The Big Chill: Cool Retro Refrigerators

by hookedonhouses on July 22, 2008

I’m still on vacation where it’s hot and I’m sunburned (I apparently forgot the sunscreen on my shoulders yesterday–ouch). Maybe that’s why I’m going crazy over these Big Chill appliances, which look so cool.

Look at this sky-blue fridge and dishwasher. They may look old, but they’re brand spankin’ new. What a fun way to give your kitchen a retro look.

They come in lots of colors. Check ‘em out:

Martha Stewart featured the “Pink Lemonade” fridge in her magazine. (I love Martha, but what’s with that dinky light bulb over the kitchen table?)

I’m really digging this orange one in a contemporary loft space.

And this one just screams, “I belong in Julia’s Beach House!” So…somebody please buy me a beach house so I have a place to put this white fridge.

Thanks to Design Editor for bringing the Big Chill website to my attention first. For more photos of Big Chill retro appliances, go to the photo gallery on their website. There’s plenty to drool over there! They have a line of dishwashers, too, and there are stoves coming soon.

If You’re Hooked on Kitchen Trends:

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{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Marie 07.22.08 at 10:00 am

How cool are those refrigerators (ha ha ha)?? I love them. I know most people drool over those big SS appliances but I can’t help my long for a little retro kitchen some day.

2 Linda B 07.22.08 at 10:27 am

LOVE those. What fun colors. Wonder what the insides look like…may have to pop over to their site…and waste yet more time…sigh. A beach house…you know what they say…put it out to the universe, and it will come…somehow.

3 Reagan 07.22.08 at 12:35 pm

I was hoping you really had a beach house, so I could beg to come veg on the beach with you some time. Too bad!

Are you open to people finding houses and sending them to you from their local areas??

4 please sir 07.22.08 at 12:43 pm

I LOVE these fridges!!! I like color, but the white is really calling my name.

5 Tori 07.22.08 at 1:12 pm

That one more thing on the list of what to buy ‘when I suddenly
get loads of money to spend.’ I love them!!!!!!!!!

6 Elizabeth 07.22.08 at 1:49 pm

I love retro kitchen appliances. I think the baby blue is my favorite. Thanks Julia!

7 Catherine 07.22.08 at 2:29 pm

Aren’t these great? Thanks for the mention! Catherine

8 Amy 07.22.08 at 5:06 pm

Very, very cool! Happy vacation!

9 hookedonhouses 07.22.08 at 7:45 pm

Linda B–Good point! I am hereby putting it out to the universe. I would love a beach house! :-)
Reagan–Yes! I love when readers send me cool house listings. My e-mail is jknispel @ cinci.rr.com.

Catherine–You’re welcome. You’ve got a great site! -Julia

10 Robin 07.22.08 at 8:03 pm

I love these retro fridges, they remind me of my grandmother’s old Norge refrigerator, the one that she had to defrost using an icepick and a lot of elbow grease (and a little swearing). These retro ones look so cool mixed with other more modern appliances. And the colors are fantastic. I’m adding this to my “when I win the lotto” list!

11 Melinda 07.22.08 at 8:23 pm

Love these! The baby blue is gorgeous!

12 Susie 07.22.08 at 9:41 pm

Ok… different.. I think I love these… Not sure if I could live with one but they sure are fun to look at… Take care of that sunburn… Susie h~

13 Aubrey 07.23.08 at 12:26 am

I love the blue fridge and the kitchen around it–already imagining it as mine. That blue is such a refreshing color…

14 Marie 07.23.08 at 6:59 am

Yes, I love the beach kitchen also. Looking at the picture, I can just feel the ocean air blowing in through the kitchen window, and the linen curtains blowing in the breeze. I can also hear the banging screen door and giggling children in swimsuits running into the kitchen to check the freezer for popsicles.

Thanks for the great post!

15 courtney @ nesting instincts 07.23.08 at 8:45 am

oh, I LOVE these, Julia! The blue one’s probably my favorite, with the white one close behind. they are SO sweet.

Other than the sunburn (sorry!) I hope you are having a GREAT time!!!

16 Amateur Tightwad 07.23.08 at 10:37 am

I love these. The white is my favorite, as I could see tiring a bit of the colors after a few years. But it’s hard to imagine ever getting tired of that cool retro white.

17 abbreviated 07.23.08 at 10:39 am

Like the black one, but 2795 is a tad steep.

18 Victoria 07.23.08 at 12:52 pm

They’re soooo cool!!!

I’ve promised myself when I get my flat to buy myself a pink Smeg fridge!!! Can’t wait!

Victoria

19 Angela 07.23.08 at 7:07 pm

Mmm…I’m so craving a fudgcicle right now. I love them, of course. How fresh is that green check VCT in the last photo?

20 Linda macDonald 07.23.08 at 10:26 pm

My hubby and I were discussing these the other day. He knows it is my dream to have one someday. When I told him the price, I think the phrase, “When hell freezes over…” was uttered. Hmmph…we’ll see about that!!

Oh, and I want the blue one…

Linda

21 Elizabeth 07.24.08 at 3:06 pm

You know, we have stainless steal… but I’ve never liked it. I would trade all my appliances for one retro fridge. Ok fine, all my appliances AND my car. I really really want one. :)

22 Mamacita 07.25.08 at 12:26 am

The white one reminds me of my dear grandma’s fridge. :)
I really, really like the blue one.

23 Mrs.Limestone 07.25.08 at 8:29 am

I love the shape and style of these retro fridges but I think most of the people who select the neon colors take it too far. Its great in white or black or another neutral shade but a bright orange or teal fridge would get old pretty fast in my house.

But I can still be jealous of their sleek style :)

24 rue 07.26.08 at 11:18 am

Ooooo… me likey! I love these and the heartland retro appliances. I am soooo getting them for whatever house I get :)
rue

25 Daisy 07.28.08 at 9:02 am

These appliances have such character- I wish I could afford at least just one of them. I would probably go with the fridge. Gosh I don’t know what color though that would take some time deciding. Have a good day! Daisy~

26 maya 07.29.08 at 6:37 am

been meaning to say - i LOVE these. i didn’t know they were making them.

27 Joana 07.29.08 at 2:11 pm

These refrigerators are so cool. I am big into decorating my retro kitchen, but have been looking for a fridge that wouldn’t need a lot of repairs. My colors are red, black, and white. Do you know if the fridge comes in red or black?

28 hookedonhouses 07.29.08 at 3:49 pm

They sure do, Joana. “Cherry Red.” Here’s the link:

http://bigchillfridge.com/site/fridges

29 leplusjeune 09.23.08 at 11:02 pm

My mom had a similar one when I was a kid. It still works, too. I wonder if the new versions last as long as the old ones they replicate? My mom’s is over 40 years old now…a GE, I think Yikes!

30 CathKidstonFan 12.13.08 at 2:13 pm

The Lemonade Pink is to die for! (white is nice, but too safe) I’m hoping to give it a home next to my new Cath Kidston pink rosebud sprig wallpaper! Sugary sweet can’t be beat!

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