Vintage is having its moment, with current kitchen trends centred around warm, earthy tones – think terracotta, mustard, and natural stone and wood finishes. But this time, the unexpected stars are “Merry Mushroom” pots and jars. Nostalgic nods to the 1970s aesthetic are cropping up in kitchens in a smaller way than bold wallpapers and colourful tiles.
This “groovy maximalism,” characterised by organic shapes and retro hues, is riding the crest of a broader 70s revival championed by designers and home interior enthusiasts alike. The “Merry Mushroom” decor pays homage to the second-hand trend, given that you’re almost always guaranteed to find some garish 70s ceramics in charity shops. But despite their small size, the mushroom-centred pieces make a big statement in otherwise low-key kitchens.
According to House Digest, these “sweet” containers deliver a burst of colour in an “adorable” way with the woodland-mushroom theme. The magazine noted: “Even if you only snag one, it will certainly add to the vibe that is taking over the interior design world.”
Merry Mushroom jars originated at Sears and were produced between the 1970s and 1980s. At their peak, they reigned supreme in the kitchenware world, with 250 items on offer.
The unique designs are what people crave rather than being practical kitchen additions. But the line included items for cookies and flour storage.
The authentic Merry Mushroom collection was a US staple, and while less well-known in the UK, they are present in vintage and antique shops.
Cottage-core and 70s-inspired kitchens are well-suited to housing these vintage finds, but they can also work in other ways.
Balance the bold mustard and orange hues often found in Merry Mushroom designs by teaming them with natural, earthy finishes.
House Digest notes that a wooden tray set on a side table would look purposeful with a mushroom jar and a frame in beige or taupe to match.
“This will play up the colour and also complement the natural elements of the mushroom”, the publication noted.
An easier kitchen staging is to place the jars on wood or copper surfaces, perhaps open shelving, neutralise the garish yellow and brown tones.
Any mustard tones or complementary colourways will play to the 70s era and make your kitchen stand out with an autumnal feel.
How to identify authentic Merry Mushroom kitchenware
Identifying an original from the Merry Mushroom collection is tricky if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
One way to determine what you’re working with is to check the bottom of the ceramic pieces for stamps with their years.
You should find dates within the 1970s and 1980s, plus a Sears notation. This is one of the simplest ways to identify your pieces, notes House Digest.
The publication warned: “Some of the lids may be mismatched and the sizing varies depending on the year each was produced…check for the stamp and the tell-tale colours that make these jars so unique.”
