Vintage Style – Elmira Stove Works Blog

Spaces That Wow – Using Bold Colors in Kitchen Design

Throughout the 1940s, 50s and 60s, color played a prominent role in kitchen design. During these times, appliances came in many colors – ranging from deep forest green to flamingo pink, and well… pretty much everything in between. The broad spectrum of available colors gave homeowners the opportunity to bring a bit of personality into their kitchen.

Over the years, however, the popularity of custom-colored appliances waned, and neutral hues such as white, black – and ultimately – stainless steel have dominated kitchen design ever since.

Recently, the popularity of colorful appliances has reemerged, as people want to add more character to their spaces. What better way to do this than by including a bold pop of color? Not only does color make a statement, but it will set your kitchen apart from the pack with its unique style.

At Elmira, we’ve always embraced color with our fully customizable lines of period-style appliances, available in thousands of inviting shades.

Keep reading for tips on how to include color in your kitchen.

Jewel Tones

Rich and deep, jewel tones can be an alternative to traditional neutrals in your kitchen design, and can be incorporated the same way you would colors like white, gray or cream. The Gemology Collection captures the brilliant essence of the cardinal gemstones: Amethyst, Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire.

Saturated and reflective, these nature-inspired colors will add depth and rich dimensionality to your kitchen. Consider including a Heritage refrigerator in Ruby to create a focal point, without overwhelming the space. You could also incorporate Ruby through accessories such as a Dutch oven, mixer or solid or patterned kitchen towels.

Desert Hues

A playful mix of earth tones balanced with pops of vibrant color, hues inspired by a desert oasis can bring a sense of cheer and radiance to kitchens. Try incorporating shades from our Palms Springs Collection, which includes inviting colors such as Cerulean Blue, Perfectly Pink, Palm Green and Desert Sand.

Use neutral shades as foundational colors for walls and cabinets, and then pull the look together through colorful appliances like our Northstar range and microwave in Palm Green. To shake things up a little, you could add a microwave in Cerulean Blue instead. Plants are also a great way to bring color into the kitchen, while adding an organic element to the space.

Punchy Pastels

If deep or vibrant colors aren’t your thing, you could opt for pastel shades that create visual interest in the kitchen, but are a little more subdued. Depending on how you style them, pastels can blend in with your kitchen design or serve as the focal point of the space. Our newest curated color collection, Mixology, includes a handful of playful shades reminiscent of colorful cocktails that are just as beautiful as they are delicious. The refreshing collection includes four enticing hues – Curacao, De Menthe, Paloma, and Violetta – which will surely lift your spirits.

Try adding a Heritage range in De Menthe for a fashion forward dose of color. Or go all the way with a Northstar fridge, range, splashback and hood in Curacao to complete your cooking space. If you’re not quite ready to commit to new appliances, you could include pastel elements through a fun tiled backsplash or by installing peel-and-stick wallpaper to give your kitchen a refreshed look.

Color is transformative. Whether you want to introduce a sense of drama, create balance, or make your kitchen feel more cheerful, appliances in bold hues will bring new life to your space.

Designer Spotlight

Jillian Harris shares the inspiration behind her designs and how a farmhouse project became a labour of love

At Elmira, we have the great privilege of crossing paths with some of the most creative minds and talented interior designers in the industry. When Jillian Harris, television personality and designer extraordinaire, expressed interest in using Elmira Stove Works appliances for several of her projects, we knew our products would perfectly complement her classic yet feminine design aesthetic.

Jillian has become known for transforming her clients’ homes, but this time the project was personal, as she was looking to outfit her 1900s farmhouse and corporate headquarters with an extra touch of vintage charm.

