How to Decorate a '50s Theme Kitchen

Celebrate the 1950s when you decorate your kitchen in this fun retro style. You'll entertain and delight your family and guests when they step back in time. It's not difficult to decorate in '50s decor, because there are lots of authentic items still around.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Hit the thrift shops, secondhand shops and garage sales for vintage kitchen finds. Estate sales are an excellent source of mid-century decor. Although the prices will be a bit higher than at garage sales, you'll find a better selection to decorate your '50s-style kitchen.

2. Start the '50s with a good foundation. Cover your kitchen floor with black and white linoleum.

3. Think pink or maybe turquoise. Café curtains, place mats and napkins in popular '50s colors will make your kitchen pop. Trim them all in rick rack.

4. Eat your tuna casserole and Jello at a '50s diner set. Look for a Formica topped table with chrome legs. Metal chairs with brightly colored vinyl seats will complete the look.

5. Cook with small appliances from the '50s. You'll want a Mixmaster, chrome toaster and electric frying pan. To be truly authentic, ditch the microwave, coffeemaker, food processor and dishwasher.

6. Time what's cooking in the oven with a distinctive '50s clock: a smiling cat with a switching pendulum tail.

7. Listen to Elvis music while you work in the kitchen. Or, don your poodle skirt and frilly apron and rock around the clock with Bill Haley and the Comets. For romantic dinner music, choose crooner Pat Boone.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't find the real thing, there are plenty of 1950s reproductions available.