about us We search for things that are interesting and a
about the things we sell. We invite you to discover
joy to possess. New items are chosen for their
Retrokitchen; a relaxed, hands-on environment
design, function and quality. Vintage examples
where LPs play in the background and everyone is
are meticulously cleaned and professionally
welcome to explore.
restored when required. We believe that good design should be accessible, and strive to offer a wide range of products for all ages
With a background in design and the arts, we love what we do and are knowledgeable about
and pocketbooks.
the things we sell. We invite you to discover
With a background in design and the arts,
where LPs play in the background and everyone is
we love what we do and are knowledgeable
welcome to explore.
Retrokitchen; a relaxed, hands-on environment
our mission the folks at retrokitchen have been running the shop since june 2007 but have been collecting vintage since 1974. they have always had an interest in art and design, especially unique and timeless vintage pieces and how they function in your day to day living space.
Pre WW II Globe, 1938
Clock Radio, 1962
Ammunition Box, 1932
Letterpress blocks, 1951
a satisfied customer Think: good design. That’s the theme of this store. You can tell that it’s all gathered by someone with impeccable taste and knowledge of the field. Turns out, when we talked to the owner, he told us that he was once a furniture designer, and his partner also had a long-time career in the arts, at a modern art museum. As you walk through the store, everything just keeps getting better and better. Some incredible finds--Eva Zeisel, Iitala, and many more! Most is new, but a couple were second-hand but in great condition. Around every corner there’s something else--bamboo cutting boards, bowls made of chopsticks, a kneeling chair, incredible dressers, brightly designed tea towels.
for the love of eames The chair was designed using technology for molding plywood that the Eames developed before and during The Second World War. Before American involvement in the war, Charles and his friend, architect Eero Saarinen, entered a line of furniture into the Museum of Modern Art’s “Organic Furniture Competition” in 1940, exploring the natural evolution of furniture in response to the rapidly changing world. Charles and Eero won the competition. However, production of the initially designed chairs was postponed due to production difficulties, and then by the United States entry into WWII. This interruption proved fortuitous to Charles. He began making molded plywood splints for the U.S. Air Force. The splints were modelled after his own leg and allowed him to hone the technique of molding the plywood into complex curves. The LCW was a result of this experience.
Eames Lounge Chair Wood, 1940
creating a unique home
Megan Christensens’s den in Portland Maine.
Our home decor as unique as each of us is unique. The decorative objects you choose to accent your home reflect your personality and can give your design an individuality as unique as your own. In theory, all decorative objects for interior decorating fall into two categories: art and accessories. art can be paintings, framed prints or photos, sculpture, and even textiles. Accessories are usually a small objects that are introduced into a room for either practical or aesthetic reason. For example, a delicate perfume bottles and petite bouquet of fresh-cut rose buds flanked by flat brass tray makes a functional and beautiful centerpiece. Art and accessories should not be Peter and Cristen Calamari’s home office in Denver.
an afterthought in you home decor. Large piece of art can influence your room’s decor, as may collections. Consider these elements as you designing the room. Home accessories have to
“Retroliving really helped me find the unique accessories to create a space that’s really tailored to me and my family.”
be worked in during the last phase of design process. In order to develop an ideal me, it is helpful to hone in on the essence of our dreams, which often reflect a mix of our past experience along with a vision of the future we want to create. Most of all, it is worthwhile to remember that creating home of your dreams is not so much a goal as it is a process.
Tee Pee Needlepoint, 1968
Swiss Headboard, 1956
Danish Modern Dresser, 1954
retroliving.com 24 River Street Cambridge MA 02139 t. 617.230.1509 f. 617.390.7806