With an illustrious career in front of the camera, Founder of Jillian Harris Design and The Jilly Academy and Co-Founder of The Jilly Box, and helping others in need, to say Jillian wears many hats is an understatement. The multi-hyphenate entrepreneur shows no signs of stopping any time soon. Jillian has created a lifestyle brand that reflects a deep commitment to her team, customers, and community by championing diversity, transparency, and a drive never to stop learning. Though Jillian takes great pride in her work, her family consisting of her son, daughter, fiancé, and two boxers, is her biggest passion.

Recently, we had the chance to catch up with Jillian about her farmhouse renovation, her love of pink, and her take on interior design.

Q. Can you share a little about yourself and how/when you got into design?

I’m the founder of Jillian Harris Design and The Jilly Academy, Co-Author of Fraiche Food Full Hearts, and co-founder of The Jilly Box. I’d say I’m most well-known from my Bachelor/Bachelorette days and being the Co-Host of HGTV’s Love It or List It, Vancouver.

I attended the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), which ultimately led me down the path of restaurant design. In fact, before my TV days, I worked at Browns Restaurant Group and Cactus Club, where I not only helped to design the restaurants but also oversaw project management of new restaurants, along with many other things. If we go way back, I was passionate about interior design for as long as I can remember, whether it was redecorating my bedroom or selling my parent’s outdated furniture without their permission! LOL!

Q. How would you describe your overall approach to interior design and your aesthetic? What inspires you?

My overarching approach to interior design is a mix of traditional, timeless, light and airy with a touch of femininity. If you’ve seen photos of our current house, you know I like to add little pops of colour (hello pink chairs and headboard), but not too much!

On the other hand, the farmhouse renovation we just completed is VERY different. I wanted to pay homage to the 1900 build by keeping the overall design vintage-inspired, and we totally nailed that in the kitchen with Elmira’s 1950 – 30” Bottom Mount Northstar Fridge and the 1954P – All Electric 30” Northstar Range! As we begin designing our forever home on our farm, I’ve been really inspired by what I would call “European-esque” design. Picture woods, stone, darker tones, lots of texture, less stark white and more beige.

Q. How do you approach kitchen design, in particular?

That really depends on the project. For example, in our farmhouse – with a limited budget and wanting to just do a facelift – I pretty much kept everything that was already existing in the space. We painted the cupboards and ceiling, added a vintage cherry wallpaper, and the cherry on top (pardon the pun, ha ha) was our state-of-the-art Elmira Stove Works appliances, which really tied together the entire space to give it that vintage, yet elevated feel!

Q. Design trends that look to the past are becoming more popular now. What do you think makes trends such as nostalgia and cottagecore so appealing for interior design?

For our new build, I’m really gravitating to a style that is fairly similar to “cottagecore” and brings in rich texture and warmth. I personally love the character involved in the design and think it’s so appealing because it truly is timeless while still providing a welcoming, homey feel.

Q. You used Northstar appliances in your farmhouse project. Why did you choose Elmira products? Why did you select Bisque appliances?

When we took possession of the farm, I didn’t see the potential in upgrading the farmhouse. I only ever envisioned building a new home here and camping on the property in the meantime. But, after a few glasses of wine with my mom and cousins, they saw potential in the space and convinced me that I needed to give it a quick and dirty reno, which instantly got my wheels turning!

I really took to the project, and it got my creative juices flowing. I wanted to redesign it without making it feel like it was a totally new interior. I also wanted to be able to use the space to host and cook, and I was on the hunt for retro appliances to match the rest of the interior. When I discovered Northstar appliances, I knew I had to have them. I went with the Bisque colour because the kitchen is tiny, and it was already very busy with the yellow cupboards and vintage cherry wallpaper. I knew I didn’t want stark white because I wanted the space to feel more “vintage.”

Q. We noticed you use lots of beautiful pink hues in your designs. What is it about pink that you love so much?

I always joke that if I could have a full pink house I would, but I have to compromise because I don’t think Justin would love it! When it comes to pink, there is a very particular soft blush colour that I gravitate towards; I like how it adds a little bit of a feminine flair, without being too much colour. I would say that, in general, I am moving away from pink. But I do love how it acts as an accent colour but is also a neutral that goes with almost everything.

