Retro style in the interior always attracts with its unusualness and streamlined shapes. Manufacturers of household appliances today offer entire lines of refrigerators in this direction. They are distinguished by their original design and bright colors, becoming an accent detail in the kitchen. Today I will talk about popular lines of devices made in an unusual direction.
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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.
Refrigerators in retro style from famous manufacturers
Vintage style has been popular for the last few years. Apartment owners scour flea markets in search of themed furniture and lighting fixtures and select appropriate finishing materials. With technology everything is much more complicated. Taking a retro refrigerator that is at least 20 years old is dangerous. Due to his age, he may not meet the requirements of a modern person. It is better to refer to the catalogs of well-known manufacturers.
Most companies offer customers stylized devices that are new and meet all the characteristics of modern technology.
Gorenje
A company from Slovenia offers customers three collections of stylized refrigerators in retro fashion. The discreet Retro Vintage collection presents noble colors: chocolate, cream and milk. Streamlined shapes and classic handles fully correspond to the spirit of the time.
The second collection meets the requirements of minimalism. Black, red or universal silver device from the Retro Chic series. Each of them will find its place in fashionable kitchen interiors. For explosive and dynamic people, the Retro Funky collection is offered. Here are purple, light green and orange refrigerators. They will become a bright accent of any room.
All devices are distinguished by affordable prices and many useful functions.
@gorenje.co.uk
Ardo
Models from this company are distinguished by a large palette of colors and unusual design. There are even products with photo printing. Large color prints, musical themes or colors of flags of different countries. As befits vintage refrigerators, the corners are rounded. Double-chamber models are equipped with original horizontal handles, and single-chamber models are equipped with vertical handles.
@groupon.com
Bosch
The famous German company has released a whole line of retro refrigerators in the classic design of the 50s of the last century. They have rounded edges and unusual chrome handles . The color palette is extensive: from classic calm shades to bright acidic ones.
@elmirastoveworks.com
Whirlpool
The designers went to great lengths and came up with an original appearance for the device for true connoisseurs. Single-chamber refrigerator of small size in the shape of a square with chrome-plated high legs. It is equipped with a horizontal handle, the corners are emphatically rounded or straight.
The color range is very limited. Available in 4 shades: yellow, blue, deep red and black.
@designrulz.com
Big Chill
An American company specializing in the production of equipment designed in the style of the 50s. Rounded shapes, metal handles and a large selection of colors . A shabby chic kitchen, for example, looks great with a refrigerator in cream and olive tones. For connoisseurs of classic retro, a black refrigerator with chrome parts is suitable. Modern interiors are combined with appliances in cream, bright yellow, blue and red tones.
@duncanscreativekitchens.com
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.
Retro refrigerator: features of models and their manufacturers
Expert opinion
Smirnova Ekaterina Anatolevna
7 years of experience in interior design, professional architect
The retro refrigerator “came” from the middle of the last century. In the first half of the twentieth century, household compressor refrigerators running on freon appeared on the market.
At first they had one chamber, and a little later, in the forties, a separate freezer compartment with its own evaporator and door appeared. And now Retro-style refrigeration equipment is represented by different models - from compact samples (for several bottles of cola) to very large refrigeration units.
But vintage refrigerators are not antiques. From that time they borrowed only the appearance, but their “filling” and characteristics are quite modern.
Read more about this further.
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.
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
Refrigerator in retro tradition - main advantages
When planning to install unusual household appliances in the kitchen, you should familiarize yourself with their advantages. Retro refrigerators are often preferred for the following reasons:
- originality. The technique, filled with the distinct style of the past, looks stylish in combination with bright colors. The kitchen interior will become spectacular and cozy. With the help of bright models, you can emphasize the non-standard nature of the decor, and classic colors will add laconicism to the kitchen;
- reliability and durability. Antique-style kitchen equipment is made from modern materials using the latest technological equipment. One of the features of the retro style philosophy is the operation of technical devices for a long time;
- ease of use. Imbued with nostalgic notes, products from famous brands are equipped with antique fittings, for example, original curved handles, with which the refrigerator door opens very easily;
- versatility. The wide range of retro refrigerators offered, differing in color, overall dimensions and functionality, allows you to harmoniously fit them into the interior of the apartment. Such a refrigerator can become a real decoration of any room.
This set of advantages contributes to the popularity of refrigerators, the appearance of which is reminiscent of the good old past.
