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Rachel Homer

50s diner kitchen ideas — 10 ways to embrace this retro look

50's retro white kitchen.

50s diner kitchen ideas are iconic themes that can flood the heart of the home with nostalgic and homely charm full of color and character. 

From kitsch and quirky textiles to hero appliances that kicked off a new era in culinary technology, the American diner style is so striking and distinct that transformations can easily achieved in kitchens of all sizes. 

It's important to remember that kitchens during the 50s were hardworking first, so these clever 50s diner kitchen ideas will create a multifunctional and practical scheme that's bursting with quintessential and oh-so-symbolic, retro style.

50s diner kitchen ideas for a retro look

To capture the essence of a 50s-style American diner in your own kitchen, think back to that mid-century era when vintage kitchen simplicity and form were being reshaped with curious curves, check patterns and all colors of the rainbow to dramatically transform kitchens into comfortable and personalized spaces for all the family.

"Transforming your kitchen into a 50s diner-style space is a fun project that involves capturing the vibrant, nostalgic charm of that era," says a home service and DIY expert, Tommy Mello.

“For an authentic 50s look, think about juxtaposing monochromes or soft pastels and ice cream shades. To further enhance the look, consider adding a Formica table and banquette seating upholstered in vinyl and checkerboard black and white flooring. The jukebox is optional,” agrees Rebecca Nokes, Design Director at John Lewis of Hungerford.

Give your kitchen a wonderfully wistful explosion with these brilliant ways to bring 50s diner kitchen ideas into your space.

1. Choose checkerboard flooring

(Image credit: IKEA)

Starting from the bottom checkerboard flooring creates the ultimate kitchen diner base with classic monochrome squares. 

Why? The simple design goes much further back than the fifties era but we are guessing the pattern was super popular during this time because it has a practical purpose yet slightly nods to playfulness.

Checkerboard flooring is super versatile so creates a smart foundation for other layers of retro interest without becoming too chaotic.

“The quintessential 1950s diner often featured black and white floor tiles arranged in a checkerboard pattern. This bold style is simple to recreate with the same size black and white tiles but could easily be altered to add a twist by laying a white tiled floor with a black border or an inset square or diamond design," says, James Bacon, Head of Group Customer Service at Tile Mountain.

(Image credit: Harvey Maria)

"When paired with boldly colored kitchen cabinets, and chrome-based bar stools the monochrome floor is guaranteed to create an impact.”  

For a modern twist update the traditional black and white pattern for a chequered board floor that boasts contemporary color.  

2. Define with tiles

As well as checkerboard floors, checkerboard kitchen wall tiles and splashbacks follow suit. Again, this look was popular for practical reasons and homeowners soon grew the confidence to experiment with color. 

"When I think of a stereotypical American diner, I think of a classic checkerboard pattern with a retro color twist", Says Damla Turgut, founder and creative director, of Otto Tiles & Design US

"A great way to introduce this into a kitchen scheme is via a tiled backsplash. Not only will this provide a durable and practical surface for your kitchen that will protect your walls, but it will also add that classic diner aesthetic without having to even remodel."

For a more subtle diner vibe, team a checkerboard floor with crisp and clean metro tiles in a glossy white finish.

(Image credit: Tile Mountain)

3. Sit in a booth

(Image credit: Harvey Maria)

Dining booths are a great nod to the 50s era. Plus, they're super comfortable! Installing a booth is an easy way to make use of an awkward corner in the kitchen and maximize seating space.

To integrate the full 50s diner kitchen experience look for ways to accommodate, family meals in the space provided, be it a booth, breakfast bar, or bistro table.

4. Bring in a busy pattern

(Image credit: Bobbi Beck)

Kitchen wallpaper is an affordable way to completely transform a kitchen. Maximalist wallpaper patterns will inject a bright and fun 50s kitchen diner look into your home. 

Choose eye-catching patterns such as stripes, gingham, or geometric patterns in bright and fun colors. To avoid the set-up looking overwhelming, stick to one monochromatic color palette.

5. Go for gingham

(Image credit: Dunelm)

We're back to checkerboard prints, but this time via textiles and on a smaller scale. 

Affordable, durable, and reassuring, gingham print is another hero of American kitchen diner style. Introduce good-old gingham prints to blinds, tablecloths, seat cushions, and dish towels and you won't go wrong.

6. Pick out primary colours

(Image credit: Dunelm)

Whether used alone or in unison, the bright and beautiful tones of red, blue, and yellow are a 50s diner kitchen color pallet favorite. Red seems to remain on top as the ultimate classic and looks ultra-smart when teamed with blue for a patriotic twist. 

Inject the vibrant tones into the mix with a stand-out latest appliance. A bright and beautiful range cooker will add an instant wow factor and a retro toaster will look super cute on retro-style worktops.

7. Pop in pastel shades

(Image credit: Wayfair)

If primary colors are too strong for your taste, take a more subtle approach with a softer shade set to create a nostalgic and pretty pastel kitchen. 

Pastel colors, such as baby blue and soft pink were also all the range during the 50s and these ice-cream shades broke new boundaries by being introduced to appliances too. 

"After World War II ended, the 1950s was the calm after a gigantic, traumatic storm and that need for tranquillity was injected into interiors hence the trend towards soft soothing pastel shades. This has been reinstated of late, as people move towards mood-boosting 'retro Kitchens' inspired by that period, seeking out the nurturing comfort of nostalgia", explains designer and stylist Dilly Orme.

"When working with a selection of pastels ensure your choices work together tonally to have a calming symphony of color within your chosen space."

8. Mix in chrome metals

(Image credit: John Lewis of Hungerford)

Currently, Kitchen hardware trends are leaning in new directions such as brushed chrome for a gold effect, luxe-look, or matte black for a touch of urban chic. But, to bring American kitchen diner style to your space stick with classic chrome. 

The shiny metal was a relatively new find in kitchens back then so thought of as ultra-glamorous. Today's it's probably the most affordable of kitchen hardware metals and the most practical to keep clean option so it's a win-win. 

9. Highlight with feature lighting

(Image credit: Hillarys)

Include a variety of light sources for practical and ambient 50s kitchen diner. For full authenticity choose a mix of feature pendant land task lights to create pools of light that help to zone cooking and dining areas. 

Colorful glass or metal finishes will create retro-style focal points that stand out. 

10.Vintage look accessories are a must

(Image credit: Kitchen Aid)

Kitchen homewares displayed on open-shelving will give a 50s diner kitchen attention to detail filled with credible character. 

Here's your chance to inject a unique personality into the mix so visit yard sales and search online marketplaces for genuine antique and retro finds. Or replicate the vibe with more affordable versions - 50s diner kitchen ideas are timeless department store favorites so you'll never run out of choice. 


As with black and white kitchens, 50s diner kitchens are funky time capsules that never go out of style. Love them or hate them, they certainly inject personality and pack a punch. Whether you stick to classic traditions or infuse a contemporary twist, American kitchen diner style is a nostalgic and timeless choice. 

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