30 Modern Retro Kitchen Items For Those Who Fear Change

I had entirely too much fun researching items for this list! When I was a child, I used to spend the summers with my grandmother, who was a huge part of my life. I can still remember what her kitchen looked like and mentally travel back to it. A good portion of this list is items that I recall my grandmother having. The rest of the items are from what I remember in my parent's home. I felt like Alice in Wonderland while working on this list, as I went down a few rabbit holes to learn more about some of the items. I hope you will enjoy viewing and shopping from this list as much as I enjoyed creating it. I hope you have a super sparkly day!
Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.Royal Albert Lady Carlyle Bone China Stands The Test Of Time
Amazon
My grandmother had a set of china that was very similar to this Lady Carlyle 5-Piece Place Setting. I don't recall ever getting to eat off of it though. The plates are decorated with a beautiful floral design and elegant gold scrollwork. The bone china is trimmed in 22-carat gold. Here's a fun fact for you; according to wedgwood.com, it's called "bone" china because bone ash from animals (usually cows) is mixed into the ceramic mix to give bone china its distinctive creamy color!
See it on AmazonA Set Of 4 Juice Glasses With A Classic Starburst Design
Amazon
Godinger's Dublin Collection Juice Glasses are the closest I could find to the glasses I remember my grandmother having. Her glasses were the prize in the box each time she purchased Crystal Wedding Oats, the now-discontinued brand. She had a collection of very nice little glasses, and also the different colored plastic tumblers they eventually switched to. Godinger's Juice Glasses have a similar star pattern and are 6 Fluid Ounces.
See it on AmazonA Pretty Ruffled Waist Apron That Makes Me Want To Get Cooking
Amazon
My grandmother almost always wore an apron in the kitchen, which makes me wonder why I don't wear one. I even have one of her old aprons in my kitchen towel drawer. The Waist Apron listed here comes in 15 feminine designs that will make you want to cook, or at least look like you've been cooking all day. All the styles have a pretty ruffle detail, and the waist tie is 68 cm.
See it on AmazonFlour Sack Dish Towels That Come In Reimagined Classic Prints
Amazon
Made of 100% Cotton, these Flour Sack Dish Towels have tightly woven threads that "create a uniquely textured, highly absorbent, lightweight cloth." The Towels are 20 x 30 inches and are soft and lint-free. They come in 13 prints in limited quantities.
See it on AmazonA Retro 70s Tablecloth That Demonstrates Flower Power
Amazon
The colors in this tablecloth are quite pretty! This Retro 70s Round Tablecloth is 60" and will fit tables between 20" and 47" round. The 100% polyester tablecloth is machine washable in cold water and is hang dry.
See it on AmazonA Set Of Kitchen Tools That Says Ready, Set, Dough
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If you need to add some essential tools to your kitchen, HULISEN's Pastry Cutter Set is a fantastic value! It includes 5 different sizes of biscuit cutters for starters. The set also includes a 3-cup flour sifter, a dough blender, and a pastry scraper. The tools are made of high-quality stainless steel and have anti-rust properties. This would make a wonderful gift for the baker in your life!
See it on AmazonA Rotary Egg Beater Like Grandma Used To Use
Amazon
Very rarely did my grandmother get out her electric mixer. The majority of the time, she used her Rotary Egg Beater. I can still remember the sound it made. Danesco's Rotary Beater "blends foods quickly and easily with less clean-up than electric beaters." It's great for sauces and dressings, as well as eggs, and is dishwasher safe.
See it on AmazonA Confetti Mixing Bowl Set That Is Reminiscent Of The 1950s
Amazon
One advantage to this modern Confetti Mixing Bowl Set is that it's "made with 40% post-industrial recycled melamine." The set "contains four different sizes (4 quarts, 2. 5 quarts, 1. 25 quarts, and 18 ounces). The bowls are BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
See it on AmazonA Retro White And Chrome Table That'll Be The Centerpiece In The Kitchen
Amazon
My grandmother had the cutest little breakfast nook that her kitchen table fit into perfectly. It was a sunny happy place that makes me smile just thinking about it. Verified Purchaser, seventeen_bramble, shared the following about the Retro Oval Dining Table "...we’ve already received lots of compliments on the setup (especially from my parents who were born in the early 50s... lol). So far, I’m very pleased with my purchase!"
