In 1946, kitchens were a place of practical luxury. The kitchen of 1946 was transformed from a utilitarian area for storing and cooking meals to a refined and stylish living space. Mid-century design trends focused on blending natural materials, organic forms, and sleek lines to create a personalized kitchen oasis. Mid-century design, for instance, incorporated open-shelving, bright colors, and classic materials like marble to lend a flair of sophistication and glamour. Popular kitchen elements include Arts and Crafts style cabinetry and tiled countertops, curved surfaces, and blue and pink porcelain. These vintage-inspired kitchen designs evoke a feeling of comfort and an appreciation for simplicity.Mid-Century Kitchen Design Examples from 1946
Natural materials like wood cabinets and metal accents dominated the postwar kitchen era. Cabinets were predominantly painted in crisp white or light colors to reflect the bright, airy vibe of mid-century design. Laminate facades, such as Formica, also gained in popularity due to its ease of cleaning and its bold, geometric pattern. Some popular cabinetry colors included blues, greens, and pinks. For materials, dark, golden, or white wood, glass, and metal were popular as accents and for durability. 1946 Kitchen Cabinets Colors & Materials
Although modern appliances had begun to enter household kitchens by 1946, the vintage style of the 1940s was still a popular choice amongst homeowners. A vintage kitchen brings a sense of nostalgia, with elements like period-inspired furniture, classic appliances, and antique accessories. Curtains, wallpapers, and knick-knacks that adorned kitchens in the 1940s can be used to create a cozy feeling of a home from days gone by. Wood paneling, wall-mounted shelves, and china cabinets are all great ways to recreate the vintage look. Vintage Style: 1940s Kitchen Designs
The design of a kitchen in the 1940s-50s evokes a particular charm and feeling of homeliness. Popular design elements in this era include curved lines, bright colors, and open shelving. Bright colors were incorporated into the kitchen in the form of wall and cabinet treatments, small appliances, and accessories. The use of stainless steel or chrome in appliances and fixtures has a trend that started in the 1950s and is still seen today. Neutral wood finishes, such as walnut, maple, and oak, were also widely used to create warmth. Common Elements of 1940s-50s Kitchen Design
The kitchen appliances and fixtures of the 1940s and 1950s reflect a simpler time before the proliferation of "smart" gadgets. Common appliances included electric ovens, gas stoves, and refrigerator-freezers. Some homes also had built-in dishwashers, while others preferred the traditional hand washing dishes and utensils. While porcelain was the primary material for countertops and sink, fixtures were usually made of chrome or a mixture of brass, copper, and bronze. Sleek, stainless steel fixtures gained in popularity by the end of the decade. 1946 Kitchen Appliances & Fixtures
Retro kitchen designs from the 1940s remain popular today and evoke an atmosphere of nostalgia. Flooring was typically linoleum, as tile was still only beginning to make its way into kitchens. Bold wallpapers and checkered curtains stand out and are instantly recognizable from the 40s era. U-shaped kitchen layouts with islands and bar-type counter designs become more commonplace after the war. Other fun additions from the mid-century era include vintage clocks and cookware, a jukebox, and a gramophone. Retro Kitchen Ideas From the 1940s
When it comes to 1940s kitchen remodels, some modern design elements paired with vintage furnishings are the perfect combination. If you are aiming for an authentic vintage kitchen, select appliances that have a timeless look, like a vintage oven or refrigerator from the 1940s. For the flooring, consider adhesive vinyl in a checkerboard pattern, rather than traditional Irving. Refresh the cabinets with winnowed wood, paint them in pastel colors, and you will likely create a modern style with vintage appeal. Creating an Authentic 1940s Kitchen Remodel
Vintage-style kitchens bring together elements of the past and present. One of the most popular kitchen design ideas from the 1940s is the open shelving concept. Open-shelving allows for an airy look while still providing plenty of functional storage space. The modules included a refrigerator-freezer, electric oven, and a portable sink or counter. Along with the open shelving modules, vintage-style cabinetry provided a place to store all the accessories of a 1940s kitchen. Popular 1940s Kitchen Design Ideas
While aesthetics are certainly important to any modern kitchen, the functional design characteristics of 1940s kitchens are what made them so successful. The 1946 kitchen was designed to be easy to move around, and the appliances and cabinetry were designed with efficiency in mind. A typical kitchen of the 1940s and 50s featured bright colors and cleverly designed cabinetry with plenty of shelving space. Closed cupboard doors, however, still dominated most kitchens of the era. Functional Design Characteristics of 1940s Kitchens
Kitchen design trends of the 1940s and 1950s were focused on bringing people together and creating an entertaining environment. Retro kitchen designs continue to be a popular choice due to their classic style and functional elements. Bright colors and natural materials were combined to add a sense of cheerfulness. Mid-century design, with its sleek lines and organic elements, helped to redefine the kitchen into a cozy living space. Practical and efficient, these design trends of the 1940s were the inspiration for many modern kitchens today. PRIMARY_1946 Kitchen Design Trends