Efficiency and minimalism
The 1950s kitchen was distinguished by its emphasis on efficiency and minimalism. In the kitchen, pastels like pink and mint green were all the rage, along with more neutral tones like white and gray. For a contemporary feel, these tones were frequently paired with chrome details.
1950s Most-Known American kitchen manufacturers
General Electric, Frigidaire, and Westinghouse were three of the most well-known American manufacturers of 1950s-era kitchen appliances. Brands like Hotpoint, Bosch, and Siemens were extremely well-liked in the UK and Europe.
1950s Inspired kitchen appliances in 2023
Big Chill and Elmira Stove Works are just two of the many modern appliance manufacturers who draw inspiration from the past when designing their products. They sell anything from freezers and ovens to dishwashers and range hoods that are styled and built to resemble their 1950s ancestors.
The Italian company Smeg is famous for its retro-styled refrigerators and other kitchen appliances. Smeg’s competition includes the Slovenian company Gorenje, noted for its retro-style appliances, and the Australian brand Ilve, which also offers a variety of vintage-inspired kitchen appliances. Big Chill and Retro Fridges are two more companies that manufacture retro-style fridges, ovens, and dishwashers, respectively. When it comes to stoves, ovens, and cooktops, Elmira Stove Works is the place to go for a wide selection of retro-style appliances.
Several types of Smeg refrigerators have a retro style inspired by 1950s kitchen design, with rounded corners, curved handles, and pastel hues. The 1950s Smeg FAB28 fridge, which comes in a number of colors and features a unique curved shape, is a top seller, as is the FAB5, a smaller refrigerator, 1950s inspired fridge, that is ideal for apartments or homes with limited space.
In conclusion, Smeg is well-known for its 1950s retro-styled refrigerators and other kitchen appliances. Gorenje, Ilve, retro refrigerators, and Elmira Stove Works are all in the same ballpark. All of these companies make a wide variety of kitchen appliances and accessories that are styled and constructed to evoke the era between the wars.
1950s Ovens
Ovens of the 1950s were typically gas or electric and often included a timer and a self-cleaning feature. Electricity was widely available, thus most refrigerators of the time were powered by it, and many of them even had a dedicated freezer section.
1950s Flooring
Linoleum and vinyl were popular choices for kitchen floors in the 1950s because of their durability and low maintenance requirements. The flooring in some kitchens was tiled in a checkerboard or diagonal pattern. However, hardwood floors were less frequent in kitchens than they were elsewhere in the house.
In general, the 1950s kitchen was built with the future in mind, with an emphasis on functionality and simplicity. Pastels and chrome accents were all the rage, and new equipment like electric stoves and refrigerators were used by nearly everyone, contributing to a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that was years ahead of its time. The clean lines and uncluttered countertops of 1950s kitchens remain popular today, and several appliance manufacturers offer modern takes on retro designs.
Step back in time and show us your retro 1950s kitchen design!
