Explore 97+ Beautiful Kitchen Design 1917 You Won't Be Disappointed

From the roaring twenties to the fab fifties, kitchen design over the last 100 years has seen its share of trends, both timeless and fleeting. But, one particular era that is widely appreciated is the logically-planned kitchens from the early 20th century. These rooms featured symmetrical, linear woodwork, which were later incorporated into the homes of modernists and minimalists. To name a few popular styles from 1917, there was Mission, Colonial, and Craftsman. Each genre came with its own unique set of rules with regards to cabinetry, materials, and color.

In general, kitchens from 1917 brought extra attention to store all kitchen implements quickly and efficiently. To achieve this, cabinets and drawers became integral components of kitchen design. Back then, white was the most popular cabinet color, paired with black-and-white checkerboard linoleum for floors. Tin ceilings, colorful canisters, and wooden furniture were also common features to define the kitchen’s space.

Installing broad shelves with pots, pans, canisters, and everything else in sight was one of the earliest kitchen basic designs. This style was succeeded by open shelving and glass cupboards that displayed all items more efficiently. The next challenge was blending style conventions with ergonomics in order to save space. In order to make the kitchen roomier, taller cabinets came into play.

Apart from furniture and storage, paint colors also played a prominent role in 1917 kitchen design. Since almost everything was white, all display items needed to stand out in terms of vibrancy. Pastel shades were widely used for countertops, cabinets, and rugs. Wall and ceiling colors would typically feature a light pastel hue such as muted grey and yellow.

In 19th century kitchen design, cabinets were made of wood to add a sense of warmth and stability. Carvings were an essential part of cabinetry during this period, heavily influenced by classical French traditions. Today, wooden cabinets continue to have a special place in the kitchen since they add texture and visual interest. As for material-wise, glass and stainless steel are very popular for cabinet doors and handles.

Much like 19th century kitchens, cabinets in 1917 kitchen styles were usually composed of solitary pieces, often set side-by-side and in batches. Handles had to fit the overall look of the room, from knob-style to intricate designs, or even hidden handles. The color palette also changed, going from muted and neutral tones to vibrant colors such as red and blue.

If you want to get a glimpse of what a 1917 kitchen design looked like, it is important to understand the context of the time. This period was very much characterized by the Industrial Revolution and the World War I. It was the dawn of an age-old battle between efficiency and design, between economy and beauty. The result was a kitchen that had to be arranged in a logical pattern to equip it with the newest appliances and devices.

Decorative elements such as tile floors, window valances, and wainscoting generally played second fiddle. Yet, there was still a chance to personalize the room by adding simple touches such as a framed photo or a kitchen rug. The cabinets were usually solid wood and featured more detailed carvings to add another level of vibrancy to the room.

The styles that came out of 1917 have managed to stay relevant even until today. For starters, the focus of the room was wood. Everything from the cabinets to the countertops was made using wood, which is still the leading material used in kitchens worldwide. In terms of style, the corner sink was commonplace which was an efficient way to maximize space.

Traditionally, glass pieces were also used to brighten up the room. Whether it be a cabinet with a glass door or a chandelier, glass shone through the room and added an extra level of glimmer to decor. Line symmetry was also important in 1917 kitchen design and can still be seen today in contemporary kitchens.

If you’re looking for ways to add some early twentieth century charm to your kitchen, you’re in luck. Nods to the era can be found all over the world such as vintage tile flooring, old-fashioned window valances, and tin ceilings. All of these components can help to bring a room straight back to 1917 in terms of configuration and decor.

If you want to add some extra style to your cabinets, you can always opt for ones that are made of solid wood and feature intricate carvings. Alternatively, you can look for glass-paneled and stainless steel fixtures for a more modern look. Finally, remember to add eye-catching accessories such as colorful canisters to give your kitchen that early century charm.

Similarly to most contemporary kitchens, 1917 kitchens featured glass items, sleek cabinets, and metal finishes to bring them to life. However, what separated them from modern-day kitchens was their focus on making kitchens comfortable and inviting. To do this, the focus was shifted to pleasantly pleasant materials and rounded furnishings to create a feeling of warmth. Similarly, an emphasis was put on brightening up space to make it feel cozy.

To source some extra inspiration, you can always make use of retro images that come with antique frames and ornamental elements. Other subtle details can also help to bring the kitchen back to its early 20th-century state such as plain cloth curtains and rugs, painted furniture, and single-color wallpaper.

In 1917, kitchen design was heavily influenced by the arts and crafts movement. This style resonated with anyone seeking a simpler and more natural aesthetic in their kitchen. One way to add a touch of this style to your kitchen is to make use of symmetrical patterns and lightly colored wooden cabinets. Alternatively, you can add some more personality by incorporating decorative antique accessories.

Further, wood was the most preferred material to bring warmth and interest to the environment. In terms of hardware, kitchen styles at the time featured simpler levers and handles. Utility and functionality was always top of mind, so drawers were often streamlined and interior shelves installed to process bulk items.

Throughout the years, designs from 1917 have been mixed and matched with modern touches in order to make them completely relevant for the present day. The key is to look for pieces that have a hint of heritage in them such as itty bitty cabinets, glass-paneled doors, and statement accessories. All can be utilized to recreate the look of a vintage kitchen without sticking to a strictly traditional aesthetic.

For instance, you could combine a slate blue wall color with marble countertops and chrome fixtures to give your kitchen a refreshingly unique look. You can also opt for wooden furniture with curved edges to add an optimism to the room. Meanwhile, you can incorporate some original pieces such as vintage salt-and-pepper shakers to act as conversation starters.

If you’re looking to replicate the look of 1917 in your kitchen, here are some tips that will help you on your journey: