How to Decorate a Kitchen Like the Ricardos
In 1951, television audiences in the U.S. met the Ricardo family. Lucy and Ricky Ricardo lived in an apartment at 623 East 68th St. in New York City and, along with their friends and landlords Fred and Ethel Mertz, they made TV audiences laugh for six seasons. After cancellation, "I Love Lucy" ran for years in syndication, introducing generations to the antics of the characters. If you are a fan and want to capture some of their comedy, start with your kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Watch episodes of "I Love Lucy" shows on retro cable networks or on DVD, making notes of scenes in the Ricardos' kitchen.
-
2
Determine the color scheme for your kitchen. This situation comedy was broadcast in black and white; however, for an authentic decor, choose colors that were popular in that era, like turquoise, pink and yellow.
-
-
3
Paint the cabinets and walls in your chosen color scheme.
-
4
Choose appliances and sinks in a retro style. Several appliance manufacturers have refrigerators and ranges that mimic the 50s style. Avoid side-by-side refrigerators with dispensers in the door. You can hide a microwave oven in a cabinet and camouflage a dishwasher with cabinetry.
-
5
Adorn the windows with country-style or cafe curtains.
-
6
Put vintage canisters on the counter and glazed ceramic mixing bowls on open shelves. Hang decorative plates or spoons on the walls. Search for these at flea markets or antique stores.
-
7
Complete the kitchen with a chrome and formica table and chairs.
-
8
Wear an apron while cooking in your new kitchen.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The Ricardos' kitchen had a swinging hinged door and a pass-through window over the sink.
The Ricardos' address, 623 East 68th Street, is in the East River.
