6 Kitchen Trends From The '50s We Want To Bring Back

The 1950s were filled with bright colors and patterns, reflecting an optimistic spirit in a post-war world. The zeitgeist was evident everywhere, even in the kitchen. Where the archetypal 1940s kitchen featured more muted colors and prioritized function above all, the 1950s kitchen was all about vibrancy and expressing your personal character in a bold, fun way. These days, having a few smart kitchen gadgets on hand is the norm, but back then, technology was advancing and becoming more affordable and widely accessible. While this would go on to revolutionize the work of housewives, many commonplace appliances today started out as trends in the '50s.

It's not only the kitchen that has people wishing to travel back in time; 1950s foods are also making a comeback. Baked Alaska, deviled eggs, and even upgraded homemade meatloaf are back on the menu — all staple dishes from this iconic decade. It would be even more fun to cook them up in a kitchen that harkens back to the time period.

Vibrant wallpaper added character to kitchens

Whether it was solid, bright colors or detailed patterns, nobody can argue that kitchen wallpapers were boring. Often, a mix of bright and pastel shades of the same color was used, adding depth and dimension to the space, while ensuring things didn't look one-note.

Metal furnishings added a sleek touch

Steel and chrome really took off in the '50s. Their futuristic aesthetic stood out from the typical wooden cabinetry, while ovens and fridges took on a sleek new look. Modern kitchens are already returning to metallic accent pieces, proving that this trend was way ahead of its time.

Built-in appliances improved functionality

Many kitchens were designed with pre-carved space for refrigerators, ovens, and other large items, giving the space a neat look and eliminating the need to navigate around appliances jutting out everywhere. Space is a commodity nowadays, and while deep pantry shelves go a long way, nothing can beat a well-structured layout.

Kitchen appliances were bold and colorful

Color was the name of the game in the '50s, from clothes and accessories to kitchen appliances. Today, we're starting to see new life in this trend with colorful kettles, toasters, and microwaves. Even larger items like fridges and ovens are color-coordinated to give the room a vibrant, retro upgrade.

Checkered floors were iconic and versatile

If anything looks like the 1950s, it's black-and-white checkered floors. This fun feature was loved for its bold look, and the neutral colors didn't clash with any of the other bright hues.

Vibrant pastel tiles were perfectly charming

Countertops, islands, walls — you name it, the '50s tiled it. But while tiles themselves have remained in vogue throughout the decades, the '50s stands out for its vibrant pastels and bold patterns, and we're ready to bring the look back.

Recommended