Kitchen Trends Through the Decades

Interior design trends come and go with every decade, but the kitchen is where the most notable changes have occurred. Long gone are the days of retro refrigerators and black and white tiled floors. Journey with us through the decades as we take a look back at the most popular kitchen design trends over the past 70 years.

1950’s | 50’s kitchens are often remembered as post-war candy-colored dreams. Styles included bubble and rounded shaped appliances, multi-purpose appliances, linoleum floors, and pastel colored cabinets. Glittery red kitchen chair cushions were seen in many eat-in kitchens, boldly playing off the popular black and white square floor pattern. A notable staple of the 50’s kitchen was the pull-out ironing board cabinet.

1960’s | 60’s kitchens became more casual design-wise, as updated appliances became the focus. This was the decade where dishwashers were first introduced. Eat-in nooks, breakfast bars, and wood cabinets were all the rage. Warmer and richer hues became much more prevalent than the bright colors of the 50’s.

1970’s | The 70’s introduced the microwave which was such a big installation that the design choices of the 60’s remained for most of the 70’s, as the emphasis was on this appliance specifically. Wood cabinets continued and home-owners began matching the wood with wood-paneling, wood furniture, and wood fixtures. Warm browns remained as the overall look of 70’s kitchens, with fun pops of color found in colored-cookware.

1980’s | The 80’s was a turning point for women in society- which had a direct impact on the kitchen design of the era. Prior to the 80’s, many women stayed home and made the kitchen their domain. In the 80’s, women overwhelmingly began working- resulting in the kitchen becoming a place to interact with family at the end of the work day. This was the beginning of the “open floor-plan.” Expansive islands and breakfast bars were implemented providing views into the larger living areas of the home.

Perhaps the most recognizable (and now detested) trend of the 80’s was the Euro-style cabinet, a white laminate front with a light-toned wooden band at the top to act as an integrated handle. White and beige began taking over the natural brown hues of the 60’s and 70’s.

1990’s | The white color palette of the 80’s continued into the 90’s but the style shifted from sleek to slabby-chic. Granite was a new material, and quickly became the most popular choice for countertops. 90’s kitchens boasted dark granite countertops to contrast with the white cabinets and appliances. Design choices included: ornate paneling, ceramic tiles with country flourishes, and wood cabinets (either in classic light brown or painted white). One of the most cringe-worthy and iconic trends of the 90’s kitchen is sponge painted walls- a cost effective “stucco.” Themed kitchens were all the rage as well. It wasn’t uncommon to stumble upon apple themed kitchens or grape vine and wine themed kitchens. Oh, and wallpaper, lots of wallpaper. Some homeowners even used wallpaper as their backsplash instead of classic tile.

2000’s | With the rise of HGTV, kitchen design was elevated in the new milliennium. The new aesthetic was industrial with white appliances being replaced by  stainless steel. Wood cabinets remained, but were usually stained a darker brown or cherry color. High contrast kitchens became a popular choice, with dark cabinets balancing lighter countertops. Another popular kitchen design from the 2000s was Tuscan style- featuring Italian inspired stucco and an abundance of deep reds and tans.

2010’s | Reclaimed wood floors, subway tile backsplashes, farmhouse sinks, and brass hardware were popular in the 20-teen’s and added a touch of timeless vintage charm. Open cabinetry was often seen instead of classic closed door cabinets. Neutral tones were often deployed, although people favored cooler tones like grays and blues with high-contrast pops of navy. Blue kitchens made a huge splash in the late 2010’s. 

Stainless steel remained the number one choice for appliances. Low profile gadgets like microwave drawers and under-cabinet lighting grew in popularity. But, the most memorable trend of the 2010’s was the Instagram-worthy kitchen jungle. People really loved their plants in this decade.

2020’s | SOLD by Bob + Tracy Lucido 4010 Chatham Road, Ellicott City MD

We’re just barely into the 20’s, but certain kitchen features have already begun to steal the spotlight. Two-tone cabinets are making waves in the interior design industry. Many kitchens boast either different colored top and bottom cabinets, or island cabinets that contrast with the rest. Also very popular is infusing wood into the design of the kitchen- whether it be wood cabinets, shelving, or decor. Double islands, ceiling-high cabinets, and ceiling-high backsplashes behind the hood vent are common design choices for the 2020’s kitchen.

As popular as white kitchens have been for the past 30 years, color is taking over. Blue cabinets ruled the late 10’s, but now green cabinets are coming back in style. Instead of the avocado pastel-green we've seen in the past, emerald green is now making a splash. Get ready to see lots of darker colored cabinets, gold and brass appliances, and black metal fixtures. 

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