Q. Speaking of pink, we understand you purchased a pink microwave. How did you incorporate it into your design? Was it for your primary residence or the farmhouse?

Because I couldn’t have a fully pink house, I made sure that our Team Jilly HQ had as much pink as my heart desired! From the pink wallpaper to the pink kitchen and even a pink feature wall upstairs, we sure added a lot of pink in such a small space. In fact, the pink kitchen just wasn’t complete without a pink microwave from Northstar.

Q. What do you like most about Elmira Stove Works appliances?

Where do I even begin? First and foremost, I love the vintage design of all of the Elmira Stove Works appliances. They fit perfectly at our farmhouse and even at our Team Jilly HQ. Secondly, I love that all of the appliances are made in CANADA! I don’t know of another appliance company that is designing their products in Canada but manufacturing them here too. Finally, I just love the Elmira team – every conversation I’ve had, every phone call, every email, the team goes above and beyond for their customers!

Q. Your brand vision and values emphasize the importance of giving back and community. Can you tell us a little more about that?

Growing up in Peace River, Alberta, my parents were always so passionate about their community and giving back, and reinvesting in various local organizations. I’ve carried that with me throughout my life and always want to give back as much as I can. From Cameos to partnerships, our 12 Days of Giveaways Campaign, and even a new initiative, “Jilly’s Closet,” we’re always brainstorming ways in which we can reinvest into our local and surrounding communities!

We’d like to thank Jillian Harris for taking the time to chat with us. It is always a treat to speak with those who have a passion for design who also love working with our products. They help us keep our finger on the pulse of the industry and inspire us to continue pushing the limits of our designs. You can stay up to date on Jillian’s latest projects at www.jillianharris.com.

Make sure to follow Jillian on Instagram at @jillian.harris.

Artfully Merge the Old and the New with Newstalgia Design

It’s true what they say – that everything comes back in style. It seems like every other day, you hear about reboots of old TV shows and movies. Or the resurrection of classic cars like the Ford Bronco and the upcoming Volkswagen Bus, with new modern features. The same trend is happening with interior design. People are looking to the past for inspiration and bringing elements of nostalgia into more contemporary spaces, with “newstalgia” design.

Newstalgia is one of the biggest interior design trends of the year. Not to be confused with “cottage core,” which is described as grandma chic, newstalgia is defined by an eclectic blend of old and new, filled with character and colour. On one hand, the design aesthetic feels nostalgic and approachable, while on the other hand, it includes the conveniences of today – the comfort of the past plus the convenience of the present.

Newstalgia design is an excellent option for those who don’t want their homes confined to just one style but rather are drawn to a collection of styles from different eras that complement one another.

Here are just a few ways you can incorporate elements of newstalgia design into your home.

Living Room

Capture the newstalgia look by including antique furniture with modern or contemporary pieces to create a unique and balanced look. A local thrift store or antique shop are great places to find old furniture in good condition. You can take it a step further by refinishing vintage pieces with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware to update their classic design.

Make a statement in the living room by adding a velvet sofa in a dramatic jewel tone like Emerald Green. The bold and lush fabric brings an element of timeless luxury into a space. If you prefer a throwback look, a tufted velvet sofa may be a fun option to incorporate into a newstalgia aesthetic. Complete the look with a revamped, vintage coffee table or end tables and a stylish contemporary floor lamp or chandelier.

Kitchen

A chic way to channel newstalgia style in the kitchen is to add retro-inspired appliances like those from the Northstar line from Elmira Stove Works. The 1950s-inspired kitchen appliances include ranges, refrigerators, microwaves, and more. A Northstar refrigerator in Robin’s Egg Blue, Mint Green or Candy Red would be the perfect conversation piece in a kitchen. The distinctive look will add character and give the space a feel that harkens to the past, while the technology and high performance features will provide the functionality today’s homeowners expect. Not to mention adding a cheerful pop of colour!