See it on AmazonA Handle Back Chrome Diner Chair That's Made In The USA
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I love the bright Cracked Ice Red of these Chrome Diner Chairs, which are also available in Cracked Ice Yellow. According to Richardson Seating's website, "Cracked Ice Vinyl was very popular back in the 1950s." The website also states, "Our 14 gauge all-welded steel frame is the strongest in the industry," which explains why the chairs are strong enough for commercial or residential use.
See it on AmazonRetro Flower Wall Plates Add A Pinch Of Character To The Kitchen
Amazon
What an inexpensive and fun way to add a funky touch to a kitchen! The Retro Flower Wall Plates are available in 6 retro floral patterns. They are also available in 6 different types, for light switches or plug-ins. All it takes is a screwdriver.
See it on AmazonGet Creative And Stay Cool With Groovy Ice Pop Molds
Amazon
I remember making homemade popsicles when I was a kid, but we never got more creative than pouring Kool-aid in the molds. These Groovy Ice Pop Molds feature a unique drip-guard handle to collect any drips and keep hands from getting sticky. The base holds the Ice Pops upright while they're freezing.
See it on AmazonPretty Placemats To Dress Up The Kitchen Table
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I don't remember a time that placemats weren't on the kitchen table at my grandmother's house. Most of the time, they were vinyl, and she would change them out depending on the season. These Colorful Floral Placemats are "made of premium quality Polyester Blend which is fade-resistant, reusable, durable, foldable, and machine washable." Four placemats per order.
See it on AmazonSnag A Limited Release 1971 Retro Coca Cola Lunch Box While It's Still Available
Amazon
"I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony. I'd like to buy the world a Coke and keep it company." The Tin Box Company commemorates the release of the 1971 commercial with this Coca-Cola Lunch Box. The orange, white, pink, and red image contrasts beautifully with the yellow background, and I love the classic '70s font. What a groovy find!
See it on AmazonGlass Storage Jars That Are Perfect For The Countertop Or The Cupboard
Amazon
A Lidded Glass Storage Jar was always on my grandmother's kitchen counter. Most of the time, it contained saltines or graham crackers, but occasionally it would have cookies in it. The jars listed here are 30 ounces and come in a set of 3. Their superior quality seal keeps out moisture and keeps food fresh.
See it on AmazonA Fiesta Salt & Pepper Set In Turquoise
Amazon
Fiestaware is arguably "America's favorite dinnerware;" it's been around since 1936, after all. This Fiesta Salt & Pepper Set is made of vitrified porcelain, which makes it resistant to stains and odors. The Salt & Pepper Shakers are chip-resistant and dishwasher safe.
See it on AmazonA Set Of Hanging Kitchen Towels With Crochet Tops To Hang On The Refidgerator Handle
Amazon
I have a couple of this type of Hanging Kitchen Towel with a Crocheted Top, and they are very convenient. I hang mine by the kitchen sink so it's always convenient to dry my hands on. It's usually the type of towel you can purchase at a craft fair or church bazaar or that someone's aunt made for you. Hannahs Homestead in Wisconsin has saved you from having to hunt for some and has made these available on Amazon.
See it on AmazonGet Ready For The Next Barbecue With A Set Of Bamboo Paper Plate Holders
Amazon
I think everyone I grew up with had a set of Bamboo Paper Plate Holders at their house. They were so convenient because you could still buy the flimsy paper plates without having to worry about your food falling through. The holders are 100% natural bamboo and are microwave safe.
See it on AmazonA Cast Iron Cornstick Pan That Comes Seasoned And Ready To Use
Amazon
Wow! I've never had a cast-iron skillet that I didn't have to season first before I could even use it. This Lodge Cornstick Pan comes seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil and features "unparalleled heat retention and even heating". Made in the USA.
See it on AmazonContinue The Retro Diner Vibe With A Stainless Steel Napkin Dispenser
Amazon
You guessed it. My grandmother had this type of Spring-Load Stainless Steel Napkin Dispenser; however, I seem to remember that she painted it brown. She was dangerous with a paintbrush. The "spring-load mechanism ensures easy loading and dispensing." The napkins can be accessed from both sides and can hold up to 150 tall-fold napkins.
