These days, we can find all sorts of designs for our kitchens, from time-honored traditional to modern and contemporary. However, if you're looking for something out of the ordinary, why not try 1930s kitchen design? By combining vintage pieces and retro aesthetics, you can create a stunning 1930s kitchen fit for today's standards of living. Think sleek cabinets, round edge countertops and vintage fixtures for a timeless look. In this article, we will explore the top ten 1930s kitchen design ideas, so you can create your own unique kitchen.1930s Kitchen Design Ideas
1930s Kitchen Design Ideas
Formica kitchen cabinets were incredibly popular in the 1930s, due to their sleek design and durability. Formica cabinets are made of laminate, which makes them easy to clean and highly resistant to wear and tear. Whether you go for an all-white look or a bold patterned design, 1930s Formica kitchen cabinets combine nostalgic charm with a modern look.1930s Formica Kitchen Cabinets
1930s Formica Kitchen Cabinets
One of the most iconic styles of kitchen designs from the 1930s is the smoky gray look. This characteristic “grayness” is created through Schellerplatte, a method of applying a dense wash of gray paint to the walls, ceiling, and woodwork of the kitchen. The result is an incredible retro look that hints at the sophistication of the past.1930s Kitchens with a Smoky Gray Retro Look
1930s Kitchens with a Smoky Gray Retro Look
Lincoln Logs are classic pieces of wooden construction toys that were popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Taking inspiration from this nostalgic piece of Americana, many 1930s kitchens feature wood paneled cabinets and wall décor in a Lincoln Log style. This look has been updated with bolder colors and updated hardware for a fresh look.1920s and 1930s Kitchens with Lincoln Log Style
1920s and 1930s Kitchens with Lincoln Log Style
The aluminum kitchen sink was a popular fixture in the 1930s. This sleek design featured a single bowl finished in a tin-like material. This look can be replicated today using a stainless steel sink with an aluminum finish. It adds a unique industrial touch to your kitchen.1930s Aluminum Kitchen Sink
1930s Aluminum Kitchen Sink
In the 1930s, countertops were often made with a rounded edge. This detail is known as an ogee edge, and is defined by a curved edge along the top and bottom of the countertop. Installing a round edge countertop is a great way to bring the 1930s look to your kitchen.1930s Style Round Edge Countertops
1930s Style Round Edge Countertops
A kitchen from the 1930s is often defined by its unique flooring. Popular flooring styles from the era included linoleum, ceramic tile, and parquet. To recreate this classic look in your home, choose a patterned linoleum, a geometric ceramic tile, or an inlaid parquet floor.1930s Kitchen Flooring Styles
1930s Kitchen Flooring Styles
If you want to give your 1930s kitchen an authentic feel, you'll need to invest in some vintage appliances and fixtures. Try looking for small appliances like toasters and waffle makers in chrome or stainless steel, as these items were popular in the 1930s. Other fixtures such as pot fillers, a farmhouse sink, and a vintage range hood will also help you achieve an authentic look.1930s Kitchen Basics: Vintage Appliances & Fixtures
1930s Kitchen Basics: Vintage Appliances & Fixtures
When it comes to selecting a paint color for your 1930s kitchen, you should go with something classic. Popular colors from the period included muted blues, sage greens, terra cottas, and soft yellows. Keep in mind that these colors were typically muted and subdued, so don't go for anything too bold or bright.1930s Kitchen Paint Colors
1930s Kitchen Paint Colors
Once you have the necessary 1930s kitchen elements in place, you can begin to add your own personal style to the room. Accessorize with vintage pieces such as crocks, glass bottles, and tinware. You can also go for traditional fabrics such as gingham and ticking, or bolder prints in black, white, or yellow. Finally, create a unique lighting by opting for a decorative chandelier or pendant lights.How to Decorate a 1930s Kitchen
How to Decorate a 1930s Kitchen
The Design Innovations of the 1930s in Kitchen Design
The 1930s were a fascinating period in design, with many interesting evolutions in kitchen design. From muted shapes to advanced builds, 1930s kitchen design was at the heart of this decade-wide revolution in interior design. During this decade, the kitchens of busy homemakers were given dedicated furniture pieces that offered style and convenience.
The Traditional Kitchen
The traditional kitchen of the 1930s typically comprised a built-in, cabinet-lined wall system that incorporated various elements associated with the era, such as hardwood paneling and cabinetry, large electric appliances, and pennants. These kitchen designs were known for featuring dark wood tones that created an inviting atmosphere and offered ample kitchen storage.
The Hi-Tech Kitchen
The Hi-Tech kitchen is a design style unique to the 1930s, and was far ahead of its time. This style of kitchen featured a range of built-in kitchen appliances and cabinetry functions that allowed owners to quickly and conveniently cook and serve meals. The idea of a fully automated kitchen came into its own during the 1930s, with the production of the first electric dishwasher and refrigerators. These appliances provided ease of use and convenience to busy cooks.
The Art Deco Kitchen
The Art Deco
style of kitchen design was also popular in the 1930s. Characterized by geometric shapes and bold colors, this style of kitchen featured an open space design that used colorful, patterned tiles and linoleum flooring. Art Deco kitchen cabinets were particularly distinctive, featuring a curved front door with streamlined hardware.
Efficiency as a Priority
The design of kitchen spaces during the 1930s was motivated by practical efficiency. Placing everything a cook needed within easy reach meant that time spent preparing meals was made more enjoyable. Today, many of the design elements of the 1930s, including cabinet-lined walls, streamlines hardware, and high-efficient appliances are still seen in modern-day kitchens.