If retro isn’t your thing, perhaps you will enjoy the look of something even more seasoned like Elmira’s Antique line of appliances. You can capture newstalgia design in the kitchen with an 1850s-style range for a fresh take on traditional Victorian style. Choose a non-traditional colour such as Liberty Blue or Cayenne Pepper Red to beautifully mesh the elements of old and new.

Bedroom

Mixing furniture from different periods works well in the bedroom too. You can get the newstalgia look by adding an old dresser, side table or vintage mirrors and artwork to give the space a one-of-a-kind feel. Again, use your creativity to update the pieces and make them your own. This will allow you to put a personalized spin on a traditional design.

Or, if you prefer not to get your hands dirty, consider purchasing replicas of classic furniture such as an Eames chair and ottoman for lounging in style. Tie everything together with modern touches to achieve the perfect newstalgia aesthetic.

No matter how much time passes, we always find a way to look back upon days of old with fondness. By bringing items – or design elements – from a bygone era into a new time, we can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Newstalgia design is an excellent way to combine looks from different eras to create a cohesive look that cherishes the past and present.

Add a Timeless Touch With Vintage Holiday Decorating

With the holidays just around the corner, you can certainly get creative and turn your home into your own winter wonderland with a twist – vintage decor! To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of ways you can capture the spirit of the holiday throughout your home.

Go Green

Strategically hang evergreen garland to bring a hint of winter inside. Tightly wrap the garland around stair posts, or try draping it on your mantel, doorways and kitchen cabinets to tie in the theme throughout your house. To add some texture and color, place berries or burlap bows in your garland. And, if you use real evergreen, it’ll smell just as festive as it looks.

Poinsettias are another great way to bring the feel of nature into your home. Add a classic accent to these stunning beauties by placing them inside vintage watering cans, old flour sifters or metal buckets. On a similar note, you can spruce up your entryway – or anywhere in the house – with pine boughs in large vintage glass vases or metal watering cans.

Embellish the Exterior

Hang grapevine wreaths in the windows to add some character to the exterior of your house. To add a pop of warmth and vintage decor, thrift/re-use vintage flannels, and DIY them into bows to put on top of the wreaths. You can add some charm to your front porch by placing old ice skates or leaning a childhood sled next to the front door.

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

To spruce up your Christmas tree and make it shine, add antique, vintage or favorite childhood ornaments. Popular 1950s glass reflector ornaments will add some extra oomph to your tree, reflecting light to create some sparkle. If you want to go the extra mile, try adding classic wooden beaded garland around your tree. You can also get the kids involved by setting up a battery-operated classic train set around the tree – creating your own mini locomotive blast from the past. After all, if there’s anyone who loves decorating for the holiday season more than you, it’s your kids.

Go Jolly With Decorations

Nothing says “Christmas Classic” like a nutcracker soldier (or several) placed on the mantel or on a bookshelf. For a fun family activity, you can get crafty and make your own DIY evergreen candle holders. These decorative candle glasses can be used from year to year and then passed down. Additionally, try using vanilla, cookie batter, cinnamon spice or evergreen scented candles to create an all-encompassing holiday aroma and atmosphere.

Set the Mood

If you’re sticking with the vintage theme, pull out the old Christmas records or CD’s to get the jingle jams going. If you don’t have a record player/old records or CD’s, add some holiday season classics to a playlist and enjoy the tunes in the background why you decorate, cook or relax in front of the fireplace with a cup of eggnog.

Make the Kitchen Festive

Dazzle your kitchen with a pop of “WOW” by adding festive vintage or farmhouse style appliances from the Northstar or Elmira lines. The focal point of the holiday season revolves around baked goods and delectable dinners. So what better way to add some conviviality to your kitchen than by adding a holly jolly new range in Quicksilver, Candy Red, Cayenne Pepper Red or Mint Green – or in one of more than a thousand custom colors. Turn the heat up even further with the rustic Fireview woodburning cookstove.

