The Evolution of the American Kitchen Design

1910’s: Kitchens in the 1910’s resembled the kitchens of today. The style was modern with clean lines and limited colors. Functionality was a major focus of kitchens in this time, making the triangular floor plan popular. The sink, stove and icebox were often placed in a triangular formation, to maximize space and efficiency.

 

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1920’s: In the 1920’s people fixated on cleanliness in the kitchen. Designs were typically all-white with very little clutter. The kitchen was simply a place to prepare food, not to entertain.

 

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1930’s: By the 1930’s kitchen style had begun to evolve. New technology and vivid colors brightened the average American kitchen. Painting cabinets lively, eccentric colors became a common practice.

 

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1940’s: Linoleum floors and metal cabinets became the craze in the 1940’s. Curvy lines and a colorful back-splash are staples of this era’s kitchen.

 

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1950’s: A common feature of the 1950’s kitchen was using one statement color (like red, pink or teal) to make the room really pop! The “U” shaped design became more popular, making the homemaker the star of the show. During this post-war time the kitchen finally began to gain more attention and builders began putting it at the front of the house, instead of the back.

 

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1960’s: Home décor in the 1960’s was nothing if not adventurous. Colors like lime green and bright yellow were rampant. Kitchens were often composed completely of wood, from the floor to the cabinets.  Copper and brick were often used inside the home as well.

 

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1970’s:  A common theme in the 1970’s was mismatching. From wallpaper to linoleum flooring, decorating with various different patterns at once was the trendy thing to do. Another popular aspect of the 1970’s kitchen was the inclusion of plant life. Groovy.

 

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1980’s: Finally by the 1980’s the kitchen had become the place for gathering and socialization that it is today. The open floor plan that included both the food prep and dinning area made brought life to the modern day-kitchen that we know today. Popular décor practices included soft pastel colors and chintz pattern.

 

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1990’s: Many of the popular design ideas from the 90’s are coming back in style! Some of these include white kitchens, knotty pine wood, geometric accents and brass hardware.

 

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2000’s: Stainless steel appliances, farmhouse style sinks and granite countertops: All staples of the early 00’s kitchen. One of the key elements to this decade’s kitchen design was the incorporation of oil rubbed bronze. Everything from the handles, to the sink to light fixtures had to be oil rubbed bronze. Classic.

 

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2010’s: The possibilities for the modern kitchen are endless. The kitchen has become a multifunctional room where people go to socialize, do homework, take part in a deep conversation while enjoying a midnight snack and occasionally do some cooking. You can inspire others by sharing your kitchen design/style to our Facebook page! 

 

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 Remodeling your kitchen? You can shop all of these looks and more at Hardware Direct!

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