Vintage Vogue

Belinda Kersten

In my bid to have the funkiest kitchen on the planet, I decided a while back that ‘retro/kitch’ was the way to go about it. Luckily for me this trend comes back every now and again, and a few gems can be found in the mainstream chain stores such as Mr Price Home (one of my faves for ‘vintage vogue’). I’ve also been lucky enough to find some gems at Boardmans and Woollies on occasion.
 
Here is what I’d like to end up with. A ‘diner’ style kitchen with tin coca cola signs on the walls, a mini juke box on the counter, and chromed stools. Until I can achieve this ultimate dream, I have been collecting little knick-knacks like a magpie. Coca Cola paraphernalia, vintage tins of old, that used to contain Five Roses Tea and Strepsils and funky placemats to name a few. Yes it’s taken a while, but if you’d like to achieve a unique one-of-a-kind kitchen, it could take some time. Some of my old tins were bought at fetes and second hand shops. I won’t attempt to purchase any from an antique store, they’re pretty much the same bargains you may get at a second hand store, but for triple the price. However if you do find one that is unique and special, then splash out, it may be rare and become quite a conversation-piece!
 
Vintage looking Coca Cola coasters, trays and other paraphernalia can be found in a few places. The Crafters Market is one of my faves, and there is also a stall at the Rosebank Rooftop Market that sells vintage metal signs of all shapes and sizes, including Coca Cola, Jack Daniels, and Harley Davidson; all of which would look right at home in your’50’s Diner’ kitchen. I’ve found a lot of my favourite items at Mr Price Home, funky popcorn tubs, and pastel, polka-dot crockery to name a couple. I recently created a pop-art inspired bowl by melting an old vinyl record in the oven (sorry David Bowie but you’re getting put to better use as a chip-bowl) To see the tutorial on how to create your own vinyl record bowl click here. If it doesn’t come out the way you want it to first time round, pop it back in the oven and re-melt & shape it. I did mine about 5 times before I was happy.
 
Small décor changes can also go a long way, no need to re-model in chrome and booth seats. Instead of re-tiling your floor, why not create a black and white check-tiled backsplash. Another plan would be to put up café style curtains, either in pastel candy stripes or red and white checks. I’ve come across some real gems on ebay, including café table and chairs, and one of my favourite items, Coca Cola wallpaper. I came across a cool idea for an Andy Warhol-style kitchen makeover at jonathanfongstyle.com or check out this version using a vinyl print and an old cabinet.
 
Now have fun creating your 'soda-pop space', one retro coffee mug at a time. Once again it helps to always keep one eye open. You may not have everything you want for a retrofied room all in one go, but no harm in starting your collection at the next church fete or car-boot sale. Happy hunting!