The most popular kitchen design trends of every decade

1920s and 30s: All about Art Deco

“When I think of '20s design, I think of Art Deco, with its dramatic colors, geometric patterns, and glamorous luxury,” says interior designer Courtney Thomas. Agreeing with this, designer Julian Kelly also states that this era was characterized by checkered floors and a lot of Art Deco inspiration.

1940s: retro rules

For Kelly, the 1940s evoke images of colorful homes. During this era, shades such as butter yellow and cherry red were common to decorate kitchen cabinets and tiles. Geometric patterns such as herringbone were also popular in his 1940s kitchens, as was bentwood furniture. During this period, Art Deco declined in favor of more traditional motifs and pops of primary color.

1950s: nuclear chic

Pastel colors were a staple of 1950s home decor, especially in kitchens, which had light blue cabinetry and, of course, linoleum floors and bright appliances. During this period, the popularity of atomic motifs also exploded. Atomic boomerangs were seen in many homes in the South.

1960s: Midcentury modern

In the 1960s, home decor was completely different from previous decades. The Pop Art movement of the 60s was accompanied by psychedelic influences, especially in textiles, which featured groovy patterns. Kelly also points out that in the 1960s, homeowners began using wood cabinets rather than the steel cabinets that were popular in his '50s. Additionally, this homeowner of his 10 years showed off new technology. Today, we often hide our kitchen appliances, but in the 1960s people proudly displayed their innovative products.

1970s: kitschy kitchen

The 1970s was the era of kitsch. Kitchens from this era reflected the homeowner's personality and were often filled with muted colors. Like terrazzo, paneled walls also became a trend in his 1970s. “Terrazzo came out in the '20s, but exploded in popularity in the '70s, primarily in flooring,” says Thomas.

According to interior designer Lisa Shafer, the 1970s were also characterized by statement ceilings and soft shapes. “The '70s introduced the idea of ​​open floor plans with bold colors, floating staircases, double-height spaces, and large windows,” she adds.

1980s: “The more the better”

In the 1980s, “layers of accessories, bright colors and opulence were the norm,” says interior designer Mary Tobias Miller. She says, “The sofa pillows were the same fabric as the curtains. The color palette matched or coordinated. There were lots of heavy trims.”

Miller cites iconic designers of the time, including Mario Buatta, also known as the “King of Chintz.” “he [Buatta] Paired with brightly colored calico fabrics, we established our love for English country cottages,” says Miller. “His philosophy in this era of abundance was 'More is More.' He layered every square inch of his projects with collectible objects.”

This included porcelain side art on the walls. Additionally, Kelly points out that raised panel wood cabinets, square backsplashes, and floral wallpaper were also popular in kitchens during this period. Schaefer, on the other hand, adds geometric shapes, bold color combinations, and graphic his patterns to the '80s equation.

1990s: European invasion

Evolving from the 1980s trend, Miller revealed that “an 'all European, especially British' trend trickled into the South in the 1990s.”

“French and English antiques were all the rage,” she says. “Designers were traveling abroad and buying up bins of everything from 18th-century period products to 'reimagined' pieces consisting of the top of one piece of furniture and the bottom of another. . ”

During this period, large porcelain collections were found in homes throughout the South, as were Asian rugs and Chinoiserie pieces. Kelly further notes that wood-grain oak cabinets were all the rage in kitchens in the '90s.

2000s: Sanctuary style

“Affordable vintage antiques were becoming scarce, and at the same time people were looking for the tranquility of their own sanctuaries at home,” Miller says of the transformation of housing in the 2000s. “Colorful opulence has given way to a neutral, calming palette. Think Restoration Hardware vibes. Neutrals and blue pieces with soft paint are called for, and casual elegance is desired. I was there.”

In some cases, Kelly reveals, this neutral wave is often translated into a Tuscan theme in many kitchens, featuring warm wood and dark stone countertops. Additionally, in the early 2000s, the adjoining formal living room gave way to the popular family room, Miller reports.

“The family room was often an extension of the dressier, fancier kitchen,” she says. “In the 2000s, entertainment became less formal and a bit more family-friendly in style. Sculpture stations may have been added for more functional aspects of entertainment, such as washing dishes.”

2010s: The era of minimalism

In the 2010s, larger kitchens were more prevalent than in previous periods, and islands often dominated these large kitchens. Stainless steel and polished countertops are almost certainly present as well.

In the 2010s, kitchens were formatted to be larger, but that didn't mean more stuff was added to that newfound space. Instead, minimalism took over. The carefully selected designs and gray and white color palette were very popular during this decade.

what came back

While not every home decor trend will come back in style, it's safe to say that some motifs from the past decade are making a comeback. Today's styles are a combination of the styles of the past and represent the styles of several eras. First, 1920s kitchen styles seem to be slowly becoming more popular.

For example, Kelly says checkered flooring is enjoying a resurgence in popularity with a twist, taking cues from the 1920s. “Instead of ceramic tile, we enhance the checkered floor by using two-tone natural stone,” she says.

Thomas also harks back to the 1920s and brings back Art Deco. “I've recently been collaborating with another designer on an Art Deco lake house,” she says. “We incorporated jewel tones, rich fabrics and textures, boldly patterned tiles, and luxurious light fixtures throughout the design.”

Another era that's making a comeback is the 1940s to 1960s, Kelly said, with a return to common color palettes reminiscent of the trends of the time. Blue and green kitchens are becoming increasingly popular and have become an ode to those times.

Thomas also notes that the 1970s terrazzo trend is back and bigger than ever. “Today, terrazzo is not just under our feet,” she says. “I'm using it on my shower walls, on my kitchen backsplash, and in my home decor. I'm having a great moment right now.”

That's not the only thing coming back from the '70s, Schaefer said. Plus, 80s maximalism is back with a vengeance. “I like to think that all design can be timeless, but we still see big influences from her '70s and her '80s,” she admits. “Comfort, deep seating, soft shapes, statement ceilings, flexible spaces, and maximalism all had big moments in her '70s and her '80s. And we're seeing those styles now. I see a lot of it.”