Design Ideas

Going "Diner-chic" in your kitchen room design

February 06, 2013

Not your traditional diner material for underfoot, hardwood is nonetheless the most versatile of flooring types - and they'll outlast just about everything else in the kitchen. Consider how the boards of Anderson Hardwood Floors' Monroe collection featuring a light stain might brighten up your kitchen.

One of the most iconic tableaus in Americana is the diner. Reminiscent of a bright eyed and prosperous post-war American era, the diner has presented the world with an unmistakable design style that's still fresh, stylish and fun today. A diner-chic style is just a matter of blending those mid-century modern and retro space-age styles of the '50s with more conventional and efficient modern touches. Consider how these elements of room design can best come together in your kitchen with this step-by-step guide to diner chic.

Start with hardwood floors
For your kitchen floor, you're going to want something as durable and long-lasting as it is beautiful. Hardwood floors are the clear answer here. Not your traditional diner material for underfoot, hardwood is nonetheless the most versatile of flooring types - and they'll outlast just about everything else in the kitchen. Consider how the boards of Anderson Hardwood Floors' Monroe collection featuring a light stain might brighten up your kitchen. These red oak boards are built to last and beautiful to live with. And you won't find a more complementary look for your diner-chic kitchen.

Color scheme: red and white
Even quick word association could tell you that when most people think of diners, they come up with a red and white palette. In combination, these two colors are just the epitome of diner-chic. But, not surprisingly, you may find yourself wanting to mix them up a bit. Avoid too shocking a vibe by veering away from lipstick or fire engine red. Instead, consider going for a brick or more maroon hue. You can also use touches of black to bring out contrast in both the red and the white. And if you're looking to replace one or more colors entirely, using teal as a more relaxing substitute is a great idea.

Go chrome
The look of diners is inexorably tied to the automobile and the idea of the great American road trip. Much mid-century and Googie architecture shares a lot in common with the automobile design of those decades, and so you'll see plenty of chrome accents on both the cars of the '50s and in the diners. These shiny additions make for fun accents that will bring various fixtures in your kitchen - from the breakfast bar to your stools to the clock on the wall - to shimmering life!

Anderson Reader

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