Proper kitchen setups are the thing of today. Until the 20th century, having running water in the house was a privilege that only a handful in the wealthy class could afford. Kitchen meant – sink, stove, and a mix of random furniture pieces that helped with storage and food prep. As a result, these lacked identity. Kitchens didn’t have refrigerators also. People used insulated cabinets as an icebox to store the big ice blocks. Then, there was also a difference in how homeowners ran kitchen errands. Unlike today, they would purchase groceries every day. Regardless of the period, kitchen trends always reflect the underlying shared preferences. Here is a quick glimpse into this to show their transformation every ten years. Let’s move from the latest to the old.
2020s kitchens
Technology has infiltrated almost every part of human life. It is no surprise then your home and kitchen will also embrace it. The modern kitchens are innovative, more efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. That’s why appliances like farmhouse style with high-quality stainless material can continue to have a presence. Wood finishes and clean lines are commonplace. Also, there is evidence of growing distance from intricate or excessive decorations with minimalism getting the center stage. It doesn’t necessarily imply the absence of warmth or thoughtful additions. Also, there is a tendency to shift to smaller kitchen footprints for better space utilization.
From moody colors to closed concepts and a casual dining atmosphere, the 2020s kitchens stress maximum functionality and ease of use.
2010s kitchens
During this decade, farmhouse sinks, brass hardware, reclaimed wood flooring, subway backsplash tiles, and anything with vintage memories made its way. Neutral tones were widespread, with most people leaning toward blues and greys that often witnessed navy accents. Stainless steel remained everyone’s favorite. But people were careful when it came to selecting any devices. They preferred them to match the profile of the cabinets to avoid protruding. Under-cabinet lighting was the part. Also, the focus was on creating a kitchen that looked Instagram-ready.
2000s kitchens
If you look ten years back from the 2010 era, you will realize that kitchen became the talk of the town in designs. Users were more aware of their expectations from it. Large appliances and wood cabinets formed the familiar sight in this age, with stainless steel getting recognized. Kitchens boasted cherry wood cabinets to create a visually balanced appearance with hints of industrial charm. At this time, contrasting colors had been the soul of the theme, with light-colored cabinets and deep granite workstations. Stuccowork was another magnetic element in the kitchens with red and tan color schemes.
1990s kitchens
This period continued with the elegance of the neutral palette that was already popular since the 1980s. However, the focus was on shabby-chic and not sleek. People were keen on white cabinets with ornate details, ceramic tiles with a country-style vibe, etc. They relied on wood cabinets to add a dose of warmth. Then some homeowners started following the style of commercial kitchens packed with large appliances, such as gas ranges, refrigerators, and others.
Granite came as a breath of fresh air and quickly gained popularity for its durable and natural appeal. Dark granite countertops became the hero in the bright-colored kitchens. Experts believe that it was the iconic thing. Another hallmark was stucco wall paint finishes, which were predominantly yellow and beige.
1980s kitchen
Kitchens were larger and opulent. Since women got into full-time jobs, the cooking zone became the entertainment hub for families and friends. The concept of an open floor plan also took shape in this era, with kitchen islands and breakfast tables entering the scene. Most suburban houses banked on this. The integrated kitchens led to the trend of neutral colors of white and beige. One of the attractions of this time was the laminated cabinet fronts with wooden bands that worked like the handles.
1970s kitchen
Knotty pine and harvest colors were the main characteristics, even though there was a leaning toward modern and convenient gadgets like the microwave. People wanted to keep the feeling of hominess intact, just like their parents’ and grannies’ kitchens flaunted. Cabinets, wall panels, furniture, and decorations used wood for warmth. Everyone enjoyed textures and patterns, which they implemented through linoleum floors and tiled backsplashes. For personal touches, they added colorful kitchenware, which felt almost similar to the 1940s trend.
1960s kitchen
This era was all about free-spiritedness, and the home décors echoed this. Since kitchens have always been the heart of the house, you could notice them represent such a mood. Kitchens remained connected to dining rooms or featured breakfast bars or eat-in spaces. Different kitchen appliances also emerged, of which dishwasher deserves special mention. According to designers, this era was more about aesthetics and less about technology. Wood cabinets replaced steel structures. Warm and rich tones decked up all the nooks along with accessories and wallpapers.
1950s kitchen
The post-war kitchens were candy-type structures, where primarily women worked. The focus was on modernity, comfort, functionality, and style. Of the various features, steel cabinets made an appearance in every kitchen in their pastel shades. Cabinets and countertops could match each other with the help of materials like Formica. Sleekness and geometric interests marked the space. Amidst them, round-shaped appliances also got noticed for adding positive energy. In today’s retro kitchen themes, you can expect such inclusions.
1940s kitchen
These kitchens were the example of changing times with the fear of World War II looming over everyone. Technological advancement led to the birth of refrigerators, electric ranges, and others. Kitchen aesthetics were simple, but people used functional items as decorations. For example, you can think of storage containers. Bold colors like red and blue were standard.
1930s kitchen
The country was reeling under the effect of the Great Depression. Still, kitchens managed to put up a bright, cheerful, and glossy look. People focused on efficiency more. Standard and streamlined cabinets were the thing, allowing people to install their sinks, gas ranges, and other features quickly. The freestanding concept started waning.
You can benefit from these kitchen trends by borrowing the best ideas from different eras for your renovation project.