We search for things that are interesting and a

joy to possess. New items are chosen for their

design, function and quality. Vintage examples

are meticulously cleaned and professionally

restored when required. We believe that good

design should be accessible, and strive to

offer a wide range of products for all ages

and pocketbooks.

With a background in design and the arts,

we love what we do and are knowledgeable

about the things we sell. We invite you to discover

Retrokitchen; a relaxed, hands-on environment

where LPs play in the background and everyone is

welcome to explore.

With a background in design and the arts, we

love what we do and are knowledgeable about

the things we sell. We invite you to discover

Retrokitchen; a relaxed, hands-on environment

where LPs play in the background and everyone is

welcome to explore.

about us

our missionthe 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

Ammunition Box, 1932 Letterpress blocks, 1951

Clock Radio, 1962

a satisfied customerThink: 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 bet-

ter 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.

The chair was designed using technol-

ogy for molding plywood that the Eames

developed before and during The Second

World War. Before American involvement

in the war, Charles and his friend, archi-

tect Eero Saarinen, entered a line of fur-

niture into the Museum of Modern Art’s

“Organic Furniture Competition” in 1940,

exploring the natural evolution of furni-

ture in response to the rapidly changing

world. Charles and Eero won the compe-

tition. 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 ply-

wood 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.

for the love of eames

Eames Lounge Chair Wood, 1940

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

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

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.

creating a unique home

Peter and Cristen Calamari’s home office in Denver.

“Retroliving really helped me find the unique accessories to create a space that’s really tailored to me and my family.”

Megan Christensens’s den in Portland Maine.

Swiss Headboard, 1956

Danish Modern Dresser, 1954

Tee Pee Needlepoint, 1968

retroliving.com24 River StreetCambridge MA 02139t. 617.230.1509f. 617.390.7806