Lastly, don’t forget the holiday cookies and other sweet treats. Bake classics like gingerbread men, frosted sugar cookies, peppermint bark and fudge and set them on a vintage ornamental platter.

While this year is different from holidays past, we know it’s the little things that matter most. We wish you and your loved ones a safe and gratitude-filled holiday… and hope for a better year ahead!

Bell Bottoms, Broncos & the Brady Bunch – a nostalgic trip into the past

No matter how tech-driven world our world becomes, our love for all things nostalgic continues to grow… and in a big way.

This is even more true now during the pandemic when most of us are unsure just exactly how that future will shape up. Feeling less anchored than usual, people are seeking a sense of comfort and a connection with simpler times. And, while we could choose any number of decades that bring back “the good old days,” we’re thought we’d take a moment to explore the 70s. In fact, one of the most popular trends at the moment is a return to the iconic looks of the 1970s. Bell-bottoms are making a(nother) comeback along with far out floral prints that evoke “flower power” and the Disco Decade.

Just take #TBT or “Throwback Thursday,” which has been one of the most widely used hashtags on social media since its creation in 2011. Typically used to share happy memories from the past, it serves as a great way for people to reminisce with their friends and family. We find comfort in being able to look back to bygone eras to draw inspiration and look for ideas that will help us to enjoy a better future.

In mid-July, Ford Motor Company re-released its legendary Bronco, which will be available as early as June 2021 to the 3,500 consumers who were lucky enough to reserve the first vehicles off the assembly line. As Ford looks to further meet the growing demand for stylish, workhorse SUVs, the brand has equipped this throwback with the most advanced smart technology. Car enthusiasts can hardly wait to get their hands on the thoroughly updated version of a what has become a cult classic.

Our blast from the past doesn’t end with cars and clothes. One cannot talk about the 70s without thinking about the television family that was synonymous with the era – The Brady Bunch. Thanks to HGTV, we got to see late last year how the fictional Brady home has fared over the years with a front row seat at the much anticipated Brady Bunch House Makeover!

A spin-off show featuring “Jan Brady” (actress Eve Plumb) aired at the end of last year. Staying true to the decor of the period, the home featured a Northstar retro fridge and range in Buttercup Yellow – it was definitely like taking a step back in time. We think Marsha would be yellow with envy… “Jan, Jan, Jan!”.

But you don’t have to be a fan of the 70s to love colorful retro appliances. Our Northstar line brings vintage style, the perfect pop of color and a welcome touch of nostalgia to any kitchen. Buttercup Yellow not your thing? No worries at all – choose from seven other standard colors or opt for more than 1,200 custom colors.

Eve Plumb (“Jan Brady” of The Brady Bunch) standing next to her Northstar appliances

Pretty groovy, if we do say so ourselves!

Farmhouse Style Gets a Refresh

Drawing inspiration from the farm homes of early settlers, traditional farmhouse style mimics the look and feel of days gone by. It incorporates the simplified, minimalistic decor necessitated by the surroundings of farmhouse residents and their need for durable, practical furnishings.

Unlike past renditions, today’s farmhouse style is all grown up. It’s definitely not your grandmother’s farmhouse. Instead, the farmhouse looks trending at the moment balance an eclectic mix of old and new design elements.

Old vs. “New” Farmhouse Style

Classic farmhouse style includes trademark elements from farm homesteads of the past such as natural wood accents – think paneled wood walls, wide plank floors, shiplap and exposed wood beams – along with mainstays like porcelain apron sinks. Vintage furniture and accessories with weathered finishes are also common as is vintage-inspired lighting.

In contrast, modern farmhouse design starts with the comfortable, relaxed farmhouse style and incorporates more contemporary touches such as clean lines, glossy accents and neutral color palettes. This look is less rustic, more sophisticated and utilizes contemporary design elements such as granite countertops and sleek lighting. The overall aesthetic includes less clutter for a more streamlined look that still maintains the inviting feel of traditional farmhouse style.

