The Next Best Thing to a Pricey Retro-Style Fridge Is This Under $100 Appliance

I LOVE those retro-style refrigerators that come in an array of colors and look 1,000 times better than a regular fridge. But some of the ones available on the market today are on the pricey side out of the budget of many. And also maybe you rent and don’t have the ability to replace an entire fridge?! Thankfully there’s a smaller, more affordable and more mobile appliance alternative that is still cute but something you can take with you when you move.

There are just a ton of things to be in awe of in Heather Alexander’s tiny 300-square-foot studio apartment, from the bold color combos to the way she’s arranged a studio to feel like anything but a small one-room home. While I’m taking notes on all kinds of the items she added to her space, one element in particular stood out to me. Something I (and a few other Apartment Therapy editors) had never seen before. Can you spot it in the image below:

I’ve seen the cute retro-style fridges before. I’ve even come across those precious toasters and stand mixers. But until I spotted the adorable mint green retro-style microwave in Heather’s studio apartment’s tiny kitchen, it had never occurred to me you could skip the ugly microwave in exchange for some sweet retro vibes!

Heather’s home features the Daewoo Retro Countertop Microwave Oven in Mint Green that she bought on Amazon and which currently sells at a cool $85.95. I also spotted this same brand’s model in a deep red color (which is actually only $79 right now) and cream white (for some reason only $77). While they’re maybe a little bit pricier than your standard fare available on big box store shelves, it seems completely worth it to avoid having to look at an ugly microwave. Now you can reheat your leftovers knowing your kitchen’s aesthetic hasn’t been compromised for the sake of convenience.

I did see that other brands also make retro-style microwaves (how have I gone my whole life not knowing these exist?) but honestly I saw much pricier versions that weren’t as cute as the one in Heather’s home.