See it on AmazonParfait Glasses For Pudding, Fruit, Or Ice Cream Sundaes
Amazon
Everything is bound to taste better when it's eaten out of these fun Parfait Glasses! The "6.5 oz footed dessert bowls are made of premium glass and are lead-free. The bottom is designed with thicker glass to provide stability and prevent tipping."
See it on AmazonMake Gelatin Salads Trendy Again With A Silicone, Nonstick, Mold
Amazon
The Silicone, Nonstick, 8-inch Round Mold is suitable for cakes, pies, bread, or even Jello! The flexible mold is made of food-grade silicone and is BPA-free. It's temperature resistant from -40 degrees F to 446 degrees F and is "completely safe to use in the freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher."
See it on AmazonThrow A Tupperware Party With A Slim Line 2-Quart Pitcher
Amazon
Did you know that Tupperware was named after a real person? Tupperware was named after Earl Tupper, who developed it in 1946 in Massachusetts, according to Wikipedia. The Slim Line Pitcher was designed to fit easily into the refrigerator door. The Pitcher listed here is Aqua Blue.
See it on AmazonA Bacon Grease Keeper That Was Specifically Designed For The Job
Amazon
If you grew up in the south, there was probably some type of container on the stove to save bacon grease in. The Bacon Grease Keeper listed here has a couple of great features. It has a removable, stainless steel mesh strainer that rests perfectly on the rim to keep food particles out of the cooking oil. It also has an easy pour spout to make using the grease easier.
See it on AmazonAn Avocado Green Wall Clock That Looks Like It Was On The Brady Bunch Set
Amazon
My family had an Avocado Green refrigerator for years and years. I don't know how that color ever became so popular in the '70s. Verified Purchaser, Allan D., said, "Yes it is a bit tacky looking but that was exactly what I was looking for as I was looking for a Retro Clock...". Another reviewer, Amazonaddicted, said, "Stop reading reviews and add this to your cart."
See it on AmazonVintage Produce Prints That Successfully Combine Harvest Gold And Avocado Green
Amazon
There's only one review of these Vintage Produce Posters, but it's too good not to share. Grindguru, a Verified Purchaser, enthused, "Best purchase of my life. Much like the flavor of avocado in a chicken sandwich, this poster adds a subtle, but necessary touch to my room. Highly recommended to any other lovers of the most nutritious fruit on the planet." Please note that these are unframed prints on 80lb cover-weight paper stock.
See it on AmazonA Sure Way To Age A Kitchen Is To Add A Classic Wallpaper Border
Amazon
I agree with the Amazon description for Classic Kitchen Wallpaper Border. They stated, "wallpaper borders bring color accent, character and unique style to a room." The prepasted wallpaper border just needs to be hydrated to be applied and is supposed to be an easy DIY project.
See it on AmazonAdd Some Flavor To The Kitchen With Mushroom Oven Mitts And Pot Holders
Amazon
Mushroom lovers will appreciate this item. There are 4 mushroom patterns to choose from, and they are all distinctly different. I like the Mushroom Vintage print, but the Mushroom 3 print is very cool too. The Oven Mitts And Pot Holders Set is heat resistant up to 356 degrees F.
See it on AmazonAn Officially Licensed Holly Hobbie Mug Brings Back A Character From The 60s And 70s
Amazon
I had an orange and white Holly Hobbie lunch box when I was growing up, but I didn't remember too much else about the character. Thanks to Wikipedia, I discovered today that "Denise Holly Hobbie is an American writer, watercolorist, and illustrator who sold her distinctive artwork to American Greetings in the late 1960s!" This 10 oz Ceramic Holly Hobbie Mug is an example of her iconic artwork.
See it on AmazonBowls Made From Vintage Vinyl Records Are Sure To Be A Conversation Piece
Amazon
I don't think I would eat out of a Set of 5 Record Bowls, but they would be great bowls to keep on the counter to put keys or change in. "Each bowl is made from an Authentic Vintage 1970s/80s Rock Music Album." The selection of records will vary from those pictured but will be in the rock genre.
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