How to Achieve Modern Farmhouse Style

Here are some key elements of modern farmhouse style.

Make it practical: Furnishings and accessories should be comfortable and purposeful and have a lived-in feel. They should welcome you into the space, and nothing should be too delicate to use regularly. The room should appear as if it evolved over time. To avoid a cluttered look, keep accessories to a minimum.

Stay neutral: A neutral palette comprised of cool or warm neutrals such as cream, beige, silver and light gray will make the room appear fresh, light and open while balancing natural elements. Pops of subtle color can be incorporated to add depth and help to break up the space, and the use of simple patterns and a mix of textures will bring dimensionality.

Mix and match: Mixing and matching furniture, including vintage and new pieces, stays true to farmhouse roots, while delivering added comfort and style. Pairing traditional natural elements such as wood with newer ones like concrete, stainless steel and other metals puts a new twist on farmhouse style.

Go natural: Natural materials are an important element of any farmhouse-inspired space. Introducing distressed or reclaimed wood in architectural features or furniture helps to anchor a room while using natural fibers, such as cotton, sisal, rattan and wicker adds visual interest. Natural stone brings an organic, timeless quality that is at once classic and modern.

Add industrial touches: Modern, industrial elements will make farmhouse-inspired decor current. Incorporating retro style or vintage-inspired appliances along with industrial-style metal objects like modern lighting fixtures and mid-century modern style furniture can bring unexpected panache and a fresh, of-the-moment feel to a farmhouse space.

See examples of modern farmhouse style.

“Let’s Do the Time Warp” – The Artful Blending of Kitchen Styles

Interior design and kitchen styles have come a long way from what they used to be – from the Renaissance style of the 15th and 16^th centuries to the Victorian style of the 1800’s, and then to more modern styles such as Traditional, Transitional and Contemporary. But, new isn’t always necessarily better. Sometimes, styles from bygone eras can complement modern day personalities, providing the perfect opportunity to bring back the past. These nostalgic styles can be ‘mixed and matched’ so that the next time that you step into your kitchen, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a Time Warp.

When designing your kitchen to achieve a Time Warp, follow the 80/20 rule. The first thing to consider is that one style period should be more prominent than the other. Second, try to group similar items, which will help everything in the space look cohesive, even when your pieces are really different. And lastly, understand balance. The two different style periods shouldn’t be separated, but should instead be integrated in a seamless way. To demonstrate how this concept works, we’ll use an example showing two popular style periods – Rustic and Art Noveau.

Style #1 – Rustic. The Rustic Style came to life during the 1800’s and is exemplified by the idea that pieces should be purposeful, functional and effective. Primary components include handcrafted elements and open rooms. This style can still be found in many kitchens today. Appliances such as antique fridges, ranges and wood-burning cookstoves combine desired functionality with a traditional, yet stylish and polished appearance. Pieces that could be mixed into your kitchen to represent this style include copper cookware, kerosene lamps, a stone wall, exposed ceiling beams, barnlike doors and wood finishes.

Style #2 – Art Nouveau. A style that lends itself to being paired with Rustic is Art Nouveau, which originated in the 1890’s. The main tenet of this style is that everyday objects should be beautiful. Inspiration comes from natural outdoor elements, such as flowers and greenery. To incorporate aspects of Art Nouveau into your kitchen, consider adding items such as antique trays with floral designs and floral paintings, along with live plants and flowers. Furniture and cabinetry with lots of details also complements this style.

To use both The Rustic and Art Nouveau styles together – and create the quintessential Time Warp – apply the 80/20 rule and, in this case, choose Rustic as the central theme of the kitchen. Grouping like items, you could incorporate rustic elements such as wooden cabinetry, a wooden island and a ceiling featuring wooden beams. To balance the styles throughout the room, you could bring in pieces from the Art Nouveau style, such as cabinetry with floral details. You could also add a colored floral painting with a wooden frame to harmonize with other rustic elements.

