When decorating, you’re probably familiar with the terms gaudy or tacky — but have you heard of kitschy? In 2024, Pinterest predicts that more people will shift away from lifeless kitchens in favour of ones with a bit more pizzazz.
You might be asking: what exactly is a kitschy kitchen? The dictionary describes “kitschy” as having poor taste due to excess decor, but we respectfully disagree. A kitschy kitchen can be packed with personality, and caked with touches of nostalgia and whimsy. While this decorating style might not be for everyone, the maximalists at heart will feel right at home. Read on to discover our favourite kitschy accessories for your cooking space.
Related: 10 Best KitchenAid Attachments and Accessories for Your Stand Mixer
Wonder Oven
What can be more nostalgic than an Easy-Bake Oven look-alike? This beautifully kitschy air fryer and toaster combination takes a ’90s classic toy and reimagines it into a useable kitchen accessory. The miniature oven comes in a variety of soft colours to match any aesthetic you have going on in your eclectic kitchen.
Wonder Oven, Our Place, $250.
Blueberry Pie Dish
A handcrafted pie dish to remind you of the incredible pies your grandma used to make? Yes, please! This vintage-inspired pie plate is a kitschy way to serve your favourite baked good for brunch or any special occasion. The gorgeous shade of blue will easily match a more country aesthetic if your kitchen style leans more cottagecore.
Ceramic Pie Dish, Etsy, $40.
Patterned Butter Dish
If there’s one person who knows about the true meaning of kitschy, it’s your grandmother. Curating a collection of tchotchkes is her specialty, and what better way to pay homage to her than through this quirky butter dish? The patterned design is reminiscent of old Mediterranean textiles, and has just has much personality as your nonna.
Stoneware Butter Dish, Wayfair, $46.
Retro Smartphone Tissue Holder
Is there such a thing as convenience-core? There should be. Imagine the ease of watching a rom-com during dinner, while having tissues at the ready. With its naturally retro design, this tissue holder with a built-in phone slot, resembling an old-fashioned TV, is peak kitsch.
Smartphone Tissue Holder, Amazon, $14.
Retro-Style Toaster
If you’re drawn to the nostalgic kitchens of the ’50s, you’re going to love this retro-inspired toaster from Smeg. The sleek design is effortlessly chic with its chrome trim and pastel colouring. Add this to any bright countertop for an extra sprinkle of kitsch.
2-Slice Toaster, Smeg, $280.
Ice Cream S&P Shakers
Cute doesn’t even begin to describe this kitschy salt and pepper shaker set. Handcrafted and infused with tons of whimsy, the ice-cream themed accessories are the perfect addition to any personality-filled kitchen.
Vintage Ice Cream Salt-and-Pepper Shaker Set, Etsy, $20.
Ceramic Baking Dish
Florals, for spring? Groundbreaking. Florals for a kitschy kitchen? Revolutionary. But seriously, how can any quirky kitchen setup be complete without something bursting with blooms? This pretty petaled baking dish is just another reason why kitschy is the way to go this year.
Ceramic Baking Dish, Amazon, $68.
Checkered Tea Kettle
You better check out this tea kettle from Williams Sonoma, it’s absolutely kitschy! The black-and-white checkered pattern lends an old-timey art deco feel without it looking outdated. We would place this on our stove for the aesthetics alone.
Courtly Check Tea Kettle, Williams Sonoma, $216.
Colourful Baking Cups
Why bake with boring old paper cups when you can opt for these ultra-colourful and reusable silicone versions instead? The multifunctional cups are perfect for baking muffins, egg bites or even to use as small ice cream bowls. The bold and bright hues will add a hint of kitschy without taking over your cooking space.
Multicolour Silicone Baking Cups, Crate & Barrel, $19.
Pastel Stand Mixer
Your kitschy kitchen isn’t complete without the crown jewel: the stand mixer. This gorgeously crafted device from KitchenAid will become a glimmering centrepiece to any cooking space. Offered in a variety of bold and muted hues, we love this pastel “Blue Salt” variation, that just so happens to be the brand’s 2024 Colour of the Year.
Stand Mixer, KitchenAid, $545.
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