Rare Photos Of American Kitchens Through The Years Show Just How Much Times Have Changed

A table piled high with food and surrounded by family members was the heart of many kitchens in the 1910s. Pay close attention to the background, though, and you’ll notice some other quirks. The most prominent feature is the use of open shelves and hooks to store dishes instead of cabinets. Still, there is one design choice in this photo that hasn’t gone out of style: putting family photos on the wall to brighten up the room.

American ingenuity was at an all-time high in the mid-1910s, and all you have to do is take a look at this tiny kitchen for evidence. Believe it or not, this cramped yet charming kitchen is located inside an abandoned boxcar. It may not be fancy, but it’s certainly impressive: the closed cabinets and freestanding stove were actually pretty trendy at the time.

In an age before shiny steel appliances and quirky decor, kitchens were solely about function. We wonder what this particular woman would think if she saw the way our kitchens look today? All she needed was a stove — that’s the gigantic object she’s standing alongside — and a sink to prepare her meals. Still, for all we know, the rest of her kitchen is a mix of linoleum, floral patterns, and colorful drapes, all of which gained popularity in the ’20s.

Apparently, this woman is on the phone with none other than her grocer. Gone were the days where women would painstakingly prepare each meal down to the last condiment. It was the decade of the icebox, which meant food could be stored, frozen, and most importantly, recycled. Hello, leftovers!

Notice anything strange about this kitchen? Yep, there’s a distinct absence of worktop space! Freestanding sinks were still very much in style in the ’20s, as were multi-purpose appliances like this nifty Monarch electric stove. We’re in awe of the bells, whistles, and yes, what could very well be a checkered linoleum floor.

Dreaming of better days was probably a common pastime in the early 1930s. When the stock market crashed in ’29, many people were left penniless. Vibrant kitchens like this one, with its bright colors (especially yellow, which was en vogue in the ’30s) and adorable breakfast nook, were the stuff of dreams during such a turbulent time. It was truly the “ideal” kitchen.

For housewives (or, in this case, housewives-to-be) in the 1930s, practicality was the name of the game. For obvious reasons, housewives went back to basics during the Depression. Linoleum continued to rise in popularity due to its durability, and gleams of metal could be seen from every corner of a kitchen, whether in the form of basic cookware, as shown below, or even stainless-steel appliances.

By 1935 people were more than ready for a change! The art deco aesthetic made a roaring comeback in a way that felt fresh, as seen with this sunken stove nook and kitschy wallpaper. Oh, and did you notice the ample expanse of worktops? The ’30s may have been a troubled time for many people, but at least they finally had more storage space. Efficiency was essential for a “modern” kitchen.

The words “modern” and “electric” really defined kitchen design in the ’40s. Industry boomed during WWII, and families were able to invest in more cutting-edge appliances, from electric mixers to toasters to — yes, finally — refrigerators. This model kitchen from Marshall Field & Company represented “the kitchen of tomorrow” to Americans who were keen to embrace the future.

At the height of World War II, there was nothing more patriotic for those at home to do than grow a victory garden! It was also a necessity, since food rationing made families lean on these gardens for fresh fruits and vegetables. By 1945 this patriotism had even spread to kitchen decor, and red, white, and blue became popular colors for dishes, cabinets, and even appliances.

Though we wouldn’t exactly call this model kitchen “modern” these days, it did evoke the homeyness and patriotism of post-war America. This kitchen was designed to be spacious enough for the baby-boomer families who emerged after WWII. It also incorporated a mix of edges and curves in the furniture (and in the newfound technology) that came to define interior design in the ’40s. Who wouldn’t want to whip up some potato salad in this kitchen?

In the 1950s, the stereotypically-harried housewife spent more time than ever before in the kitchen. Judging by this picture, it’s easy to see why: everything was there, from the oven to the iron to the salt shaker. Perhaps that’s why there was an increased effort among homeowners to furnish their kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances. A shiny, colorful kitchen was a sign of success for traditional homemakers.

Once upon a time, kitchens were simply a place to pass through, not somewhere to put your feet up. This all changed in the 1950s when families decided that kitchens could be just as stylish and inviting as a living room. This 1956 magazine ad for Glendura wallcoverings shows just how excited people in the ’50s were to incorporate color and print into their cooking space — or, rather, living space.

In this image from period drama The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, we can see just how on-point the production designers were with their retro recreation of a well-to-do housewife’s kitchen in the late ’50s. The pops of red were very trendy at the time, as were the all-white cabinets and countertop. And nothing ties a ’50s-style kitchen together better than a checkered linoleum floor! Midge Maisel’s kitchen would’ve been every fashion-forward homeowner’s dream in the 1950s.

