Vintage Kitchen Colors Straight out of Grandma’s House

When you think back to your family's kitchen, what colors come to mind? Here's a look at all the best vintage kitchen colors from the past several decades.

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Harvest Gold

This iconic, golden hue was introduced in the late 1970s and stayed all the rage right through the 1980s. Every appliance and kitchen gadget you could possibly need for was available in Harvest Gold—including ranges, dishwashers, mixing bowls, utensils and even Tupperware.

See what kitchen trends are on their way out.

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Avocado Green

The preferred kitchen color palette of the ’70s had earth tones like avocado, often paired with wood grain and floral patterns. This is a vintage kitchen color that looks dated to many, but some folks love the homey feel.

You can dip your toes into the waters of 1970s nostalgia without going full-on avocado. Just try these recipes!

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Pink

Candy-like shades of color were very trendy in kitchens of the 1950s. Pink was the favorite color of then-First Lady Mamie Eisenhower who wore it often, and it became a popular shade for home decor as well. Find out why the Property Brothers would love a colorful appliance, too!

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Reminisce

Poppy Red

Red is a color that keeps coming back in vogue. In the ’50s, diners were everywhere and home kitchens copied their iconic red and white decor. Later, in the ’70s, Poppy Red was introduced alongside other natural tones. And today, dark red details in white kitchens create a homey, farmhouse kitchen look.

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Teal

This color is so irresistibly cheerful it’s hard to believe it went out of style. This bright teal hue reached its peak popularity in the 1960s, just like these swingin’ recipes.

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Reminisce

White

Before kitchens took on every color of the rainbow, homeowners favored a clean and simple aesthetic in the kitchen. This was the most popular hue from the 1920s until the ’40s. You can even see it in these vintage Christmas images! The white concept is back in full swing today, with light-filled kitchens and bright, white cabinetry, appliances and subway-tiled walls and backsplashes.

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Chrome

Think of 1950s cars and you can’t help but picture chrome—and that gleam could be found in the kitchens of the decade, too. There were chrome-plated coffee pots and blenders, chrome trim around counters and chrome on kitchen tables and chairs. Larger appliances like refrigerators and stoves also debuted in chrome that decade.

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Off-White

This shade was also known as bisque or almond. The yellow, brown and green kitchens of the ’70s gave way to more minimalist, white kitchens in the ’80s, and these shades of off-white were the colors of choice for kitchen gadgets like this Cuisinart.

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Coppertone

This shade was also known as coffee or cocoa. Its deep brown color could be seen in ’70s kitchens as part of the earthy, natural palette that was the norm back then. You could also find dark brown in decor elements like natural wood or faux wood grain finishes, and in vintage kitchen appliances like this wall-mounted double oven.

Nancy Mock
Nancy has shared her home cooking and baked goods with loved ones her entire life. Taking inspiration from her northeastern roots and Irish heritage, she shares her comfort food recipes on her site Hungry Enough to Eat Six. An expert in New England cuisine, Nancy enjoys delving into food history, viral recipes and regional dishes. Since becoming a Taste of Home contributor, she’s written about Fluffernutter sandwiches (a New England classic), re-created vintage Betty Crocker recipes, shared how to make “marry me chicken” and much more. When she’s not whipping up developing new recipes or testing cooking techniques, she loves finding vintage cookbooks from the last century to add to her growing collection.
Lisa Kaminski
Lisa is a former Taste of Home editor and passionate baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa also dedicated her career here to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.