The kitchen is now one of the most important rooms in any home, and a quality kitchen is at the top of the list for most house hunters. We all know what we want our kitchens to look like now, but their design has changed significantly over the years. New styles, materials and technology have completely changed the look of most kitchens, making the rooms of the past almost recognizable.
in this article, Country Neilthe kitchen as a showroom in Reading looks at how kitchen design has changed over time and makes a few predictions about what we expect to see in the kitchens of the future.
1950s
As much of the 1950s was focused on leaving the darkness of war behind, there was a noticeable injection of color into most kitchens around this time. These were usually bright spaces, using pastel colors in steel cabinets, tiles and paint.
Most kitchens now had integrated cabinets with Formica worktops that were finished with metal binding. Appliances also came in a multitude of colors to match the cabinets.
Many appliances were bubble-shaped, and styles could vary widely from sleek and modern to country cottage style. Geometric designs were also popular, so checkerboard linoleum was all the rage.
1960s
The color theme continued through the 1960s, with everything from bright orange to lime green in vogue. As lifestyles now changed and more focus was on entertainment, it became important to use every inch of space wisely, so functionality became a big feature.
While many kitchens still preferred wood, the use of stainless steel appliances increased. Kitchen islands have become more popular now as open layouts have meant that the kitchen and dining room have started to merge.
in the 1970s
In the 1970s, color began to leave our kitchens, and earth tones began to take their place to encourage a sense of relaxation. Families gathered for dinner in 1970s kitchens, and colors like gold and avocado green were paired with natural wood in almost every aspect. Floral and geometric wallpapers also became a common feature, and floors and walls rarely matched.
in the 1980s
During the 1980s, color schemes became brighter and cleaner, with much more white. Laminate proved to be a popular material, so all the white cabinets boasted wooden decorations. Countertops are made from ivory Formica, white tile, or butcher block Formica, and the U-shape has become popular as a kitchen layout to maximize counter and cabinet space.
in the 1990s
The minimalist trend continued into the 1990s, with light oak finishes and all-white appliances. Many things that were commonly found on work surfaces in the past were discarded, and pastel colors and floral wallpapers became a popular way to create a village charm. Kitchen lighting came in the form of boxes or individual overhead lights, and islands made a comeback.
Modern kitchens
Today’s kitchens aim to mix functionality with space for entertaining and togetherness, so many are open spaces. There are large windows and lots of lighting, straight lines and a minimalist design. Some kitchens are now opting for splashes of color with bold blues and greens for cabinets or simply sticking with accent features.
We have uncluttered counters, bar seating and stainless steel appliances to give the feel of a kitchen that may not become outdated as quickly as its predecessors. Kitchens are now more likely to be light and open spaces to ensure they remain the heart of every single home.