Though this is actually a test kitchen in a home economics class, it still shows the evolution of kitchens in the ’60s. At that point, kitchens were meant to be functional for both cooking and entertaining guests. And there was no better place to sit and eat a friendly meal than in a dining nook! Yes, dining nooks made their triumphant return in the ’60s, though one new trend was introduced: wooden appliances.

This cozy Dutch-style kitchen represented so much of what the ’60s was about: it was compact, cutting-edge, and contemporary. Designed to help the homeowner make the most out of a small space, this Dutch kitchen in particular had a delightfully ’60s vibe, what with the quilt-like pattern, progressive layout, and yes, the dishwasher!

In the late ’60s, people finally said farewell to the bright colors and shiny linoleum of the previous decade. They instead said hello to big windows, wood cabinetry, and earth tones like orange, yellow, and green. Kitchens like this one felt much more lived-in, and the muted color scheme highlighted this warm, welcoming feeling.

What would it look like to have knotty pine, florals, and plaid in one room? In the ’70s, people were determined to find out! Homeowners experimented with all kinds of colors, patterns, and furniture during the grooviest decade, and with questionable results. The girl in this photo looks pretty happy despite the literal logs being used as chairs...

The clashing patterns, the earth tones, the funky chairs — the far-out design on That ’70s Show definitely hit the nail on the head. This TV sitcom’s kitchen evoked the mismatched vibe of the ’70s, for better and for worse. Centering many scenes at the kitchen table also rang true, since many people during that decade hoped to turn their kitchens into a pleasant place in which family members would want to spend time.

Remember how people in the late ’60s started incorporating wood cabinetry into their kitchens? Well, the trend more than caught on in the next decade. In fact, wood was basically the linoleum of the ’70s: it was easy to decorate and could be found in most kitchens. Plus, it gave kitchens a cheerful, inviting feel, unlike the squeaky-clean magazine-ready kitchens of the ’50s.

There’s a reason “dusty pastels” such as light blue and soft pink always remind you of your grandma’s squeaky plastic-wrapped couch. It’s because the hues were a staple of the 1980s! The plaid wallpaper is reminiscent of the ’60s, but the Easter-egg colors were definitely popular in the early ’80s. Sure, not too many homeowners went quite this far with their pastel color scheme, but seeing light touches here and there wouldn’t have been unusual.

Obviously, not everyone went for the sickly-sweet pastel trend of the 1980s. This is the kind of kitchen more traditional families would’ve had. It’s bright and airy, with lots of greenery to maintain a down-to-earth vibe. Plus, the then-cutting edge addition of an island (usually with a Formica countertop) helped keep the space open and welcoming. Talk about good feng shui!

Speaking of dusty pastel, the iconic kitchen from The Golden Girls is a prime example of typical ’80s design trends. Everything about Blanche’s home in the sitcom screams ’80s, from the light wood-stained cabinets, through the wicker furniture to the abundance of floral patterns. Of course, the girls’ puffy ’dos really confirm which decade they’re in.

In the midst of the Information Age, people’s tastes evolved as quickly as technology. So while some homeowners preferred pastel drapes and floral wallpaper, other people in the ’80s looked forward to a monochromatic future. The open-floor concept meant that kitchens had to match the rest of the house, so homeowners shifted to using neutral colors and stainless steel appliances. The result was a sleek, sophisticated look, one that definitely influenced kitchen design for decades.

If you were alive in the ’90s, chances are your kitchen might have looked something like this one. There’s a noticeable absence of pastel colors or sleek stainless steel, and that’s because people wanted their kitchens to feel as warm and snug as a country cabin. Hence, the overload of pine cabinets, antique dishes, and fruit — in real, wax, and tile form. We gotta say, as dated as this now looks, it still gives us that fuzzy, homey feeling.

Is there a brighter or more welcoming kitchen than this? We can totally see our favorite ’90s sitcom parents baking cookies and giving expert advice from behind these cream-colored counters. The geometric-style of this countertop, plus the “country kitchen” decor, makes for a delectable slice of ’90s nostalgia. All that’s missing are those funky primary colors for which the decade was famous integrating into decor!

From the faux plant, subway tile backsplash, and orange-y oak countertop to the clunky phone, this photo shows off many dated elements of life (and kitchen decor) in the ’90s. And of course, the pièce de resistance: the television. TV sets just like this made their way into kitchens in the 1990s. Television at the dinner table? Unheard of, right? As we all know, having a TV on the countertop is quaint compared to today’s technological advancements in the kitchen.

Ever heard the phrase “shabby chic?” According to website Pure Wow, a good example of this aesthetic is Monica’s apartment on Friends. Despite being decorated with an eclectic mix of thrift store-like furniture and mismatched appliances, the kitchen somehow still feels like home. You won’t find many cabinet doors in Monica’s ’90s-era kitchen, nor will you find matching chairs, but that’s what shabby chic is all about.

