This couple transformed their old kitchen into a Seventies-inspired paradise

Seventies-style kitchens may not be for everyone, but this young couple were determined to keep the design they inherited in their new home and make it even better. Hannah O’Mara and Erdin Boratac, from Dartford, Kent, fell in love with the property’s original period décor and set about restoring its original features. 

They’ve not only brought life back into the kitchen, but come up with some great budget kitchen ideas too. 

Seventies inspired kitchen makeover

 Before 

The retro tiles and cabinets were already in place, but the room needed modernising in other ways, from the electrics to a new ceiling and flooring.

Speaking with online electrical retailer, AO.com, Hannah knew she wanted to retain the character of the kitchen: ‘We didn’t have the heart to skip it, so we spent our time and money restoring it rather than replacing it,’ she says.

The basics were there for a fun retro kitchen, but it needed some love and TLC. The couple spent time carefully removing each of the original tiles in order to fit new electrical cables throughout the room.

‘We also decided to run a complimentary colour theme throughout the kitchen, which would be in keeping of the era and able to set off the original unit, which we restored,’ says Hannah, who you can follow on TikTok and Instagram at @trueseventiesromance.

 After 

Tapping into the classic Seventies trend, Hannah and Erdin added pops of bold orange throughout the kitchen to give it a vibrant retro feel. The once faded room is now restored to its former glory, complemented by an orange Smeg fridge and Bisque radiator with a bespoke finish by CSP Powdercoating. 

‘We paired the units with colourful retro appliances, which completed the look of the kitchen,’ says Hannah. 

Having lovingly worked to keep the bones of this kitchen, the pair couldn’t be more proud of what they’ve achieved. 

‘We created moodboards and agreed all accessories, appliances, and colours schemes ahead of the works starting,’ says Hannah. ‘It’s always worth checking if there is anything you currently own that could be upcycled. Whether that’s an old dining table that could be sanded down and revarnished or kitchen units that could be repainted or restored and transformed with a new kitchen worktop.’

Along with the ceiling being ripped down, thermal tiles taken out, and new flooring and electrics going in, a bar stool has been put in to turn a once open cabinet space into a small breakfast bar. 

Now, not all of us are brave enough to introduce bright-coloured appliances, like the couple’s orange Smeg fridge, but according to Lauren Clarke from AO.com, as a nation we’re definitely getting braver with our appliance colour choices. 

‘While traditional white or light grey colours will always remain a popular finish, this year we have seen green become a desired kitchen colour choice,’ she says. ‘But, for those who are more cautious about incorporating bolder colours into the kitchen, start by introducing smaller items such as a colourful kettle or coffee machine – so you can just dip your toes into the new style.’

Are you impressed by this retro restoration?