Throwback Thursday: Kitchen Edition
You know how they say that all things come full circle? Well, in honor of the ever popular 'Throwback Thursday' I decided to take a stroll down memory lane and see how different... or maybe not-so-different... kitchen design has been over the years!
I'll be the first to admit that some of the design trends we've seen in the past (ahem... carpet in the Kitchen) were probably not the best idea. Others, however, seem to have been able to withstand the test of time... with slight modifications, of course!
First things first. Appliances.
Photo Credit: Retro-A-Rama
We all know how valuable storage space is in your refrigerator. You have to keep important stuff in there... like wine and ranch dip. The DeepFreeze refrigerator shown above combines the refrigerator on the top of the appliance and the freezer on the bottom. Seem familiar? Well, golly gee , here's why (I'm really channeling my inner 'Real Housewives of 1950s Suburbia)!!
Photo Credit: Sub-Zero/Wolf
One of the most high-end appliance manufacturer's in today's market, Sub-Zero/Wolf has a refrigerator-freezer combination that is the exact same setup. While the freezer may open as a drawer and not a door to allow for easier functionality and access, the general design concept is the same.
What's a Kitchen without some color?!
Photo Credit: Frigidaire
Having pops of color throughout your home is important. It creates an inviting atmosphere that makes you want to cozy up and stay a while. Years ago, Frigidaire (among many appliance manufacturers), was introducing colored appliances into the market. In a lot of cases, the cabinets, countertops, AND appliances were all the same color. Blue, pink, green... you name it, they made it. While this trend has died off in most of the market, there is one amazing company that still manufacturers colored appliances, and they are stunning!
Photo Credit: La Cornue
Oh... hello La Cornue. How beautiful you look today. La Cornue manufactures some of the most breathtaking ranges you'll ever see. Yes, I just used the word 'breathtaking' to describe a kitchen appliance, but it's so true! They have Powder Blue (shown above), Teal, Red, Yellow... the list goes on and on. Now, you may have to sell your car to purchase one of these beauties, but I can assure you, no one else in the neighborhood would have one (it would be the talk of Bunco)!
Aside from just appliances, we're seeing color pops in other fixtures around the Kitchen as well. Check out the kitchen below that was designed by one of my fellow 'NKBA 30 Under 30' recipients, Cassandra Nordell-Maclean, co-founder of William Standen Co.
Photo Credit: William Standen Co.
I'm pretty much obsessed with this Kitchen... and the way that Cassandra used the bright green sink is awesome. This otherwise traditional space is completely set apart because of this touch of color.
Prep. Prep. Prep.
Photo Credit: Formica
Whether you're packing lunches, making dinner, sorting mail, or a million other things, there can never be enough counter space in your kitchen. It's kind of like a closet... no matter how big it is, you always find a way to fill it up. In the Formica ad above, there is a large, uninterrupted space that's perfect for any task that may arise. The modern-day kitchen wants the exact same thing.
Photo Credit: Atlanta Specialty Wood
This kitchen may be about twice the size of the one in the Formica ad, but the concept of the 'prep island' is near identical. The 'real estate' from the countertop is priceless. It's functionality is endless. And the beauty that it adds to the space... well, that just speaks for itself!
The Kitchen: On the Forefront of the Social Scene
Photo Credit: 20th Century Home
This advertisement from Modern Homes Illustrated (printed in the 1940s-1950s) shows a concept that is insanely popular today: Banquette Dining. This is the beginning of the whole "the kitchen is the hub of the home" idea. This ad shows the kitchen as a more social setting rather than just a work zone. The evolution of both the home and the homeowner has led those preparing the meals to want to be a part of the fun... rather than apart from the fun.
Photo Credit: Unknown
Whether it's a banquette table, or bar-stools at an island, producing a more social atmosphere in the kitchen is incorporated into almost every kitchen renovation that you'll see. The modern-day family uses their kitchen for so, so much. They eat in the kitchen... cook in the kitchen... do homework in the kitchen... entertain guests in the kitchen. It really is the most important room in your home.
There are many, many differences in kitchen design and products from 'then' until now, but I was shocked to see just how many similarities there actually are! I'm a nerd for history, and I loved researching this topic, so don't be surprised if there's a Throwback Thursday: Bath Edition in the near future!!
Until next time...