Did we really need to have a TV installed into a refrigerator? Not really, but in 2004, that’s exactly what we got. TV fridges didn’t really catch on, but the initial “high-tech” spectacle of it all was a common thread in 2000s decor trends. Back then, stainless steel was more popular than ever. The industrial look may feel too cold or sterile to some, but stainless steel appliances were — and in some ways, still are — a sign of wealth.

When the American economy hit an infamous low point in 2008 many kitchens scaled back on luxury. Instead, they embraced a more practical and comfortable feel. It was a tough time, and the resurgence of interior design TV shows inspired people to transform their kitchens on a budget. All the same, granite spread from countertops to backsplashes, even while people started to mix textures such as concrete and wood in an effort to save money.

The Tuscan look was very “in” during the 2000s — think Olive Garden — and you can totally see its influence in this kitchen. The chandelier, the mix of red, gold, and brown hues, and the dark-granite countertop makes this luxurious kitchen feel homey. And yes, people still loved incorporating unique and, dare we say, “funky” elements into their kitchens, such as the paisley-like wall decals and tufted window valances.

In the 2000s, everyone aimed for luxury — whether they could afford it or not. You can see some "modern" elements here that were added to enhance the luxurious feel of the space, including the plain white floor, ceiling, walls, and cabinets. Their stark contrast with the black granite countertop is also very 2000s. The pop of orange-y red decor and tiles, plus the funky plants/vases, only makes this late-noughties kitchen even more a product of its time.

You can totally see influences from 2000s and 2010s design trends in this kitchen. The Edison bulbs, for one, were a staple in the late noughties. Since open-concept homes continued to be popular in the 2010s, so did neutral color schemes in kitchens, but with one difference: instead of beige and brown, homeowners started to embrace blue and gray. Other modern touches include the glossy finish on the countertop and brass hardware and other furnishings around the kitchen.

If there’s one word to describe the kitchen from New Girl, it’s “open.” In an effort to convey a masculine vibe (the show is, after all, about a woman who lives with three male roommates), the production designers emphasized the open-concept kitchen with completely open shelves. The industrial feel is heightened by the stainless steel appliances and metal island. You can also see the gray-and-blue color scheme at work here, too.

Believe it or not, this kitchen is pretty futuristic. Not only are the cabinets environmentally friendly, but each appliance is Energy-Star-approved. The technologically advanced qualities of this kitchen are purposefully subtle, and it’s possible that in the 2020s, this trend of subtly high-tech appliances will continue. Other 2010s design trends are at play here, including the neutral color scheme — hello, pops of yellow — and the return of the subway-tile backsplash.

Remember when having a TV in the kitchen was a huge deal? Tell that to kids nowadays, who don’t even have to open the fridge to see what’s inside. Technology fully invaded — or enhanced, depending on your perspective — kitchens in the 2010s, and there’s no sign of it leaving anytime soon. Apparently, this Samsung model fridge can also help you grocery shop from your own home. Now that’s modern convenience…

As the 2010s came to a close, some design trends finally bit the dust. We’re looking at you, stainless-steel appliances! Meanwhile others made their triumphant returns — welcome back, tasteful accent walls — and thanks to the success of Chip and Joanna Gaines’ renovation show Fixer Upper, the couples’ farmhouse design aesthetic influenced many a homeowner. From the classic farmhouse sink to pendant lighting, we have Joanna Gaines to thank for our homey and beautiful kitchens.

In 2020 many people’s kitchens became their full-time workspace. Thankfully, many current design trends made the transition easier, such as an emphasis on natural lighting, uncluttered countertops, and tech-enabled dining spaces. The line was officially blurred between “office” and “communal space,” and the definition of “kitchen” changed forever — at least during business hours.

Just when we thought our kitchens couldn’t get more high-tech, this device enters the ring! This Samsung refrigerator made its debut in 2022, and yes, someone is playing video games on the outside screen. Though most people would probably be content with a fridge that keeps their food fresh for a few days, it’s still cool to see how technology is evolving, specifically in the kitchen. Now can someone please invent a robot chef?

So, how will our kitchens transform in the coming years? According to kitchen queen Martha Stewart, it’s likely that we’ll say goodbye to neutral color schemes and all-white cabinets. Instead, people should embrace vibrant paint colors for their cabinets. Perhaps most interesting, though, is how kitchen trends are becoming more subjective. As Food52 predicts, the best kitchens of the future will be the ones that adapt to each unique space. For the first time, it’s not only about what’s trending, but about what you think looks best in your space.