Also, consider using copper cookware and placing various pieces throughout the space. Finally, since the Rustic theme is central to the kitchen, you might add a rustic kitchen appliances, such as an Elmira Stove Works wood-burning stove or antique refrigerator to complete the look.

Ready to create a Time Warp in your kitchen? Learn more about Elmira’s retro and antique appliances for inspiration!

A Brief History of Diners

Vintage

For many people, diners have become a home away from home. Since they are open late hours – many 24 hours a day – they are a popular place to socialize or eat after a late night out on the town. In fact, the diner has been cemented in place as a cultural icon — it is a setting in acclaimed films like Pulp Fiction and When Harry Met Sally, TV shows such as Seinfeld, some of the greatest novels of the 20^th century, and even a painting by Norman Rockwell.

Let’s throw it back to a time before shows like Happy Days and Riverdale to see how the diner originated, and to offer tips on how you can upgrade your kitchen or recreational bar area with this classic style.

Originally conceived by Walter Scott, the first diners didn’t look much like the buildings with chrome interiors and neon signs that we know today. In 1872, Scott repurposed a horse-pulled wagon into a car that served sandwiches, coffee, pies and eggs to townspeople late at night. These early ‘mobile’ diners (precursors to today’s food trucks) had large wheels, overhangs, murals and frosted glass, while later iterations had smaller wheels and larger counters. In 1913, Jerry Mahoney established the first stationary diner, ushering in what would eventually become “diner culture.”

By the 1950s, Mahoney owned 6,000 diners across the nation. As these fun restaurants gained popularity after World War II, their aesthetic took on more of the retro look most of us are familiar with, including elements such as colorful leather booths, wood paneling and porcelain tiles. Once diners spread to the suburbs, the look changed again as stainless steel exteriors, large windows and wall decor were incorporated.

As styles and trends circle back around, more consumers are opting for retro styling, including the diner aesthetic, for their kitchens or recreational spaces. To bring some of this nostalgic inspiration into your kitchen, consider adding a table and chairs with chrome accents and bright, vibrant colors, or opt for leather (or vinyl) booth-style seating. Other elements could include checkered tile and floors, retro artwork and neon signs. Flea markets and antique stores are great places for picking up many of these items. Last, but certainly not least, bring the look together with retro appliances like those in our colorful Northstar collection!

Diners have become an American icon. They have become so popular, in fact, that some have been certified as historic sites. If you happen to venture out on the open road – perhaps even Route 66 – this summer, drop into one of these classic diners. Or if you prefer a fun experience at home, there are plenty of subtle or overt ways to give your kitchen the perfect dose of diner flare.

Mid-Century Modern – Back to the Present

Style trends come full circle, and mid-century modern design is currently doing exactly that. The use of sleek lines, interesting colors and a mix of both traditional and non-traditional materials is the essence of mid-century modern style that harkens back to the mid-1930’s to mid-1960’s. So, what has sparked the current resurgence of this design trend?

Shows such as Mad Men have no doubt helped this style gain new popularity. In addition, today’s homeowners – busier than ever – appreciate the timeless look and minimal effort required to maintain mid-century modern style. And, then there is the added bonus of infusing our dwellings with a little nostalgia from a bygone era.

Breath of Fresh Air

Mid-century modern style is understated and uncluttered – providing a sense of stability in a chaotic world. This versatile aesthetic blends clean lines and gentle, organic curves with geometric forms and fun shapes to provide a minimalist look that’s both functional and stylish. There’s no unnecessary ornamentation collecting dust and dirt here. A simple wipe down will keep things looking crisp and new.

Bridging the Generation Gap

Millennials are the largest demographic purchasing new items for the home, and many are opting to furnish their homes with mid-century inspired items, including kitchen appliances. Mid-century modern is fresh to them and a welcome departure from the dusty pastels and beige overstuffed sofas that they likely grew up with.

Their parents, Gen Xer’s and retiring Baby Boomers – a growing number of whom are looking to downsize – are embracing mid-century modern as well. They too are looking for the perfect mix of “stylish, easy to clean (a.k.a. time-saving) and doesn’t take up too much space.”

But, there’s more to it than that. Age tends to make us more reflective, and memories are powerful. We all long for tangible bits of our past, and movies, music, and even furniture – in this case, brass tipped feet on an end table, an Eames-esque chair, or a barrel lampshade – can (re)connect us with the magic of another time.

Get the Look

So, how can you incorporate a touch of the mid-century modern design trend into your home?

Start by finding pieces that reflect the distinguishing features of the style. If there is a specific era you’d like to emulate, you can buy vintage furniture or an iconic piece that has been made new to suit your needs and budget. Try visiting antique markets or an online site that sells vintage and refurbished furniture.

Another way to get the look without breaking the bank is to build around current pieces. Just make sure to avoid using too many patterns, and stay within a designated color range.

Whichever direction you choose, don’t feel overwhelmed – the goal is to have fun and incorporate small elements that ultimately tie the look together and give the perfect mid-century vibes!

Bring On the Drama – 4 All-Star Kitchens in Film

The biggest night in film is always full of fun and fanfare! The 2018 Oscar nominees and winners featured a diverse selection of movies. In honor of the occasion, we thought we’d take a look back at previous nominees to count down a few of the best kitchens in film. From period dramas to adaptations of literary classics, here are some kitchen designs worthy of any home.

Ratatouille (2007)

There’s nothing like fine dining in France. Ratatouille follows young rat Remy, who has a gifted sense of taste and smell, on the pursuit of his lifelong dream – becoming a chef in Paris. Through a series of events, Remy ends up in the kitchen of Gusteau’s restaurant. A lot of work and detail went into bringing this restaurant kitchen to life for the big screen. The use of black with brass accents, tiled floor and copper pots created the perfect French kitchen, making it easy to see why this Pixar standout went on to win Best Animated Feature.

Julie & Julia (2009)

From a fictional chef to a real-life professional chef: in the film Julie & Julia, Julie Powell (Amy Adams) decides to add some joy to her life by cooking over the course of one year every recipe in Mastering the Art of French Cooking (1961) by Julia Child (Meryl Streep). The film is interwoven with flashbacks to Julia Child’s time in Paris in the 1950s, and the set was meticulously recreated based on pictures of her original kitchen. Meryl Streep garnered a Best Actress nod that year, but was edged out by Sandra Bullock for her performance as Leigh Anne Tuohy in The Blind Side.

The Help (2011)

Based on the best-selling book of the same name, The Help takes moviegoers on a journey through Mississippi in the 1960s. The retro style and pale hues of Skeeter Phelan’s (Emma Stone) childhood home would be perfectly complemented by mint green Northstar appliances. All of the elements – from the checkered vinyl floor to the Formica-and-chrome table complete with cherry red seating – provide the quintessential mid-century southern style needed to make this film pop. The critically-acclaimed movie was nominated for Best Picture, but lost out to The Artist.

The Great Gatsby (2013)

This film adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald literary classic gave us a taste of the glitz and glam of the 1920s. The film, directed by Baz Luhrmann, included all of the elements of the roaring 20s yet still felt very modern. The movie used 42 individual sets, created both on location and on soundstages. It took the production team 14 weeks just to build, paint and decorate Gatsby’s mansion, which called for a grand ballroom, library, master bedroom, entrance hall, and terrace, as well as a garden. The meticulous attention to detail paid off, as the film earned an Oscar for Best Production Design.

Did your Oscar picks win this year? What was your favorite film from this list, or is there another film that you think had a great kitchen set?