rating they gave the device.
Manufacturers of retro refrigerators
Since even large hardware stores have only 3-4 retro models, it’s worth looking at them on the Internet in advance, for example, by visiting the manufacturers’ websites. Such refrigerators are offered by many companies, for example, Amica, Gorenje, Samsung, Bosch. Smeg is one of the most iconic manufacturers of retro technology.
As you all already know, Smeg Style features a vintage design, unmistakable with curved lines and bright colors that blend perfectly with cutting-edge technology.
The range of household appliances does not only consist of refrigerators... Smeg refrigeration appliances are true style icons with the Made in Italy design quality for which Smeg is known throughout the world.
Bosch
The popular German brand Bosch offers interesting antique variations. The brand offers retro technology, which, despite the emphasis on antiquity, nevertheless looks very attractive. Single-chamber refrigerators of this brand ideally combine ancient design traditions with high technology.
Refrigerators in the Bosch line are available in a variety of colors, so you can choose to match the design of any kitchen. But it is worth remembering that the retro style in itself is very attractive and bright. Therefore, you should not overload the interior with unnecessary and inappropriate details.
Refrigerator in retro style – what else is important to know?
Large appliances are not enough to complete a kitchen and create a finished look. You'll also need the right pieces, materials, colors and accessories that create the retro vibe you love so much. As for colors, a neutral base like white, cream or beige is good.
The dominant materials will be wood of light and not too processed colors, as well as metal and laminate. Vintage prints are desirable, pop patterns such as hearts, polka dots and geometric shapes, colored fabrics and pendant lights will all complement the decor of your fiftieth kitchen.
From a toaster to a juicer, check out Smeg's small appliances from the 50Style range that will add the finishing touch to your kitchen.
Photo gallery - kitchen design ideas with a retro refrigerator
Suitable interior styles
Not all manufacturers produce “antique” refrigerators. But even under this condition, the choice on the market for these products is not small. The demand for “vintage” is explained by the fact that this technique fits well into many kitchen (or kitchen-living room) interior styles.
In the photo below, the red retro refrigerator serves as a “bright accent” in the interior. But it is not just a central element, but creates a certain mood, harmoniously combining with the brick walls of a loft-style apartment.
It is also perfect for a white Scandinavian-style kitchen, where this is a traditional color combination:
And also in the interior of a modern style - with a “sparse” color scheme, a predominance of straight lines and an almost complete absence of decorative accessories. And if not for two red refrigerators, this style would no longer belong to “fusion”, but to minimalism:
This photo shows the design of a modern white kitchen with an orange Smeg refrigerator, which serves as the central element of the interior:
Another retro-style kitchen, but in the spirit of the avant-garde of that time. And here there is already a white refrigerator from the company, although it belongs more to the classics of that era:
To conclude the chapter, two photographs of the interior:
- country-style kitchen and dining area with an ivory refrigerator
- mini kitchens in shabby chic style, where there is a pink Smeg refrigerator
